Athens, Ga. (December 18, 2024) – Piedmont Athens Regional is proud to announce that its CT (computed tomography) department has been recognized with the HeartFlow CT Quality Award for the third quarter of 2024. The HeartFlow CT Quality Award is given to medical centers that demonstrate outstanding performance in coronary CT imaging and highlights the importance of high-quality imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

"I am incredibly proud of our department for this remarkable achievement," said Randy Bethea, director of Imaging at Piedmont Athens Regional. "This award is a testament to the hard work, expertise, and commitment of the team to provide the latest technology and innovation and highest-quality care to our patients, close to home. We are honored to be recognized."

Piedmont Athens nurses specializing in providing cardiac care partner with CT technologists to prepare the patients for the scan. They monitor the patient’s heart rate prior to the scan and, in some cases, provide medications to slow the heart rate to allow for optimal CT imaging. This allows the CT techs to capture clear images, minimizing the need for repeat scans.

Once the scan is complete, the CT department uses the noninvasive HeartFlow Analysis to create a 3D model of a patient’s coronary arteries and reveal blockages, helping physicians diagnose and develop a treatment plan to address coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease. The HeartFlow CT Quality Award places Piedmont Athens Regional in the top 22 percent of organizations worldwide helping patients and doctors understand the imaging tests and results.

Piedmont Athens Regional has a comprehensive cardiology program, giving patients with heart disease access to advanced cardiovascular care closer to home. Piedmont Athens strives to improve the health and well-being of its patients through innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technology. Above all, Piedmont Athens is committed to excellence and patient-centered care.