February 2, 2022 (Quincy, MA) – Today, Shields Health Care announced that five of its diagnostic imaging centers have achieved Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence® (DICOE) status by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The facilities receiving this honor are Shields MRI in Brockton, Brighton, Dartmouth, Framingham, and Yarmouth. This accomplishment establishes Shields as the largest network of DICOE sites in Massachusetts.
“We are proud to hold this distinction at five of our facilities, as it highlights our continued commitment to providing high-quality diagnostic services within the communities we serve,” said Peter Ferrari, President of Shields Health Care. “We strive to give our patients the best experience possible and are eager to continue leading Massachusetts in imaging advancements and exceptional patient care.”
This designation recognizes that by prioritizing innovation, Shields offers patients the most advanced, efficient, high-quality services available. Shields offers that level of care through its technology and services to remain ahead of emerging trends, while also establishing strong partnerships and building teams that provide exceptional care for patients.
The DICOE program is the pinnacle of medical imaging care and is an achievement that goes beyond accreditation to recognize best-quality imaging practices and diagnostic care. This includes a comprehensive assessment of the entire medical imaging enterprise, including structure and outcomes. The DICOE designation recognizes excellence at multiple levels — including the professional staff, the technology and the policies and procedures the organization follows — and superior patient care.
DICOE facilities exceed the standard requirements of accreditation to achieve the designation. They also have an ongoing process for self-assessment (and improvement) including participation in the ACR Dose Index Registry® and General Radiology Improvement Database.
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.