COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Maury Regional Health is now offering pediatric echocardiograms to more patients to help diagnose heart conditions as early as possible.
Pediatric echocardiograms have been offered for inpatient infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) for more than a decade. The health system is now also offering the test at MRMC on an outpatient basis for infants who are 0-12 months of age and whose physician has ordered an initial screening for a non-complex congenital anomaly or a follow-up.
“We’re excited to offer echocardiograms to a wider range of pediatric patients,” said Christina Lannom, DO, chief medical officer for Maury Regional Health. “This is one of the best tools to help us detect heart conditions in their earliest stages, which can be critical to providing successful treatment.”
Pediatric echocardiograms are the primary imaging tests used to evaluate the pediatric heart for any abnormalities. Echocardiography is an ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of the structure and function of the heart without the use of radiation.
The exam is commonly ordered for children who have displayed symptoms of heart conditions, such as shortness of breath, a heart murmur or chest pains.
A physician’s order is required for a pediatric echocardiogram. It is recommended that parents check with their insurance provider to determine coverage.
In addition to pediatric echocardiography, Maury Regional Health offers an array of comprehensive cardiac diagnostic tests for adults that include calcium CT scoring, cardiac catheterizations, carotid ultrasound, electrocardiography, electrophysiology, heart monitors, and nuclear and treadmill stress tests.
MRMC was recently granted a three-year term of reaccreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in echocardiography in the areas of adult transthoracic and adult stress. It has been accredited by the IAC since 2018. Additionally, MRMC has been recognized as a Chest Pain Center with PCI by the American College of Cardiology and holds certification in the treatment of heart failure from The Joint Commission.
Learn more about heart services offered at Maury Regional Health at MauryRegional.com/Heart.