American College of Radiology, Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

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Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

Accredited by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

Lowell General Hospital received recognition as a Gold Standard facility accredited as a Breast Center of Excellence by American College of Radiology (ACR). After extensive review by the ACR, the hospital’s consistent quality performance for Mammography, Breast Ultrasound, and Stereotactic Breast Biopsy officially earned the three-year accreditation.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards, following a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. Lowell General Hospital received this original designation in 2005 and continues to maintain it through the renewed accreditation of all its
breast imaging areas.

“Our commitment to breast health excellence is demonstrated by the continuous accreditation in all of the related specialty areas by the American College of Radiology,” explains Dr. Scott Abel, chief of radiology at Lowell General Hospital. “Proper diagnosis and effective treatment of a breast abnormality begins with accurate imaging. Ensuring that each mode of detection – mammography, ultrasound and biopsy – meets the standards of excellence set forth nationwide, our patients and physicians can be confident in receiving safe, accurate and effective care.”

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

Breast Health Services at Lowell General Hospital

Mammogram equipment Lowell General Hospital offers extensive breast health services including methods of detection and diagnosis such as fully digital mammography suites, breast ultrasound and stereotactic biopsy, breast MRI, and genetic testing for breast cancer. Additionally, the hospital offers an on-site certified Breast Health Navigator in the department of radiology – a specialized nurse who assists women in facilitating timely tests and treatment as needed for breast care as well as providing emotional support and educational resources.