CarePoint Health, a fully integrated healthcare system that provides quality, patient-focused healthcare to residents of the Hudson County region, today announced that CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center has been named an American College of Radiology (ACR) designated center for lung cancer screening, making it the second facility in Hudson County (after CarePoint Health – Christ Hospital) to receive this designation. CarePoint Health is still the only system in Hudson County to offer certified lung cancer screening. The designation recognizes organizations for meeting the highest standards in providing safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.
"This designation further affirms CarePoint Health's dedication to providing superior healthcare services to the nearly 300,000 people who come through our doors each year," said Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, CarePoint Health Chief Medical Officer. "Lung cancer screening has been shown to significantly reduce death associated with the disease. As we continue to expand with our second accredited center in Hudson County, CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center, can provide proven safe and effective screenings to ensure long and healthy lives for all Hudson County residents. As the only system in Hudson County to offer this screening, CarePoint has once again shown that we will continue to put our patients first by offering quality care, close to home."
"Receiving this designation is a testament to the exceptional care provided here at CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center," said Dr.Vijay Singh, CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center Chief Medical Officer. "Improving public health and promoting preventive care and regular screenings are paramount in patient care. I commend Dr. Vivek Masson and the entire Department of Radiology for this amazing milestone and for the efforts they put forth every day to make CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center the best place to give and receive care."
In order to receive this designation, facilities must have a prior ACR accreditation in chest module computed tomography (CT), and must adhere to comprehensive facility, safety, reporting, and counseling requirements put forward by the American College of Radiology.
Lung cancer is the nation's leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Many insurance companies now cover low-dose CT screening for those considered to be at high risk. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced that they would provide coverage to Medicare recipients who meet the criteria.
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