Registering for the EQI Program

Phase 1 is an initial assessment to ensure facilities and staff have the appropriate qualifications, laboratory space, equipment and policies/protocols in place prior to performing echocardiographic exams. Satisfactory completion of Phase 1 provides the facility with EQI Provisional Recognition status and approval to proceed with services.

Note: EQI Provisional Recognition must be granted prior to applying to the Ministry of Health to receive echocardiography billing privileges or commencing echocardiography services. Echocardiography services performed prior to receiving EQI Provisional Recognition are not payable by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and cannot be charged to the patient.

Once EQI Provisional Accreditation is granted, the facility can proceed to the second phase of the EQI Program. In this phase, quality and capability are assessed through an on-site review at each location and includes an observation of an exam and a review of randomly selected completed cases. Facilities will then receive recommendations for quality improvements to meet Requirements. A certificate of accreditation is awarded once a site is deemed to have met Requirements. Certificates are issued for each site within a facility.

Note: A facility may consist of a single clinic location providing echocardiography services or may have multiple locations under the same clinic name. Each location is referred to as a site.

Your participation in the EQI Program begins with an application. Please email eqi@acdiagnostics.ca with your interest and an EQI team member will contact you to start the process. In this step, we will ask you to provide information about your facility.

Please review the EQI Program Information for more information, including eligibility to participate in the program. Contact the EQI Program team at eqi@acdiagnostics.ca to begin your application process.

The following are key documents to let us get to know your facility.

1. Application form. Ensure you have reviewed the application and overview before submitting an application.
    
2. Medical Director Physician attestation of qualifications form. This form is a verification of your professional training in echocardiography. Note: This form must be completed and filed on site for all medical staff that performs and/or interprets echocardiography in your organization.

An EQI Program Declaration serves as a commitment that the facility has in place the minimum requirements necessary to achieve provisional accreditation. Each of the requirements align to the Echocardiography Quality Improvement Program Requirements.

If requested by the EQI Program, the facility must provide evidence to support their declarations.