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All CoC-Approved Cancer Programs are required to meet the following criteria.
Diagnostic
These are the minimum clinical services required to provide high-quality care to cancer patients.
Clinical Laboratory
These are the minimum clinical services required to provide high-quality care to cancer patients.
Diagnostic Imaging
Facilities listed make diagnostic imaging services available either in house or by referral. Services are listed under the Diagnostic Imaging services section in the Hospital Locator.
Treatment
These are the minimum treatment services required to provide high-quality care to cancer patients. Treatments will vary depending on the size of the hospital and the specific programs it offers.
Medical Oncology
Facilities listed have an inpatient medical unit, or a functional equivalent, that provides comprehensive, specialized care in a safe environment. Services are listed under the Medical Oncology section in the Hospital Locator.
Radiation Oncology
Facilities listed offer radiation treatment services on-site or by referral. Services are listed under the Radiation Oncology section in the Hospital Locator.
Surgical Procedures
All facilities listed provide a minimum of basic surgical care. Surgical services are listed under the Surgical Procedures section in the Hospital Locator.
Other Clinical
These are the minimum clinical services required to provide high-quality care to cancer patients.
AJCC Staging
American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging is assigned by the managing physician and recorded on a staging form in the patient's medical record. Proper staging allows the physician to determine appropriate care and treatment of the cancer patient.
Clinical Research
Information about the availability of cancer-related clinical trials is provided to patients through a formal mechanism (for example, access to the Internet, a patient library, articles, and patient information packets). Some institutions, depending on approval category, have requirements regarding participation in clinical trials.
Patient Guidelines
Facilities listed follow current CoC guidelines for patient management and treatment. These guidelines promote an organized approach to providing quality care. The CoC requires that 90% of pathology reports with a cancer diagnosis contain the data elements outlined by the College of American Pathologists. In addition, CoC-approved facilities are required to review and adopt treatment guidelines established by recognized national organizations.
Oncology Nursing
Facilities listed employ nurses with specialized knowledge and skills in oncology provide nursing care, and the competency of these nurses is evaluated yearly. An oncology nurse manager or registered nurse provides direction to the inpatient medical oncology unit.
Pain Management
Facilities listed have a pain management policy and program in place. Pain management specialists are required for the following approval categories: NCP, NCIP, THCP, and COMP.
Rehabilitation
Facilities listed provide rehabilitation services on-site or by referral. Services are listed under the Rehabilitation Services section in the Hospital Locator.
Support
Facilities listed provide supportive services, as well as prevention and early detection services, to cancer patients and their families. Supportive services are provided on-site or coordinated with local agencies and facilities. Services are listed under the Supportive Services section in the Hospital Locator.
Prevention and Early Detection
Facilities listed provide at least two prevention and/or early detection programs each year. These programs are provided on-site or coordinated with other facilities or local agencies. Programs are listed under the Prevention and Screening/Early Detection section in the Hospital Locator.
Cancer Program Approval Categories
Affiliate Hospital Cancer Program (ACP)
ACP facilities have limited on-site services but partner with a sponsoring hospital to provide access to the full range of diagnostic and treatment services. The facility must participate in monthly cancer conferences with its hospital partner. Clinical research is not required.
Community Hospital Cancer Program (CHCP)
CHCP facilities offer the full range of diagnostic and treatment services, but referral for a portion of treatment is common. The medical staff are board-certified in the major medical specialties. Monthly cancer conferences are required, depending on the number of cancer cases seen. Facilities may participate in clinical research, but are not required to do so.
NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Program (NCIP)
The National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers are national leaders in cancer treatment, research, and education. Each NCIP center offers the full range of diagnostic and treatment services, as well as staff physicians who are board-certified in major specialties, including oncology. NCIP centers participate in both basic and clinical research and hold cancer conferences at least weekly.
Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program (COMP)
COMP facilities offer the full range of diagnostic and treatment services, either on-site or by referral. The medical staff is board-certified in the major medical specialties, including oncology. Participation in clinical research is required. Facilities in this category hold a weekly cancer conference.
Freestanding Cancer Center Program (FCCP)
FCCP facilities offer some types of cancer services; the full range of diagnostic and treatment services is available by referral. Cancer conferences are held monthly. Participation in clinical research is optional.
Hospital Associate Cancer Program (HACP)
HACP facilities offer a limited range of on-site diagnostic and treatment services. Other services are available by referral. The program treats up to 100 new cancer cases a year. Conferences are held monthly. Clinical research is not required.
Integrated Cancer Program (ICP)
ICP facilities offer one treatment type and partner with a hospital to provide access to the full range of diagnostic and treatment services. Participation by the ICP facility in clinical research and the frequency of cancer conferences depend on the hospital partner's requirements.
Teaching Hospital Cancer Program (THCP)
THCP facilities are allied with a medical school and assist that school in training residents in at least four areas, two of which are medicine and surgery. The facility offers the full range of diagnostic and treatment services, either on-site or by referral. The medical staff is board-certified in the major medical specialties, including oncology. The facility participates in clinical research and holds cancer conferences at least weekly.
Network Cancer Program (NCP)
The newest category of approval, NCP facilities own multiple smaller entities, providing integrated cancer care and comprehensive services. The network provides one or more inpatient oncology medical units and participates in cancer-related clinical research.
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