PACIFIC CANCER - MEDICAL CENTER

PACIFIC CANCER MEDICAL CENTER,Inc. Receives Recognition for Cancer Care from the Largest Oncology Society in the United States

Pacific Cancer Medical Center 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 providers a three-year certification for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet the highest standards for quality cancer care.

"We're extremely proud to receive this certification from ASCO and QOPI® which demonistrates our commitment to quality care excellence for our patients," said Dr. Veena Charu and Dr. Ajit Maniam.

“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.”

QOPI® is a voluntary, self-assessment and improvement program launched by ASCO in 2006 to help hematology-oncology and medical oncology practices assess the quality of the care they provide to patients. Through the QOPI® program, Practices abstract data from patient’s records up practices have registered in the QOPI® program.

The QOPI® Certification Program (QCP) was launched in January 2010. The first 16 practices were certified just six months later, and the program reached a milestone of more than 100 certified practices in just under two years. This certification for outpatient oncology practices is the first program of its kind for oncology in the United States. Oncologists can achieve certification by demonstrating practice consistent with the highest standards of care. The QCP 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) 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).

QOPI® analyzes individual practice data and compares these to more than 100 evidence-based and consensus quality measures. The information is then provided in reports to participating practices. Individual practices are also able to compare their performance to data from other practices across the country. Based on this feedback, doctors and practices can identify areas for improvement.

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.

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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