Verde Valley Medical Center has been awarded accreditation in computed tomography (CT). The accreditation is the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR practice guidelines and technical standards. Image quality, staff qualifications, equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed.

VVMC utilizes state-of-the-art Siemens Somatom Sensation 64 slice CT technology. CT scanning (also known as CAT scanning) allows medical professionals to visualize internal structures of the human body. In a single rotation of its machine, the CT scanner creates 64 high-resolution anatomical images as a thin as a credit card. The images are combined to form a three-dimensional view of a person’s anatomy. Using these studies, physicians can view things such as blockages in the coronary arteries, as well as the motion and pumping action of a patient’s heart. Scans such as these help physicians more quickly determine the best course of treatment for a patient.

“We’re proud to be accredited by the ACR and to offer this level of speed and accuracy in our scanning abilities,” said Liz Palomino, Imaging Services director. “This type of scanning is very patient-friendly. The overall procedure time is less, radiation exposure is reduced and patients don’t have to hold their breath as long to keep from moving.” 

All of VVMC’s CT technologists are board-certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists and are licensed by the state of Arizona. VVMC’s ultrasound and mammography services also are accredited by the ACR. Board certified radiologists are available on site at VVMC to provide consultations and interpretation of imaging results. In 2008, VVMC went completely digital with all images archived through a specialized Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS). Because every image captured at the hospital now is stored his way, images can be quickly transferred anywhere in the world, including physicians' homes or clinical offices.

For more information about the full complement of imaging procedures available at VVMC, visit VerdeValleyMedicalCenter.com/Our Services/Medical Imaging, or call 928 639-6580.