Ultrasound Services at North Oaks Earn IAC Reaccreditation for Vascular Testing

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.