Vascular
ultrasound services at North Oaks have been re-accredited for 3 additional years by the
Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). North Oaks has held IAC accreditation since 1999.
“Vascular ultrasounds are a key tool in the early detection of many
life-threatening cardiovascular disorders, such as
stroke, blood clots, poor circulation and other diseases,” explains Casey
Alford, director of Diagnostics at North Oaks. “The training and
experience of our technologists, the type of equipment used and the quality
assessment metrics we are required to measure all contribute to positive
patient experiences.”
The re-accreditation includes examinations of carotid arteries, as well
as the veins and arteries of the legs and arms.
IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can
rely on as a measure of consistent quality care and dedication to continuous
quality improvement. Re-accreditation signals that North Oaks has undergone
an intensive application and review process and is found to be in compliance
with published
Standards at all locations that provide vascular ultrasound services.
Locations include
North Oaks Medical Center,
North Oaks Diagnostic Center, North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex and
North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital.
Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. On average,
one American dies every 39 seconds of cardiovascular disease – disorders
of the heart and blood vessels. Stroke, a disorder of the blood supply
to the brain, is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause
of disability in the country, with nearly 800,000 new strokes occurring annually.
From left are North Oaks Registered and Vascular Certified Sonographers
Victoria Barkley, Cheri Ryan and Gina Clement.
From left are North Oaks Registered and Vascular Certified Sonographers
Tom Ozio and Wendi Frusha.
From left are North Oaks Registered and Vascular Certified Sonographers
Candace Hoggatt and Nique Harrison.