Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has been designated one of only two of the state’s 122 hospitals to be designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence® (DICOE) by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Geographically, HRMC is the only hospital in the western two thirds of Kansas to hold this distinction.

The DICOE designation is an achievement beyond accreditation that recognizes best-quality imaging practices and diagnostic care. The evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of the entire medical imaging enterprise, including structure and outcomes. The DICOE appointment recognizes excellence at multiple levels, including the organization’s staff, technologies, policies and procedures, and superior patient care.

To be eligible for this elite distinction, a facility 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®.

Raleigh White, Director of Imaging Services at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, reiterated an ACR statement that the ACR/DICOE designation is the pinnacle of ACR accreditations. “This designation is highly sought after and is one that few healthcare organizations have achieved,” White said. “I am proud to have guided the Hutchinson Regional team to this distinction. I accept this honor on behalf of Hutchinson Regional’s Imaging Services board-certified radiologists, technologists, and administrative professionals who deliver high-quality patient care every day.”

Wes Hoyt, Chief Operating Officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, called the designation a one-of-a-kind program in diagnostic medical imaging. “This distinction is aimed at organizations that go beyond the gold standard of ACR accreditations,” Hoyt said. “A great staff at Hutchinson Regional has labored for more than three years on quality, customer service, competencies, standardization, and a host of other factors. Congratulations to the Hutchinson Regional Imaging Department for a job very well done. We are very proud of each member of the team.”

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 38,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists, and nuclear medicine physicians.

Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is an entity of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System. Other entities are Health-E-Quip, Horizons Mental Health Center, Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County and Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation.