Antelope Valley Medical Center’s Cancer Center Earns National Accreditation

(LANCASTER, Calif.) — The cancer program at Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) has earned a three-year accreditation as a National Comprehensive Community Cancer Center from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a multidisciplinary program of the American College of Surgeons. AVMC is the only hospital in the area to receive this accreditation.

To earn CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 specific quality care standards, be re-evaluated every three years, and maintain excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered cancer care. The intensive evaluation process to attain accreditation included an on-site review by a physician surveyor who assessed AVMC’s compliance with stringent standards pertaining to cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, community outreach and quality improvement.

AVMC takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer relying on the expertise and coordination of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists. Their collaboration results in improved patient care and better outcomes.

“The Commission on Cancer accreditation for our program is a tribute to the dedication and skill of the physicians and staff at Antelope Valley Medical Center,” said AVMC Cancer Program Coordinator Patricia Karnstedt, RN, MSN, OCN. “This accreditation signifies that our patients are receiving the highest quality care and compassionate support for themselves and their families.”

Accreditation is granted only to cancer treatment facilities that deliver quality patient care through a variety of cancer-related programs focusing on prevention, screening, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care. CoC-accredited programs offer access to information on clinical trials and new treatments; genetic counseling; and such patient-centered services as psycho-social support, a patient navigator, and a survivorship care plan that documents the care each patient receives and seeks to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.

Dr. Lily Lai, a surgical oncologist with City of Hope and chair of AVMC’s cancer committee, commended the team for their efforts to attain this accreditation, “While cancer is something we all hope to never face, I am proud to be part of such a highly esteemed center and work with some of the industry’s top professionals.” Co-chair Dr. Mukund Shah, an oncologist with the Antelope Valley Cancer Center, added, “The cancer care that patients receive here at AVMC is comparable to some of the nation’s most prestigious organizations because of the dedication and expertise of the entire team.”

AVMC offers the latest technology in diagnosing and treating cancer, including robotic surgery. AVMC provides staff nurses who are certified by the Oncology Nursing Society in the administration of chemotherapy and specialized care for oncology patients. Its partnerships with the leading medical groups in the Antelope Valley ensure that local residents have access to the best cancer care close to home. Partners include the City of Hope, Antelope Valley Cancer Center, High Desert Medical Group, High Desert Regional Health Center and Kaiser Permanente. To find out more about AVMC’s cancer program, visit https://www.AVMC.org/Services/CancerCare.

About Antelope Valley Medical Center

Antelope Valley Medical Center, a 420-bed district hospital located in the city of Lancaster in northern Los Angeles County, has been serving the community for more than 60 years. The area’s only full-service hospital, AVMC provides a full array of medical/surgical services, pediatric treatment, NICU, mental health, cancer care and more. It is a Level II trauma center, Accredited Chest Pain Center and Advanced Primary Stroke Center. More information is available at www.AVMC.org or by calling 661-949-5000. Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/antelopevalleyhospital/.