"We are very conscientious of what we do because we know that physicians depend upon our diagnostic results to make treatment decisions for their patients," said Sunanda Sanyal, department director. "The diagnostic laboratory department managers and supervisors keep up with JCAHO and state regulations. We have a good core of people who understand the regulations and do what’s necessary to attain compliance."

It all boils down to teamwork, she said, crediting her staff for the department’s clinical excellence. "I am proud of them and thank them all for doing a great job!"

Every two years, RMH’s laboratory facilities voluntarily undergo review by JCAHO. Though the hospital pays for the survey process, JCAHO accreditation is a requirement for hospital reimbursement by Medicare, Medicaid, and most third-party insurers.

"The JCAHO inspection was very stringent and very thorough," said Sanyal. "The inspector looked at every policy, chart, form, and process that we use and gave us high marks." She also made sure that employee job descriptions were accurate, that employee appraisals/competencies were done, and that all department policies were in order.

In 2001, the laboratory performed approximately 375,000 diagnostic procedures. Within the last two years, they have purchased state-of-the-art technology that ensures that the hospital’s physicians have the diagnostic tools they need to treat their patients. In 2000, Rome Memorial Hospital’s laboratories purchased new chemistry analyzers and in 2001, they purchased new hematology analyzers.