West Clinic Named Among First Oncology Practices in U.S. to Receive ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The West Clinic, a world-class center of excellence in oncology, hematology, radiology and other advanced medical care, announced today that it has been named among the first community oncology practices in the U.S. to receive the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification, achieving rigorous standards for high-quality cancer care.  

According to Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, Medical Director, "West Clinic is committed to providing the highest quality cancer care and continues to be a demonstrated leader in the quality movement in oncology.  We are pleased to receive ASCO's QOPI certification representing a new standard of excellence in cancer care. Payors, employers, and patients are looking for meaningful indicators that an oncology practice is delivering high quality care."

QOPI participation is the first step to achieving QOPI Certification. It is a voluntary, self-assessment program to enable hematology-oncology and medical oncology practices to assess the quality of care they provide. Quality metrics are assessed in a broad array of areas including documentation; communication; delivery of chemotherapy; appropriateness of drug selection; and attention to supportive care, patient-related outcomes, survivorship, and end of life issues. Practices participating in the fall 2009 were the first practices eligible to receive certification in 2010. The certification process included meeting a further set of structural quality standards and included a site-visit to the practice to confirm that best practices were being used.

QOPI measures quality where cancer care services are delivered.  The measures are evidence-based, peer developed, relevant to practices, and methodologically sound.  The program allows practices to look at themselves and their processes comprehensively to address any weaknesses.

About The West Clinic

The West Clinic is the Mid-South's premier provider of multidisciplinary cancer care with 31 specialty providers in medical oncology, hematology, gynecologic oncology, diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, endocrinology, rheumatology, pain & palliative care, internal medicine, and psychology. West Clinic currently has eight clinics in Memphis, the Mid-South, and North Mississippi. As a nationally-recognized leader in cancer research, West Clinic has consistently been one of the first centers nationally to gain experience with most of the major advances in adult cancer. For additional information visit www.westclinic.com.

About ASCO

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 28,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs, and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.Cancer.Net.

For additional information please contact Deborah Coble, 901-683-0055 ext. 1312.

SOURCE The West Clinic