Ultrasound Associates Accreditations and Certifications
Is it enough that a health care facility meets state and federal licensing requirements in order to guarantee you a good examination? We do not think so!
But, how can you tell if you are getting a good ultrasound examination?
We believe the best measure available of any facility that performs diagnostic ultrasound is by their accreditations and certifications. Facility accreditation by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and the American College of Radiology (ACR), as well as sonographer certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), represent the gold standard in ultrasound and provides you with assurance that you will receive the highest quality examination. These organizations are long-standing, international experts in the field of ultrasound, and we are proud of our affiliation with each of them.
Accreditation by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
Ultrasound Associates is the only imaging facility in Northern Virginia accredited by AIUM. Our accreditation includes obstetrical, gynecological, breast, and abdominal/general ultrasound. AIUM’s accreditation process is a voluntary peer-review that occurs every three years. It involves a comprehensive inspection of all aspects of the ultrasound practice including personnel certifications (doctors and sonographers) and continuing education, exam procedures and images, reporting, record-keeping, equipment maintenance and calibration, and much more.
To find out more about the AIUM, visit www.aium.org.
Sonographer certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)
Ultrasound Associates’ sonographers are certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound (ARDMS). ARDMS’ basic ultrasound credentialing process involves rigorous examinations that include physics and testing with actual ultrasound images. This certification is required before entry is permitted to the more advanced credentialing. Our sonographers hold advanced certifications in each of their respective specialties: obstetrics and gynecology, abdominal, breast, vascular, echocardiography, and neurosonology.
In addition, our sonographers hold Certificates of Competence from the Fetal Medicine Foundation in Nuchal Translucency Testing, Tricuspid Flow and Nasal Bone Testing.
To find out more about the ARDMS, visit www.ardms.org.
Accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR)
Ultrasound Associates is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in both ultrasound and mammography. Our ACR accreditation in ultrasound is voluntary to ensure we meet the highest standards available. In mammography, ACR is designated as the national accreditation body under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) guidelines and requirements issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
ACR accreditation involves annual inspection of equipment by a licensed physicist, as well as detailed review of our reporting and record-keeping process by a Virginia Department of Health inspector.
To find out more about the ACR, visit www.acr.org.