Phelps Cardiovascular Diagnostic Lab Receives a Second Three-Year Accreditation in Vascular Testing

The Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center has been granted another three-year term of accreditation in vascular testing in the areas of extracranial cerebrovascular testing, peripheral arterial testing, and peripheral venous testing by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that, after a thorough review by a panel of experts, are found to be providing quality patient care in compliance with national standards. Vascular testing accreditation is required in some states and regions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and by some private insurers.

Tim Wages, MSN, RN, NE-BC, senior director of ancillary services at Phelps, said, “The IAC accreditation is a nationally recognized validation of our practice in the diagnosis of vascular-related illnesses. It recognizes the commitment to excellence by our physicians and vascular staff.”

In the United States, cardiovascular diseases (disorders of the heart and blood vessels) are the number one cause of death and stroke (a disorder of the blood supply to the brain) is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. According to the American Heart Association, the total direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular disease and stroke in the U.S. for 2010 was an estimated $503.2 billion.

Early detection of many life-threatening disorders is possible through the use of vascular testing procedures, such as those performed at Phelps’ Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory. There are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on vascular testing, including the skill of the technologist performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician, and quality assurance measures. When scheduled for a vascular testing procedure, patients are encouraged to make sure their procedure is done at an accredited facility.

For more information about the Phelps Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory, call 914-366-3740 or go to www.phelpshospital.org.

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