Prestigious Endorsement for Battle Creek Health System

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The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has awarded Battle Creek Health System (BCHS) their formal seal of approval for BCHS’s efforts at remaining proactive in its cancer-fighting strategy.  According to the Commission on Cancer, achieving the significant distinction of ACoS approval means the facility's cancer program meets national standards that have been established to ensure that cancer patients receive the best possible care at the local level. 

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Various methods of achieving and maintaining standard national levels of excellence have been adopted by BCHS in an effort to meet the uncompromising standards of the ACoS.  One such method being implemented by the facility is the development of a Breast Cancer Tumor Board, consisting of a team of physicians from the disciplines of Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Radiology, Pathology and Surgery.  Under this team approach, physicians come together on a weekly basis to jointly discuss each breast cancer case and prepare a recommended treatment plan for the patients and their families.  According to Dr. Samuel S. Im, Chairman of the Cancer Committee and General Surgeon at BCHS, "Through this process, they [the patients] know they are getting the best treatment because there is more than one mind working on their case." 

 

BCHS also relies on a general Tumor Board as a second method of keeping with ACoS goals.  On a bi-weekly basis, the Tumor Board convenes to discuss pre-treatment options, staging, and treatment protocols for oncological cases other than breast cancer.  The benefits of such a program are vast, including education, the exchange of ideas, and support. 

 

A third method in achieving compliance with ACoS criteria is the utilization of a high-tech data system which has the capability of collecting, managing, and analyzing information on patients diagnosed and treated at BCHS.  This data system is known as the "Tumor Registry".  The state-of-the-art Tumor Registry is part of a threefold strategy:  Prevention; Early detection; and proper treatment.

 

BCHS was able to comply with the stringent ACoS Approval standards, and obtain the coveted endorsement, by successfully exercising all three methods.

 

How will this achievement impact BCHS, its patients, and the community?  While other facilities in the Calhoun county area are at risk of losing their approval, the impact of accreditation for BCHS could mean an increase in cancer patient clientele.  More importantly for the facility, the benefits of approval also signify that a proud, fine, but complex definition of quality care can be found within its corridors.  For a cancer patient and the community, ACoS approval signifies the ability to obtain the best possible cancer care with ease and convenience.

 

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