Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 39 seconds of cardiovascular disease – disorders of the heart and blood vessels. The American Heart Association estimates that the direct and indirect cost for cardiovascular disease in the U.S. for 2010 was $503.2 billion.

Early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of Echocardiography procedures performed within hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians’ offices. While these tests are helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on Echocardiography testing. The skill of the Echocardiography sonographer performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are each critical to quality patient testing.

Marion General Hospital, Marion General Hospital Echocardiogram Lab and Outpatient Services have been granted a three-year term of accreditation in Echocardiography in the area of Adult Transthoracic by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

“We are very excited about this great news. Accreditations like this are something to be proud of and critical to our mission of keeping care local and becoming a North Regional Hub for our community and the surrounding counties,” said Kimlyn Queen, OhioHealth regional director of business operations Heart & Vascular Services. “Not only does the accreditation demonstrate the high-quality care we provide, it also demonstrates our commitment to keeping care local. This accreditation signifies best practice standards for our echocardiography services and it validates our ability to provide our patients and physicians with quality care – right here in Marion. The message being, you can get high quality diagnostic cardiac care right in your neighborhood.”