ICAEL accredits Gottlieb for echocardiography

Gottlieb Memorial Hospital has received a three-year accreditation in the areas of Adult Stress and Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL). Only facilities that demonstrate comprehensive adherence to rigorous national standards successfully complete the ICAEL review process to earn accreditation.

"Standardized protocols such as the ICAEL deliver better results for patients," says Ivan Pacold, MD, chairman, Cardiology Department at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, part of Loyola University Health System. "Gottlieb has met the ICAEL protocols and standards, which means that we are providing the highest level of care to our heart patients." Pacold likens the ICAEL accreditation for echocardiography to that of the Joint Commission accreditation for patient safety and quality of care for hospitals. Gottlieb is a Joint Commission accredited hospital.

Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in America. On average, one American dies every 38 seconds of cardiovascular disease - disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Early detection of life-threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of echocardiograms.

"ICAEL looks at all aspects of the echocardiogram, including the skill of the technician, the accuracy of the interpreting physicians, and the comprehensiveness and clarity of the report," said Gerry Arcaro, manager, Cardiology Department. "This process assures that the echocardiograms are of the highest quality."