CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Colorectal cancer patients can receive top-quality care at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Conveniently located in the heart of Charlotte, the hospital recently earned a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. Presbyterian Medical Center is the first in the region and second health care system in the state to obtain this accreditation.
To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, an accredited program must demonstrate compliance with the NAPRC standards addressing program management, clinical services and quality improvement for patients. Centers are also required to establish a multidisciplinary rectal cancer team that includes clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.
“We’re very proud to be recognized as an accredited rectal cancer program in this community,” said Dr. Douglas Rosen, Novant Health colon and rectal surgery program director for the Novant Health Cancer Institute. “What many patients don’t realize is that Presbyterian Medical Center is home to one of our 15 premier Novant Health Cancer Institute locations across the state. This accreditation is a testament to the fact that our team is laser focused on providing the best in comprehensive, high quality and whole-person care for every patient we serve.”
Additionally, Presbyterian Medical Center met standards addressing the clinical services that the rectal cancer program provides, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA testing), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) imaging for cancer staging which allow patients to start treatment within a defined timeframe. Rectal cancer programs accredited by the NAPRC undergo a site visit every three years and are also accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
“While colorectal cancer is certainly treatable if caught early, it’s still the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States,” said Dr. David Rizzieri, Novant Health Cancer Institute system physician executive. “We also know that our patients have a choice when it comes to where they decide to receive their cancer care and treatment. This accreditation should not only instill confidence in our patients that we’re passionate about achieving good clinical outcomes, but also that our team is relentlessly committed to providing top-tier and disease-specific cancer care for our patients, close to home.”
Novant Health is an industry leader in providing world-class cancer care across North Carolina. With more than 120 providers across 15 clinics, the Novant Health Cancer Institute provides patients with the latest in disease specialization and multidisciplinary care. Patients also have access to advanced technology, treatment and clinical research, including some first-in-human trials.
To learn more about the Novant Health Cancer Institute, visit NovantHealth.org/Cancer.
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