ACR Launches Enhanced DICOE Program for Imaging Excellence

ACR® today announced implementation of an enhanced Diagnostic Imaging Centers of Excellence (DICOE) program that sets new elevated benchmarks for quality in medical imaging practice, raising accreditation to the highest level. Four imaging facilities are the first to complete evaluation in the new DICOE program, gaining DICOE advanced designation that recognizes their facilities demonstrate exceptional diagnostic care, quality improvement and patient safety practices.

“The DICOE program represents the pinnacle of medical imaging care -- recognizing excellence at multiple levels — including a comprehensive assessment of the entire medical imaging enterprise, including structure and outcomes,” said ACR CEO Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR. “Radiology plays a critical role in patient care. DICOE status tells doctors and patients that they can expect superior diagnostic insight and the highest-quality care.”

Organizations can achieve one of three designations through the updated program:

• DICOE: Meets foundational infrastructure and quality standards
• DICOE with Distinction: Demonstrates outstanding performance in numerous advanced domains
• DICOE Pinnacle: Excels in outcomes across most advanced domains

Facilities undergo a rigorous evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, assessing new advanced domains at the forefront of quality and safety best practices, including quality improvement programs, utilization management, AI implementation, and follow-up recommendation management. personnel qualifications, equipment, policies, patient safety, image quality and overall care.

The first four sites to complete the enhanced DICOE accreditation process are:

DICOE Pinnacle

• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

DICOE Distinction

• Allegheny Valley Hospital
• Henry Ford Health Radiology Downriver Region
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

“DICOE status is an achievement that goes well beyond accreditation to recognize the highest quality imaging practices and diagnostic care,” said Ben Wandtke, MD, MS, chair of the ACR DICOE Committee. “This achievement demonstrates to patients and the communities they serve that the organization’s radiologists, registered technologists, nurses, and other professional staff are committed to providing consistently exceptional patient care that sets a new standard for excellence in the field."

Any imaging facility —including healthcare networks, hospitals and freestanding centers — is encouraged to apply for the DICOE designation regardless of size or number of locations.

Get more information about the DICOE program.