HCMC Diagnostic Center Designated an ACR Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence

Paris, TN –HCMC Diagnostic Center will celebrate its first year of being designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence™ (DICOE) by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in July. HCMC Diagnostic Center was one of the first in the nation and one of the first in the Southeastern United States to receive this designation. The accreditation process is on a 3 year cycle.

The DICOE program, which represents the pinnacle of medical imaging care, is an achievement that goes beyond accreditation to recognize best-quality imaging practices and diagnostic care. This includes a comprehensive assessment of the entire medical imaging enterprise, including structure and outcomes. The DICOE designation recognizes excellence at multiple levels — including the professional staff, the technology and the policies and procedures the organization follows — and superior patient care.

In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in all modalities they provide, and in which the ACR offers an accreditation program. Another requirement is to participate in the Dose Index Registry® and General Radiology Improvement Database, as well as Image Wisely® and Image Gently®.

“I am so proud of our Imaging team

for helping HCMC earn the DICOE designation,” said Joe Gwaltney, Director of Imaging. “We strive to meet the needs of our community which include high quality care, minimal wait times and excellent personal touch for each patient; one patient at a time.”

The HCMC Diagnostic Center is a comprehensive, freestanding diagnostic imaging center that offers Pre Admission Testing services for surgery patients, including EKG and Lab services.  For patients and physicians, they deliver quality diagnostic imaging that’s convenient and simple.  Imaging services that are offered include a 20-slice CAT scanner, a 1.5T MRI Wide Bore (specifically for larger body types), two Ultrasound machines and Diagnostic Radiology.  The Diagnostic Center was recently accredited by the American College of Radiology in both CAT scan and MRI.

Conducting over 60,000 exams per year, they are also home to one of the premier women’s center for digital mammography as well as Bone Densitometry.  The Digital Mammography unit is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology. Another feature of the diagnostic center is that ladies’ visiting the center will be offered individual dressing rooms located within the women’s center for privacy and comfort and given a warm robe to wear during their exam.  Offering this type of advanced technology and service is what made the HCMC Diagnostic Center stand out as one of the best in the nation.

The Diagnostic Center is conveniently located on Tyson Avenue directly across from the hospital. Providers can schedule outpatient exams for Ultrasound, Digital Mammography, Bone Densitometry, CAT scan, MRI and some diagnostic procedures.  Contact our scheduling department with any questions or concerns regarding appointments by calling (731) 644-8486 option 1.

The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.