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SALT LAKE CITY — Intermountain Healthcare's cancer program has received national accreditation from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer.
"Achieving accreditation means that the Intermountain cancer program has demonstrated quality, expertise and a commitment to clinical excellence on par with the best cancer provider networks in the country," said Dr. Brandon Barney, associate medical director of radiation oncology for Intermountain, in a statement.
"The Intermountain Cancer Center continues to be committed to providing state-of-the-art cancer care as conveniently and as close to home for our patients as possible. We strive every day to help our patients and communities live the healthiest lives possible and this accreditation is a reflection of this mission," Barney said.
To qualify for the accreditation, programs need to meet 34 care standards of care and undergo an evaluation every three years. Hospitals within Intermountain Healthcare have earned accreditation individually over the years, officials said, but this is the first time the whole system has received the mark of approval.
The accreditation includes each of the system's cancer center hubs, including McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, and the St. George Cancer Center. Intermountain officials noted that each of those hubs also connects to Intermountain satellite facilities for further reach.
"As a Commission on Cancer accredited program, the Intermountain Cancer Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that involves consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and many other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care," according to Intermountain Healthcare officials.
Intermountain Healthcare's oncology program began in 2002, according to the company's website. The system — the state's largest — serves more cancer patients than any other providers in Utah.
University of Utah Health and MountainStar St. Mark's Hospital have also previously received the accreditation, among other hospitals across Utah.
