Oncology Practice first in Raleigh-Durham to receive QOPI® Certification
Raleigh, N.C. (September 18, 2012) - Cancer Centers of North Carolina (CCNC), a 19- physician practice dedicated to community-based cancer care since 1979, has been recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The QOPI® Certification Program provides a three-year certification for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet the highest standards for quality cancer care.
"It is a huge honor to be the first oncology practice in Raleigh-Durham to receive this prestigious certification from ASCO and QOPI," said Dr. Alan Kritz, oncologist with CCNC. "It took the dedication of our staff and the direction of our head nurse, Tracie Whitley, to achieve this great milestone for both our practice and our patients."
The QOPI Certification Program (QCP) was launched in January 2010. Oncologists can achieve certification by demonstrating practices consistent with the highest standards of care. The QOPI Certification Program seal designates those practices that not only scored high on the key QOPI quality measures, but meet rigorous safety measures established by ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).
"Cancer patients and their families should expect nothing less than accountability and the highest standards from their cancer care providers," said Allen S. Lichter, MD, CEO of ASCO and President of the QOPI Certification Program. "QOPI participation reflects a commitment to quality of care that leads to fundamental changes in the clinical practice of oncology. Oncology practices that commit to quality and safety are those that provide the most optimal cancer care. The Certification Program helps practices determine whether they are providing the best treatment and care possible to their patients, and demonstrates a commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement in the hematology-oncology outpatient practice."
To become certified, practices have to submit to an evaluation of their entire practice and documentation standards. The QCP staff and steering group members then verify that the evaluation and documents are correct and that the practices met core standards in all areas of treatment, including:
- treatment planning
- staff training and education
- chemotherapy orders and drug preparation
- patient consent and education
- safe chemotherapy administration
- monitoring and assessment of patient well-being
Cancer Centers of North Carolina is committed to advancing the treatment of cancer and continues to advance cancer research and treatment through its affiliation with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation's largest networks of community-based cancer care physicians dedicated to advancing cancer care and improving the cancer patient experience.
About Cancer Centers of North Carolina
Established in 1979, Cancer Centers of North Carolina (CCNC) is the first practice to offer community-based outpatient cancer care in the Triangle with locations in Raleigh, North Raleigh, Cary, Dunn, and Clayton. The 19 specialized oncology physicians are experienced professionals offering state of the art compassionate cancer care, meeting the needs of cancer patients and their families throughout the spectrum of illness, recovery and survivorship. They offer standard chemotherapy and radiation treatments, cancer surgical services in gynecology and ear, nose and throat surgery, access to new biologic and targeted treatments, advanced radiation therapy techniques, including IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) and HDR (high-dose rate radiotherapy), and access to the newest cancer medications through participation in nationally associated clinical trials. For more information, visit www.cancercentersofnc.com.
Cancer Centers of North Carolina is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation's largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks focused on advancing cancer care in America. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Cancer Centers of North Carolina is united with approximately 1,000 physicians and 10,000 cancer professionals nationwide. Cancer Centers of North Carolina participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has helped to develop 43 FDA approved cancer therapies. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About ASCO
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 30,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. ASCO is supported by its affiliate organization, the Conquer Cancer Foundation, which funds ground-breaking research and programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of people with cancer. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.
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