Physician Certification And Accreditation In Thyroid/parathyroid Ultrasound Developed By AACE/AIUM

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Also Included In: Endocrinology
Article Date: 24 Feb 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) have been working together to improve the quality of diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided invasive procedures of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

The quality of care depends in part on the knowledge and experience of the physician who performs and/or interprets the examination. With the AIUM's guidance, the AACE has developed the Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU). To earn this credential, an endocrinologist must receive specialized training, pass a certification examination, and submit case studies and reports. The AIUM recognizes the AACE's endocrine certification in neck ultrasound as proof of sufficient physician training in thyroid/parathyroid ultrasound.

In addition to physician training, quality of care is also determined by the qualifications of sonographers and other nonphysicians who may perform the exams, the maintenance and calibration of the ultrasound machines, the content, accuracy, and timeliness of reports, the implementation of policies to protect patients and personnel, and regular quality assurance activities. AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation demonstrates that a practice meets nationally recognized standards in all these areas and more. Thanks to the AACE's input, the AIUM will now offer ultrasound practice accreditation in thyroid/parathyroid ultrasound.

AIUM President Joshua Copel, MD, states, "The voluntary collaboration between the AACE and AIUM demonstrates the valuable results that occur when medical societies combine their respective expertise to ensure patient quality. This collaboration serves as a model for us to work with other medical societies involved with medical ultrasound."

A growing number of insurers have made practice accreditation a privileging requirement in order for physicians to be reimbursed for diagnostic imaging. AACE certification and AIUM practice accreditation demonstrate to patients and insurers that a practice and its physicians meet rigorous standards.

AACE President Daniel Duick, MD, commented that "Neck ultrasonography and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration have become integral in the daily practice of endocrinology over the past 15 to 20 years. Having professional certification (AACE) and laboratory accreditation (AIUM) now available ensures patients and payers that the highest quality of service is being rendered."

The AACE is a medical professional community of clinical endocrinologists committed to enhancing its members' ability to provide the highest quality of care. Members of the AACE are physicians with special education, training, and interest in the practice of clinical endocrinology. These physicians devote a significant part of their career to the evaluation and management of patients with endocrine disease. All members of the AACE are physicians (MD or DO), and a majority are certified by Boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Members of the AACE are recognized clinicians, educators, and scientists, many of whom are affiliated with medical schools and universities. Members of the AACE contribute on a regular and continuing basis to the scientific literature on endocrine diseases and conduct medical education programs on this subject.

The AIUM is a multidisciplinary association dedicated to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine through professional and public education, research, development of guidelines, and accreditation. The AIUM's membership is comprised of more than 7800 physicians and sonographers from varying specialties, scientists, and engineers. The AIUM has established standards for the accreditation of ultrasound practices that serve as a benchmark for professionals seeking to meet nationally accepted protocols for performing ultrasound related examinations. Practices accredited by the AIUM have demonstrated competency in every aspect of their operation.

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Source: Jennifer Hilderbrand
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine

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