AACE/AIUM develop physician certification and accreditation in thyroid/parathyroid ...( The American Association of Clinical...),Health

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) have been working together to improve the quality of diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided invasive procedures of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

The quality of care depends in part on the knowledge and experience of the physician who performs and/or interprets the examination. With the AIUM's guidance, the AACE has developed the Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU). To earn this credential, an endocrinologist must receive specialized training, pass a certification examination, and submit case studies and reports. The AIUM recognizes the AACE's endocrine certification in neck ultrasound as proof of sufficient physician training in thyroid/parathyroid ultrasound.

In addition to physician training, quality of care is also determined by the qualifications of sonographers and other nonphysicians who may perform the exams, the maintenance and calibration of the ultrasound machines, the content, accuracy, and timeliness of reports, the implementation of policies to protect patients and personnel, and regular quality assurance activities. AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation demonstrates that a practice meets nationally recognized standards in all these areas and more. Thanks to the AACE's input, the AIUM will now offer ultrasound practice accreditation in thyroid/parathyroid ultrasound.

AIUM President Joshua Copel, MD, states, "The voluntary collaboration between the AACE and AIUM demonstrates the valuable results that occur when medical societies combine their respective expertise to ensure patient quality. This collaboration serves as a model for us to work with other medical societies involved with medical ultrasound."

A growing number of insurers have made practice accreditation a privileging requirement in order for physicians to be reimbursed for diagnostic imaging. AACE certification
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