The UPMC Western Maryland has been granted a three-year term of accreditation in adult transthoracic echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

Accreditation by the IAC means that UPMC Western Maryland echocardiography procedures have undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The areas evaluated are the ones that facilitate an accurate diagnosis. They include the skill of the echocardiography sonographer performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and the quality assurance measures. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process, including detailed case study review.

IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of echocardiography. When scheduled for an echocardiography procedure, patients are encouraged to learn more the accreditation of the facility where their examination will be performed by visiting www.intersocietal.org/echo/main/patients.htm.

Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 39 seconds of cardiovascular disease – disorders of the heart and blood vessels. UPMC Western Maryland is pleased to provide quality echocardiography procedures, which enable early detection of life-threatening heart disorders and other diseases.

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