The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL) has announced its accreditation of Kansas City Cardiology Associates (KCCA) in the field of nuclear cardiology. The accreditation signals the completion of an arduous series of evaluations and reviews that ensure KCCA’s compliance with the national organization’s Standards.

The accreditation process was led by KCCA doctor James A. Sear. M.D., F.A.C.C.

“Today's health care organizations are held to the highest levels of accountability -- by peers, by the general public, and by Medicare and other insurance providers,” Dr. Sear said.  “ICANL accreditation is a means by which nuclear cardiology facilities can evaluate and demonstrate the level of patient care they provide.  We are pleased and proud that Kansas City Cardiology Associates has been shown to provide consistent, professional, quality care for our patients.”

The process begins with a comprehensive self-evaluation by laboratory staff. Completion of the application for accreditation requires information on all aspects of laboratory operation as well as the submission of actual case studies for review. After the application is submitted to the ICANL, it undergoes a confidential peer-review by the ICANL's trained reviewers, including physicians and technologists, before a final decision is made by the Board of Directors.

Accreditation is meaningful for several reasons, Dr. Sear says.  “First and foremost it demonstrates a commitment to quality care.  Kansas City Cardiology prides itself on offering the highest levels of care to our patients and we are pleased that ICANL recognizes that.  In addition, accreditation helps us recruit the best doctors and support personnel, and it demonstrates accountability to our patients, our staff and the community at large.”

To keeps its accreditation, a clinic must go through periodic reviews every three years.  “We will have to stay current on the latest technologies and therapies if we expect to remain ICANL accredited,” Dr. Sear said.

The specialists at Kansas City Cardiology Associates offer the latest technology and the most comprehensive cardiac care available.  Kansas City Cardiology's 13 specialists and more than 60 trained personnel are known for high quality, compassionate service and a collaborative approach to patient treatment and care.