Choosing Cancer Wellness

Our nationally accredited cancer program recognizes that patients and their families begin a tumultuous journey when they receive a cancer diagnosis. Needs often are both physical and emotional. At Harrison, we provide advanced treatments and many of the latest surgical options, superior nursing care from nurses who specialize in oncology care, support services, and an array of holistic complementary therapies for you and your family.

The importance of accreditation

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer approves only one in four hospitals in the United States. There is a reason for that—the standards are high. The commission is the group of organizations that sets nearly 40 standards for quality care.

The COC sets the gold standard for cancer care. Its goals include improvements in survival rates, quality of care, and quality of life.

For more than 25 years, the commission has accredited Harrison’s cancer program. This represents many rigorous evaluations, but accreditation is voluntary. Accredited programs must conform to strict standards, which indicate top quality cancer care, including:

• Lifelong patient follow-up
• Advanced medical equipment
• Comprehensive care
• Continued improvements
• A multidisciplinary team
• First-class cancer support
• Exceptional services
• Information about clinical trials

Why Harrison participates

If cancer accreditation is voluntary, why does Harrison choose it year after year? After all, it requires strict, daily commitment by hundreds of staff members. For us, the answer is clear. We know that choosing cancer care is important to you and your family. Our goal is to provide continuously outstanding treatments and services. Accreditation helps make this happen.

Honors for Harrison's cancer care

In 2009, the CoC granted a three-year Accreditation with Commendation to Harrison's comprehensive cancer program. A facility receives this commendation following the onsite evaluation by a physician surveyor. During the evaluation, the facility must demonstrate a Commendation level of compliance with standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement.). In addition, a facility receives a compliance rating for all other standards.

In the 2009 survey, the CoC specifically distinguished Harrison’s:

• Exceptional rehabilitation team
• Active outreach program
• Perfect quality of data
• Impressive improvements

This Accreditation with Commendation followed on the heels of the 2006 survey, which granted Harrison's cancer program an Approval with Commendation.

The meaning of board certified

After many years of schooling, residency, and passing difficult exams, doctors can practice medicine. Many who specialize become board certified, which is voluntary. Board certification occurs when your doctor has passed the medical-specialty exam. It’s a long and difficult process. To keep certified, your doctor takes part in extensive requirements such as:

• Lifelong education and exams
• Providing quality care
• Specialty training
• Upholding best practices
• Providing patient-focused care

At Harrison, 90 percent of our physicians are board certified. This far exceeds the national average. Board certification means your doctor has shown outstanding expertise and commitment to exceptional care.

Contact us about choosing cancer care at Harrison by calling our toll-free Referral & Information line at 866-844-WELL (9355).