WESTFIELD — Westfield Memorial Hospital, part of the Allegheny Health Network, has been designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

The Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence program recognizes the country’s highest-quality imaging practices and outcomes. To achieve the honor, a program must undergo a comprehensive assessment of medical imaging operations, including its technological infrastructure, patient care policies and procedures, staff training and expertise, and patient care outcomes. The Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence designation recognizes programs that demonstrate excellence across these various measures. To be considered for Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence recognition, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in all modalities they provide, and in which the ACR offers an accreditation program. Another requirement is that programs participate in the Dose Index Registry® and General Radiology Improvement Database, as well as Image Wisely and Image Gently.

“AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital is so proud to have achieved this recognition,” said Rodney Buchanan, Allegheny Health Network Westfield administrator. “This accomplishment has been made possible not only by our exceptionally talented and dedicated staff, but by the generous investments made by AHN and Highmark Health to make the latest, state-of-the-art imaging technologies available right here in this community.”

Over the past several years, numerous advanced imaging technologies have been added to AHN Westfield’s capabilities, including 3D mammography, a 64-slice CT scanner, a state-of-art nuclear imaging camera, the latest ultrasound for cardiac ECHO and new Dexa scanning for bone health assessments.

“At a rural hospital like Westfield Memorial, it’s incredibly important to offer as many resources and high-quality programs as possible, and none are more important than advanced imaging services that can help us effectively diagnose disease and guide treatment paths,” said Dr. Bethany Casagranda, chair of AHN’s Imaging Institute. “ACR Diagnostic Center of Excellence designation is a wonderful achievement for our amazing team in Westfield and great news for the community they serve.”

The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective, and accessible to those who need it. Its 38,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists, and nuclear medicine physicians.