What Does a “Gold Level Rated Cancer Center” Mean to Me?

Like many other prestigious cancer centers across the nation, Carson Tahoe Health announced that the Commission on Cancer (COC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACOS) granted a three-year renewal of accreditation to the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center (CTCC). The surveyors awarded seven extra commendations for exceeding industry standards, making CTCC the first cancer center in Nevada to achieve a “gold level” designation.

But what exactly does this mean and why would patients seek this out when undergoing cancer treatment and navigation? Accreditation demonstrates that many local cancer centers offers services that compare to U.C. Davis, M.D. Anderson, and Stanford, and are many times in a patient’s own backyard, saving the cost and hassle of travel during treatment.

“This accreditation level is the highest possible honor that can be bestowed to any cancer program,” said Annie Millard, Manager of Carson Tahoe Cancer Services. “It confirms what we have known for years – cancer patients have the very best, comprehensive cancer care available to them right here in Carson City.”

Accreditation by the CoC is given only to centers that have voluntarily committed to undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance to ensure the highest level of quality cancer care. The cancer program was rated across the full scope of services including cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement.

A lot of healthcare facilities may claim to be a cancer center, but can often disappoint patients when it is discovered that they are standard physician practices with limited capabilities. Cancer centers with accreditation with commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer is a sure way to guarantee higher standards during treatment. It’s an incredible honor, but also a tremendous responsibility.

Most accredited centers provide medical and surgical oncology, chemotherapy, clinical trials, radiation oncology, an ambulatory infusion center, and many times have a cancer resource center staffed with cancer survivors. To learn more, call (775) 445-7500 or visit here.

Want to help local area cancer patients? Get your hope on at HopeFest, a FREE outdoor benefit concert on Aug. 23, 2013 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. Win prizes, save time waiting in line and let us know you’re coming with free event registration at http://conta.cc/153Jy6v. Tickets for sizzlin’ BBQ, hand-crafted beer, yummy wines and a chance to win a new car or $10,000 cash FOR SALE.
• Donate  in support of cancer patients
• Plant a flag in honor of a loved one touched by cancer in our Healing Flag Garden.
• Win your choice of $10,000 cash or a new car, generously donated by Dick Campagni’s Carson City Toyota and Capital Ford—for the 6th year in a row.
• 100% of all proceeds benefit LOCAL cancer patients.