Prostate Cancer Center of New Jersey earns ACR-ASTRO accreditation in radiation oncology

Jul 2 2012

The Prostate Cancer Center of New Jersey, a partnership between AKSM/Oncology and the Urology Group of New Jersey (UGNJ), is the latest in a rapidly growing list of prostate-only treatment centers to earn the high honor of a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology.

The ACR-ASTRO seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety, and is the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards developed by ACR and ASTRO after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

"Delivering the highest quality of care has always been a priority for the urologists within the Urology Group of New Jersey," said UGNJ President Alan Krieger, MD. "This accreditation is reflective of our commitment to quality and excellence, not only to our patients, but to the greater community as well."

During the Prostate Cancer Center of New Jersey's review and on-site survey, patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs were assessed. The Prostate Cancer Center of New Jersey received an unqualified recommendation which means there were no deficiencies that needed improvement. "Dr. Robert Ivker, the Center's Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist, and his staff are major reasons our ACR review was so flawless. His efforts and skills as a physician are greatly appreciated," said Krieger.

AKSM/Oncology both manages and staffs the Prostate Cancer Center of New Jersey and is the market leader providing radiation therapy services in conjunction with urologists throughout the United States. AKSM/Oncology spent years planning and creating prostate-only treatment centers in partnership with urologists and radiation oncologists to assure the highest clinical standards and protocols were adopted and implemented.

"Clinical quality and the highest level of patient care is the cornerstone by which these prostate-only cancer treatment centers have been created. Clinical quality is an ongoing process that requires diligence and commitment of all the parties. On behalf of men throughout the United States we applaud ASTRO for continuing to recognize these centers for their excellence," said AKSM/Oncology National Clinical Director Donald Jackson.

Jackson also stated that prostate cancer patients overwhelmingly support treatment at urology-integrated centers like the Prostate Cancer Center of New Jersey, and that additional AKSM/Oncology-operated centers are currently seeking ACR accreditation.

The achievement by the Prostate Cancer Center of New Jersey is just the latest in concerted efforts by the Urology Group of New Jersey to assure the highest levels of patient safety and quality care. Earlier this month UGNJ earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in ambulatory care organizations. The accreditation award recognizes UGNJ's dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission's state-of-the-art standards. Urology Group of New Jersey's 28 urologists offer patients a comprehensive range of services providing the very best in urological care through the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment. UGNJ has locations in Essex, Hudson, Morris and Union counties.