X-ray imaging center receives accreditation

The Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Southern Indiana received accreditation for their Sinus and Temporal Bone Computed Tomography (CT) imaging services March 26. The accreditation was issued by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Computed Tomography Laboratories.

CT uses x-ray images to allow physicians to view separate physical structures at small distances from each other and to more accurately analyze bone injuries.

CT scanning falls in the designation of “advanced imaging technology.”

“Accreditation is a designation that patients can rely on to know that they’re having their exam performed at a place that has met national standards,” ICACT Director of Marketing Tamara Sloper said.

The ICACT issues medical service accreditations every three years. By renewing accreditation in such small cycles, the ICACT verifies that organizations have kept up-to-date with faculty education and medical technology. This is the first year the ENT Associates of Southern Indiana have received accreditation.

“Particularly in the field of CT, it’s a field that’s advancing rapidly due to the technology, and we feel that three years is an accurate time frame to check back in to an organization,” Sloper said. “We require a certain number of CME credits, or continuing medical education credits, and we go back to verify changes of staff they might get, or new equipment standards might change based on technology.”

Medicare health insurance carriers require providers of CT services to be accredited. United Healthgroup, named the 2011 “Top” health insurance company by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, also requires accreditation for CT scanning.

Nerve, spinal and brain function impairments are the most common reason CT scans are used, but imaging can also help physicians analyze “general weakness.” Now that ENT Associates of Southern Indiana are accredited, individuals suffering can receive fuller insurance coverage.

“This accreditation shows our commitment to providing quality care and diagnostic testing to our patients,” said J.R. Sarpa, medical director of ENT medicine at IU Health Southern Indiana Physicians, in a press release.  “We use the CT scan to help us detect and diagnose our patients’ conditions. We are proud to have received this accreditation.”

Sloper agreed organization accreditation provides patients with quality assurance. 

“Patients can rest assured that they can receive accurate medical coverage with an accreditation,” Sloper said.