Raritan Bay Medical Center Receives National Cardiology Accreditation

Raritan Bay granted accreditation in Nuclear Cardiology

Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy and Raritan Bay–Old Bridge recently earned a three-year term of accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in nuclear cardiology. Nuclear cardiology studies use noninvasive techniques to assess the heart's blood flow, evaluate its pumping function, as well as visualize the size and location of a heart attack, and is particularly useful in emergency situations. Early detection of life threatening heart disorders, stroke, and other diseases is also possible through the use of nuclear cardiology procedures.

"As cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in the U.S., accreditation by the IAC is an important demonstration of our commitment to high-quality cardiac care," said Raritan Bay Medical Center's Director of Non-Invasive Cardiology Mahmood Alam, M.D., FACC, FACP. IAC accreditation indicates that the medical center has undergone an intensive application and review process, and is found to be in compliance with published national standards.

"This accreditation is the result of our dedicated team members; our technicians, Magnet-designated nurses, and cardiologists, and ultimately benefits our patients," said President of Raritan Bay Medical Center Michael R. D'Agnes.

There are many factors that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on nuclear cardiology. These include the training and experience of the technologist performing the examination, the type of equipment used, and the quality assessment metrics each facility is required to measure, all contribute to a positive patient outcome. IAC accreditation is a "seal of approval" patients can rely on as an indicator of consistent quality care and a dedication to continuous improvement. Raritan Bay also holds IAC accreditation in adult echocardiography.

IAC also provides accreditation programs for vascular testing, MRI, diagnostic CT, dental CT, carotid stenting, vein treatment and management, and cardiac electrophysiology. Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center is also accredited in nuclear cardiology, and other Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals hold or are currently applying to receive IAC accreditations.

About Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 16 hospitals, including three academic medical centers, two children's hospitals and nine community hospitals, two rehabilitation hospitals, physician practices, more than 160 ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care facilities. Hackensack Meridian Health has 33,000 team members, more than 6,500 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The Network's notable distinctions include having one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more consecutive years, four hospitals ranked among the top 10 in New Jersey, including Hackensack University Medical Center, the No. 1 hospital, Jersey Shore University Medical Center at No. 4 and Ocean and Riverview Medical Centers tied at No. 8., as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Other honors include consistently achieving Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recipient of the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum, a six-time recipient of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For," one of the "20 Best Workplaces in Health Care" in the nation, and the number one "Best Place to Work for Women." Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies.

For additional information, please visit www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org.