Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2021

NAPBC Breast Center of Excellence Designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. Given to centers that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality breast care as proven through a rigorous evaluation process. Commission on Cancer The Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons, recognizes cancer care programs for their commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality and multidisciplinary patient-centered care at the highest level available. American College of Radiology accreditation Kootenai Health is one of only 300 facilities designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. To earn this designation, Kootenai’s breast imaging services have been fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. to patient cases, which proactively involves surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists at the start of a patient’s care. “Receiving care at an NAPBC- accredited organization assures patients that their breast care team includes health care professionals from a variety of disciplines who are committed to working together to provide the best care possible through their entire course of treatment,” Dr. Chalmers said. In addition, Kootenai Health holds accreditation from the rigorous Commission on Cancer. It is also one of only 300 facilities in the United States to be designated by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. “The surgeons and oncologists at Kootenai Health have the experience and skill to leverage innovative research and technology to provide the most comprehensive, compassionate, coordinated breast cancer care available, and it is all right here in Coeur d’Alene,” said Dr. Chalmers. “This keeps patients close to home and near the family and friends who love and support them.” Exceeding theaverage While meeting these standards is challenging, the end result is worth it. According to our Commission on Cancer surveyor, Kootenai Health’s five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds the national average. “Meeting these standards is evidence that we take great care of our patients,” said Paul White, M.D., board-certified oncologist and member of the breast excellence team. “But cancer care is not ‘one-size-fits-all.’ Each patient’s cancer journey is unique. That is why our cancer specialists collaborate to come up with the best plan for each patient and their individual situation. This may include our access to consultation from Mayo Clinic experts through the Mayo Clinic Care Network. This membership allows us to bring cutting-edge care to our patients.” Even beyond clinical excellence, treating the whole person, not just the disease, is something that sets Kootenai Health’s program apart. “Patients should also be looking for a center that can provide wraparound services that go along with cancer care: social workers, dietitians, financial counselors and (of course) compassionate nurses. We have this diverse staff who are able to meet all of the needs of our patients and plan for challenges before they arise,” Dr. White said. “A new diagnosis of breast cancer is scary and stressful. Meeting the NAPBC and Commission on Cancer standards means we meet and exceed national targets. And these best- practice processes lead to better outcomes for our patients, which is what we strive for every day.” Paul White, M.D. Cancer Services ProgramAccreditations KH . ORG 15