Österreichische Kardiologische Gesellschaft 

Individual accreditation in transthoracic echocardiography

Uniform quality guidelines to prove the readiness to perform transthoracic echocardiography

The fulfilment of the following uniform training guidelines is a prerequisite for the autonomous execution and creation of echocardiography diagnoses, as well as recognition by the Austrian Chamber of Physicians for billing or reimbursement by health insurances. The proof of theoretical and practical knowledge serves to ensure the quality of echocardiography diagnoses throughout Austria.
The training guidelines listed below were developed in cooperation with the Austrian Chamber of Physicians (Federal Association of Internal Medicine and Federal Association of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine), the echocardiography work group of the Austrian Society of Cardiology and the sonography work group of the Austrian Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.

Proof of completed training in echocardiography

The guidelines for the autonomous execution of transthoracic echocardiography include:

1. the license to practise as an additive specialist in cardiology or
2. the successful completion of the exam in echocardiography during or after graduation as a physician specialising in internal medicine or for pediatrics and adolescent medicine.

Exam in transthoracic echocardiography

1. theoretical section

- for medical specialists in internal medicine in form of a multiple-choice test, or
- for medical specialists in pediatrics and adolescent medicine in the form of an oral exam by a tester determined by the Austrian Society for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and

2. practical section

• with a presentation
  - of 300 (in case of medical specialists for internal medicine) or
  - of 500 (in case of medical specialists for pediatrics and adolescent medicine)
  autonomously executed exams and diagnoses recorded on video or an electronic storage mediums, of which at least
  - 50 (in case of medical specialists for internal medicine) or
  - 75 (in case of medical specialists for pediatrics and adolescent medicine)
  have to show relevant pathologies.
• practical autonomous exam
  - of at least two patients with relevant pathologies.

The echocardiography work group of the Austrian Society of Cardiology as well as the sonography work group of the Austrian Society of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine are obliged to:

• perform these tests in various nominated echocardiography reference centres twice a year
• offer sufficiently structured courses that represent the basis of information transfer. Attending these courses is recommended but not mandatory.

Those colleagues who have successfully completed the test in transthoracic echocardiography or the training in the additive subject of cardiology will receive a diploma in transthoracic echocardiography as proof of the individual accreditation.
Diagnoses issued by departments or echo labs have to be completed by physicians who fulfill these training requirements.

The exam dates will be announced regularly.
For questions: Administrative office of the University Hospital for Internal Medicine II. Clinical Department of Cardiology,
Ms. Tanzl 01 40 400/4616

Course contents

Basic course

Anatomy, physical foundations, exam techniques, regular diagnoses, ventricular function, valve diseases (aortic and mitral defects), pericardial effusion, cardiomyopathies.
Total of 36 hours, either during two weekends or one week; if the course is divided, then if possible within a period of no more than three months. One third of the time should be dedicated to practical exercises, where eight participants per device and tutor represent the upper limit.

Advanced course

Diastolic function, endocarditis, congenital defects, space-occupying masses, requirements, right heart defects, valve prosthetics, aorta dissection, contrast echo, foundations of stress echo, indication for TEE.
Total of 36 hours with practical exercises, either during two weekends or one week; if the course is divided, then if possible within a period of no more than three months.

Training recommendations
for transesophageal echocardiography

Completed training in transthoracic echocardiography
25 esophagus intubations under supervision (by the faculty of a gastroenterology department: intubation of a gastroscope)
Completion of 50 transesophageal exams at an educational centre
16-hour course

Training recommendations
for stress echocardiography

After completing the standardised training in echocardiography, 1000 autonomous exams.
Completion of a stress echo course at an education centre for echocardiography.
50 validated stress echo exams at an education centre.

Reference centres for training in echocardiography:

See reference centres