Community Hospital Anderson's Cancer Services receives accreditation
The American College of Surgeons/Commission on Cancer (CoC) recently granted a renewed three-year accreditation, with six commendations to Community Hospital Anderson’s cancer program
A facility receives a three-year accreditation following an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor during which the facility demonstrates a commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program.
Hospitals which receive three-year approval with commendations must go above the minimum standard and implemented improvements that directly affect patient care. Community Anderson’s commendations were awarded for publishing an annual report, offering many prevention and early detection programs to the community, implementing quality improvements to its program, following all guidelines set forth by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), participating in ongoing education and submitting annual data without errors.
"Receiving the three-year approval with six commendations is quite an honor," said Marsha Sherrell, director of Cancer Services at Community Anderson. "The Commission on Cancer was impressed with our quality program."
Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.
The core functions of the CoC include setting standards for quality, multidisciplinary cancer patient care; surveying facilities to evaluate compliance with 36 CoC standards; collecting standardized and quality data from approved facilities; and using the data to develop effective educational interventions to improve cancer care outcomes at the national, state and local level.
According to the American College of Surgeons, this accreditation may be one of the best factors in determining the quality of a cancer program. There are currently more than 1,400 CoC-approved cancer programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, representing close to 25 percent of all hospitals. This 25 percent of hospitals diagnose and/or treat 80 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients each year.
The Approvals Program, a component of the CoC, sets quality-of-care standards for cancer programs and reviews the programs to ensure they conform to those standards. Approval by the CoC is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo an on-site review every three years.
Receiving care at a CoC-approved cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to:
- comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment
- a multi-specialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
- information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
- access to cancer-related information, education and support
- a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up
- ongoing monitoring and improvement of care
- quality care close to home
We're on your side
Community Hospital Anderson offers state-of-the-art cancer services to allow patients to receive the treatment they need, close to home. Each patient is treated by staff they quickly come to know and trust, with their personal physician involved in ongoing treatment. And, being the close team we are, we strongly encourage family and friends to be present and give support along the way.
Our full-time medical oncologist, Tahir Ali Naqvi, M.D., is board certified in medical oncology, hematology, internal medicine, hospice and palliative care. Dr. Naqvi has published numerous articles based on his expertise and experience in the medical field. Click here to see the titles. He is well-respected in the medical community and, most importantly, by his patients.
Along with Dr. Naqvi, our team consists of certified oncology nurses, an on-site pharmacist, and the front office staff that will smile and get to know you at every appointment. All have a reputation for their quality of care, but also for the quality of their caring. From throwing a wedding reception for a young patient with Stage IV melanoma, to making blankets to provide warmth and comfort to all patients, the staff truly goes above and beyond. Continuing education is priority. Our staff stay up-to-date on the latest treatments and technologies with complete, intensive oncology training and American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer program accreditation, as well as ongoing medical education focused on current topics in the oncology and psychology fields.
Improving your quality of life
The Madison County Cancer Care Center provides treatment for all types of cancer and blood disorders in adults. Care is coordinated with your physicians to determine the best treatment methods, based on your personal needs and the type of cancer you have. If you require surgery, we'll be part of the process and provide the follow-up treatment and support you need.
Along with advanced medical oncology treatments, our comprehensive program includes therapies to help keep symptoms under control. Effective treatment means that we improve your overall quality of life and well-being. We offer several types of therapies, including medications and psychological support to control symptoms that often accompany cancer and its treatment. Common symptoms can include pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, depression, loss of appetite, anxiety and insomnia. Trained psychosocial professionals can meet with you and your family throughout the entire treatment process. And, we're always there to provide you and your loved ones with education, health care coordination and ongoing emotional support with a multidisciplinary team approach. Simply put, we'll be there every step of the way.
Madison County Cancer Care Center
1340 N. Madison Avenue
Anderson, IN 46011
765-298-4220
