Cancer center’s computed tomography is recognized for high-quality imaging and patient safety
Asheville, NC and The Woodlands, TX (March 28, 2011) — Cancer Centers of North Carolina-Asheville, P.C. (CCNC-A), a private oncology practice serving Western North Carolina for more than 25 years, has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This accomplishment demonstrates CCNC-A’s commitment to quality care. Cancer Centers of North Carolina-Asheville is united in healing with US Oncology, a division of McKesson Corporation and a leading integrated oncology company advancing cancer care by uniting one of the largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks in America. CT scanning — often referred to as CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose, tailor treatments, and monitor progress for a variety of medical conditions, including cancer.
“At Cancer Centers of North Carolina-Asheville, we are dedicated to patient safety as well as high-quality, state-of-the-art cancer care,” said Roger Holland, M.D., radiation oncologist, CCNC-A. “That’s why accreditations from organizations like the American College of Radiology are important to us. This is a goal we’ve been working toward to show our dedication to our patients and our commitment to providing them the quality care they deserve.”
Cancer Centers of North Carolina-Asheville is an affiliate of the United Network of US Oncology, one of the nation’s largest networks of community-based oncology physicians. The vast majority of Network affiliated sites offering diagnostic CT imaging have earned American College of Radiology accreditation, and many other sites are actively working toward accreditation.
“The commitment to earn accreditation underscores the dedication to quality and the importance of safety to practices across the United Network of US Oncology,” said Charles Smith, vice president of Cancer Center Services & Technology, US Oncology. “High quality diagnostic imaging is vital to the overall quality of care for cancer patients.”
The American College of Radiology gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the American College of Radiology Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.
Sidebar:
- Within the United Network of US Oncology, there are 85 integrated cancer centers that operate in local communities across the country. These integrated centers offer a range of treatment options including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other ancillary services conveniently located under the same roof, where physicians communicate and collaborate on each patient’s care.
- The United Network of US Oncology also has 15 radiation-only facilities in local communities throughout the nation.
- There are more than 160 radiation oncologists and 100 radiation oncology facilities across the country.
- US Oncology Research ranked #1 in patient accruals in 2010 as a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Affiliate Member.
- US Oncology affiliated physicians offer integrated multidisciplinary care as well as the following specialized therapies:
- High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
- Stereotactic radiosurgery/Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT)
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
- Radioimmunotherapy (RIT)
- Physicians in the network provide nearly 700,000 radiation treatments every year.
- 850,000 patients are treated annually at United Network of US Oncology affiliated practices.
- 500 sites of care in 39 states across the country are affiliated with the United Network of US Oncology.
- More than 1,400 affiliated physicians in the United Network of US Oncology collaborate and communicate regularly to improve the quality and effectiveness of cancer care.
- Clinical research is conducted in local community practices, including Phase I through Phase IV studies. There are 14 sites in the US Oncology Research Network that conduct first-in-human therapy trials to give patients access to the latest therapies for the best possible outcomes for their disease.
- The US Oncology Research Network has helped to develop 43 FDA-approved cancer therapies.
About Cancer Centers of North Carolina – Asheville
At Cancer Centers of North Carolina - Asheville, P.C., we believe the most important aspect of our job isn’t just state-of-the-art, high-quality cancer care and treatment; it is also to provide excellent, integrated patient-centered care. Serving Western North Carolina for more than 25 years, Cancer Centers of North Carolina – Asheville is a private oncology practice led by five medical oncologists and hematologists and a radiation oncologist, and they are supported by their team of oncology-certified nurses and friendly administrative staff. Our 24,000 square-foot facility is western North Carolina’s first and only private cancer center offering comprehensive and integrated cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, diagnostic CT imaging, a pharmacy, and a progressive laboratory all in one convenient, easy-to-access location. This comprehensive cancer model improves patient access to advanced care, increases collaboration amongst cancer specialists, and ultimately decreases costs. For more information about our physicians or services, please visit our website www.nomountain2high.com.
Cancer Centers of North Carolina – Ashville is united in healing with US Oncology, a division of McKesson Corporation and a leading integrated oncology company uniting one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks. As an affiliate of the United Network of US Oncology, CCNC-A is united with more than 1,100 physicians and 10,000 cancer professionals nationwide. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About US Oncology
US Oncology, Inc., a division of McKesson Corporation, is a leading integrated oncology company. By uniting one of the largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks in America, US Oncology expands patient access to high-quality care and advances the science of cancer care. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, US Oncology is affiliated with 1,400 community-based oncologists, and works with patients, hospitals, payers, and the medical industry across all phases of the cancer research and delivery continuum. By promoting the use of innovative technology, clinical research, evidence-based medicine and shared best practices, US Oncology improves patient outcomes and offers a better patient experience. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About the American College of Radiology
The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
PR Contact
Jennifer Horspool
(281) 863-6739
Jennifer.Horspool@usoncology.com
Claire Crye
(281) 863-6783
Claire.Crye@usoncology.com
Mary Helen Letterle
(828) 271–6572
Mary.Letterle@usoncology.com
Barbara McFarland, MBA
(828) 271-6531
Barbara.McFarland@usoncology.com
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