HUTCHINSON — The Radiology Department of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has been granted a three-year accreditation in computerized tomography from the American College of Radiology (ACR) as the result of an exhaustive onsite review from the granting organization. 

A primary responsibility of the Radiology Department is CT scanning – sometimes called CAT scans, a noninvasive medical test that assists physicians in diagnosing and tailoring treatments for a long list of medical conditions. It is an essential service for the successful operation of all hospitals. 

Wes Hoyt, chief operating officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said accreditations are a matter of great importance at Hutch Regional. “Accreditations are proof of competency and excellence in care and enhance the overall quality of care for patients, by assessing against best practices and the highest standards,” Hoyt said. 

The ACR is a 95-year old professional medical society with a lengthy track record of serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice. Accreditation by the ACR is recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging, and is reaffirmation to payers, patients, and referring physicians that Hutch Regional is committed to providing the safest and best quality of care possible. 

Hoyt said the accreditation follows a two-year effort to upgrade equipment in the Radiology Department which included a new CT scanner, MRI, ultrasound machine, and an upgrade in digital portable X-ray machines.

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