We all know and love that notice we get saying that your IAC/ACR Accreditation is due for renewal. We get that sick feeling, and you wonder when you will have time to get all that information together to submit to the IAC/ACR. Well, I’m not here to tell you that I can make that sick feeling go away, but I do have some pretty good tips to ensure when you get that letter/notice, you will be ready, and it will not be that big a deal.
What Are the Steps for ACR Accreditation?
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) are the two governing bodies when it comes to Nuclear/PET lab accreditation, and both have their own set of steps for acquiring accreditation.
The ACR has three main phases: application, review, and then (hopefully) approval. Each of these phases has several steps that must be completed before going onto the next one. In the application phase, you will have a 45-day window for testing after the ACR accepts your application. During this time, you will use your equipment to take several images that demonstrate the machine’s compliance with ACR standards.
During this 45-day window, you will also have to fill out an online testing packet that contains several forms. When you send the materials off for review, the ACR will review both the packet and the images to make sure they are adequate or not. You will receive a final report from the ACR containing notes regarding potential areas for improvement, as well as their decision on whether or not you have been approved.
What Are the Steps for IAC Accreditation?
Meanwhile, for the IAC, their application process has several steps as well, though the actual to-do list looks quite different. The IAC’s accreditation process is focused more on your proficiency with nuclear/PET technology as opposed to the state of the technology itself. As such, the process covers everything ranging from the various policies and protocols to performance in several case studies.
IAC accreditation will require you to compile several different pieces of information for the process, such as different licenses and certifications for your physicians. As for the aforementioned case studies, each one will have a list of images that you will need to submit for review via the IAC’s HIPAA-compliant online service.
What To Do After Lab Accreditation?
Your next accreditation process should begin when you have finished your last one. You should have all your notes on how to use the ACR Phantom, or what images and licenses to provide the IAC. Since you will have just done it, it should be relatively fresh in your mind. So before putting those notes away when your accreditation comes through, re-write them so they make sense, and it will make the next time very easy.
Some things to keep in mind after the Accreditation has passed.
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- As said before, keep your notes very clear and accessible, so you can find them in 3 years.
- Make sure your ACR phantom is cleaned and ready for new use once finished.
- Make sure all your IAC documents are as current as possible. (i.e. Pt reports, BLS cards, QC etc.
- Ensure that office managers, and Doctors know what you did for the accreditation and keep them involved in the process.
- Create a binder and keep all your maintenance records on hand. Especially PM’s.
- If submitting Pt data (IAC) you’ll want to make sure you select easy Pts to report. Do not select a grossly abnormal exam, or the accreditation body will find something wrong with it.
- And one of the most important tips I can give is to take your time. When you receive the notice that your renewal is due, instead of panicking, just pull out your notes, and load up the old application to remind you what you did last time.
Once you have all the data ready to start the new application, this is the perfect time to ask for a raise. NO!!! Just kidding. Well Maybe!! It’s time to put it all together for submittal.
Usually, you’ll get a notification at least 6 months before your IAC or ACR accreditation is due. Relax, and take it easy. I know it’s no fun, but it’s got to be done.
David A. Lewis MA, BS, ARRT (N) (R)
Applications Specialist
