Computed Tomography (CT) is a highly regarded diagnostic imaging tool due to its ability to detect minute differences in tissue as well as its multiplanar reformatted imaging capabilities. An estimated 62 million CT scans are performed annually in the United States to diagnose conditions of the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, cardiac system and sinus and temporal bones.
Early detection of life threatening conditions and other diseases is possible through the use of CT procedures performed within hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians’ offices. While these tests are very helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on CT testing. The skill of the CT technologist performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are each critical to quality patient testing.
ENT Specialists, in Salt Lake City, UT, has been granted a three-year term of accreditation in the areas of Sinus and Temporal Bone CT by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Computed Tomography Laboratories (ICACTL).
Accreditation by the ICACTL means that ENT Specialists, has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The ICACTL 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.
ICACTL 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 CT. When scheduled for a CT procedure, patients are encouraged to inquire as to the accreditation status of the facility where their examination will be performed and can learn more by visiting http://www.intersocietal.org/.
ICACTL accreditation is widely respected within the medical community, as illustrated by the support of the national medical societies related to CT, which include physicians, technologists and physicists. In addition, several insurance companies require their providers of CT services to be accredited. However, patients should remain vigilant in making sure that their CT procedures are performed within accredited laboratories, because for many facilities it remains a voluntary process.
