ACR launches breast MR accreditation program

The ACR has added breast MRI to its repertoire of accreditation programs. The Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Accreditation Program enables facilities to improve and maintain the quality of their breast MRI services through a peer-review assessment of their processes and equipment and the quality of their images. For facilities that do only breast imaging, the accreditation program fulfills the requirements of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.

The program will evaluate the qualifications of its personnel, performance of its equipment, effectiveness of its quality control measures, and image quality, said Dr. Constance Lehman, chair of the ACR’s committee on breast MRI accreditation.

Facilities must submit clinical images and corresponding data for each magnet performing breast MRI exams at their site. Each site must have the capacity to perform mammographic correlation, directed breast ultrasound, and MR-guided intervention, or create a referral arrangement with a cooperating facility that could provide these services.