Baptist East recognized with three-year accreditation with commendation

Baptist Hospital East’s Center for Cancer Care received the highest rating possible along with three-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ (ACoS) Commission on Cancer. This certification signifies that the hospital’s entire cancer program meets or exceeds rigorous national standards established by the ACoS. 

Baptist East also received a commendation. In the commendation, five areas were noted, including the many prevention and early detection programs offered to the community each year. The hospital participates in more than 100 health fairs each year. The Cancer Care Center also sponsors an annual symposium for healthcare professionals that includes a public session focused on a cancer topic.

In the ACoS survey, the hospital received a rating of “1” – a designation given to less than one-third of ACoS-certified hospitals. 

Among the required elements for ACoS certification are multidisciplinary tumor board conferences; leading edge access to clinical trials, education, and support; cancer screenings; patient follow-up through a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results; and ongoing monitoring and improvement of care.

Approval by the ACoS Commission on Cancer is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and to undergo a thorough evaluation process and performance review. In order to maintain approval, facilities with approved cancer programs must undergo and on-site review every three years.

The Cancer Care Center at Baptist East services for cancer patients include genetic counseling, a  multidisciplinary lung care clinic, radiation centers in St. Matthew and Anchorage, massage and music therapy for patients in the hospital, support groups, and a Cancer Resource Center.