June 26 2012

Methodist Willowbrook Earns ACR Accreditation for CT Imaging

(Houston, TX) — Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been awarded accreditation in computed tomography (CT) imaging as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

ACR CT accreditation is a voluntary process to ensure that a facility´s CT scanning process delivers the lowest possible dose of radiation while maintaining image quality. "This accreditation is about much more than the equipment," notes Methodist Willowbrook Director of Imaging Angelic P. McDonald. "It involves a stringent evaluation that also takes into account our protocols, processes, policies, personnel and physicians—everything that goes into conducting a safe and accurate CT scan."

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/ interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians and medical physicists, with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

"The American College of Radiology was the first organization to certify and accredit radiology practices, and subsequently each modality used in radiology for diagnosis and treatment of disease," says Thomas Dumler, M.D., Chief of Radiology at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. "They initiated the Accreditation Program over 20 years ago to demonstrate to the public that image quality, and how it is attained, is important. Their stringent criteria have proven there is a difference between radiology departments. Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been meeting those standards since we opened over 10 years ago."

All three of Methodist Willowbrook´s CT scanners have been ACR-certified for both adult and pediatric patients. This important distinction—confirmed by the "Image Gently" seal—assures that the hospital´s CT scans are as safe as possible for children.

"Not every hospital has separate CT protocols for pediatric patients," notes Ms. McDonald. "It´s very important to us, not only because children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, but also because what happens in childhood can affect people throughout their lifetimes."

"This accreditation is one more example of how we open ourselves up to outside organizations with the goal of serving the Willowbrook community better," says Ms. McDonald. "It´s one thing to say ´we´re leading medicine,´ but it's quite another to have an outside auditor come in and confirm it."

To learn more about Willowbrook Imaging & Diagnostic Services at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, call (281) 737-1234.

About Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based hospital, which is part of The Methodist Hospital System. It has expanded its campus in Northwest Houston to serve the area in a more comprehensive way.

Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has received its chest pain and stroke accreditations, performs complex surgeries such as neurosurgery and open heart, and focuses on women and children in its new Women's & Children's Pavilion. Utilizing the latest research and state-of-the-art technology, Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook has become the leader in orthopedic care in northwest Houston.

For more information on the comprehensive services available on the Methodist Willowbrook campus, please visit www.methodistwillowbrook.com. For a physician referral, call (281) 737-2500.