Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point’s (NHCCP) 3D mammography program recently received accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR).

ACR accreditation is recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging.  NHCCP’s ACR accreditation helps assure patients that NHCCP provides the highest level of image quality and safety by documenting that the NHCCP facility meets requirements for equipment, medical personnel and quality assurance. Accreditation ensures the best possible practices are in place so patients get the best quality care and receive the most accurate imaging results.

Capt. Mark Mortin, NHCCP radiology department head and diagnostic radiologist said, “This is a remarkable accomplishment that would not have been within our reach if it were not for the expertise, persistent efforts and dedication of Lt. Cmdr Andre Chartier, diagnostic radiologist and lead interpreting physician for mammography, Edward Sorzano, radiology assistant department head, Sandy Murphy-Brown, lead mammography technologist and Hospital Corpsman First Class Maria Periabras, radiology leading petty officer and mammography technologist in training.

Chartier said, “Breast cancer screening is a top priority at NHCCP as breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. As lead interpreting physician, it is my duty to ensure that our mammography program exceeds national standards through staffing the best technologists, acquiring the most up-to-date equipment, and assuring quality at all times. Accreditation by the ACR highlights the collaborative efforts of our mammography program and reflects our commitment to providing the best care to our patient population.”

According to Periabras, “NHCCP began conducting 3D mammography in June 2019. Traditional mammography obtained a single two dimensional image while 3D mammography captures images in three dimensions without significantly increasing radiation exposure. 3D mammography improves the detection rate of breast cancer compared to 2D alone, particularly in women with dense breasts who make up approximately 50 percent of the screening population and are at higher risk for developing breast cancer.”

In order for an organization to become accredited by the ACR, a multistep process, a facility must go through an extensive application process for each imaging service they wish to certify. Each accreditation program certifies that a facility is using approved, effective, and accurate medical equipment, that they hire only well-trained medical professionals and technologists who can verify their credentials online and keep up to date about recent developments, and that they meet quality control and quality assurance guidelines. Facilities must provide documentation verifying that annual surveys have been performed, and medical images from their equipment must be reviewed.

Named after Medal of Honor recipient, Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class William D. Halyburton, the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point provides high-quality patient care to more than 18,000 active-duty members and DOD beneficiaries. In addition to out-patient surgical services, NHCCP offers Medical Home Port (including family care and pediatrics), Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Mental Health, Pharmacy services, Preventive Medicine, Aviation Medicine and Radiology to include MRIs.

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