Columbia VA Medical Center Earns Prestigious Echocardiogram Accreditation

This accreditation, a testament to the VA's commitment to top-quality patient care, makes Columbia VA HCS the first facility in the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 7 to earn this honor.

The path to earning this accreditation began more than four years ago. Michael Luc, MD, FACC, the Medical Director for the Echocardiography Lab, recalls the process initiated by Tyler Starke, the former Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician. Dr. Luc explains that Tyler led the charge, creating standardized protocols, implementing quality improvement policies, and ensuring a continuous quality review process.  Tyler's groundwork set the stage for our ultimate success.

From performing over 3,000 echocardiograms per year, the team at Columbia VA HCS consistently demonstrated their dedication to providing excellent patient care. Renita Gosa, a seasoned Medical Instrument Technician with over 18 years of experience, played a pivotal role in this journey. "Achieving accreditation was rigorous," Gosa shares. "The paperwork, time commitment, and attention to detail were intense, but knowing we were setting a new standard for Veterans made it all worthwhile."

Achieving this accreditation was no small feat. The IAC accreditation process involved an extensive review of Columbia VA’s echocardiography operations. The team had to perform detailed self-evaluations, gather representative case studies, and ensure compliance with IAC's rigorous standards.

"The initial process was demanding," Gosa explains. "It required combing through paperwork and quality metrics, but we quickly realized the IAC was not there to police us but to help us grow. Their guidance made the process smoother than anticipated."

The recognition by IAC serves as a "seal of approval," assuring patients and their families that Columbia VA meets or exceeds industry standards in echocardiography. This seal is particularly significant for Veterans, many of whom rely on regular cardiovascular care. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women across the United States, and echocardiography is a crucial tool for diagnosing and managing heart conditions.

For Veterans receiving care at the Columbia VA, the accreditation means peace of mind. "Our Veterans can now trust that every echocardiogram they receive is performed to the highest standards," says Dr. Luc. "This accreditation reassures Veterans and their families that they are receiving world-class care. It also serves as an important milestone, positioning us as leaders in the field of echocardiography within the VA system."

Gosa echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the improvements in consistency and quality. "Veterans will notice high-quality images, better test results, and a greater level of care. This accomplishment pushes us to continuously strive for excellence in every exam."

Both Gosa and Dr. Luc credit teamwork as the foundation of their success. The team’s collaborative environment allowed the team to communicate effectively and perform thousands of echocardiograms with precision. Each member of the team, including the other two sonographers Cosmin Buru and Jeff Badgett, played a crucial role in the quality review process.

"It was a collective effort," Dr. Luc says. "Without the dedication of Renita, Cosmin, Jeff, and the other cardiologists that read echocardiograms such as Dr. Saenz, Dr. Seghers, Dr. Jacocks, and Dr. Thurmond, this accreditation wouldn’t have been possible. Personally, I thank God for this opportunity and the privilege to serve the Veterans."

Gosa adds, "We all contributed our best, and this effort has strengthened our camaraderie and improved our workflow."

The accreditation not only highlights Columbia VA’s current capabilities but also sets the stage for future advancements. The echo lab is now recognized for its expertise, giving it the momentum to explore new technologies and methodologies. Dr. Luc is optimistic, stating, "This accomplishment allows us to build on our success and seek even more cutting-edge technology for our Veterans."

Gosa’s advice to other VA facilities aiming for similar accreditation is simple: "Don’t let fear stop you. Dive in, give it your all, and work as a team. The process may seem daunting, but it is absolutely worth it."

In an era where heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death, Columbia VA's achievement is a beacon of hope. As the only accredited facility in VISN 7, it demonstrates that Columbia VA is not just meeting the bar but raising it.

The IAC accreditation, announced officially on April 5, 2024, further cements Columbia VAMC’s status as a leader in Veterans’ health care. With their new accreditation in hand, the team at Columbia VA remains committed to providing Veterans with the best possible echocardiography services—one heartbeat at a time.

For comprehensive information on the services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, including clinic locations and more, visit https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (keyword: VAColumbiaSC) to stay up on the latest at the Columbia VAHCS.