Geisinger's Cancer Program Receives Three-Year Approval with Commendation

The survey, conducted by a CoC physician surveyor, evaluated Geisinger’s compliance to 35 standards in seven different applicable areas to be classified as an “Approved” cancer program. These areas include Institutional and Programmatic Resources, Cancer Committee Leadership, Cancer Data Management/Cancer Registry, Clinical Management, Community Outreach, Professional Education & Staff Support, and Quality Improvement. Geisinger Medical Center received commendations in all seven areas. Commendations are given when a medical center exceeds the standards set by the CoC in those specified areas.

“To receive a three-year accreditation with commendation acknowledges the dedication of our team to providing outstanding care and support to our cancer patients,” said Albert Bernath, MD, oncologist and co-medical director of cancer services. “Credit for this accomplishment goes to John Danella, MD, chairman, cancer committee; Cindy Vought, associate vice president, cancer services; Dave Sheldon, ACOS liaison; and the cancer registry for their untiring work.”

The CoC's Approvals Program encourages hospitals to improve their quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs. These programs are concerned with prevention, early diagnosis, pretreatment evaluation, staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease, support services and end-of-life care.

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality of cancer through education, standard setting and monitoring the quality of cancer care. Just 25% of the hospitals in the US have cancer programs approved by the CoC. Approval is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance every three years.