Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY Receives Recognition for High-Quality Cancer Care from Largest Cancer Care Society in United States

Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) has been recognized by the QOPI® Certification Program LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®), as successfully completing a three-year certification program for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care. The Certification Program builds on ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®).

“Our mission is to provide the highest level of quality care in a healing environment for the mind, body and spirit of patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders,” explains Daniel Bingham, MD, HOA Board President."Renewing our QOPI certification re-affirms our commitment to excellence, and demonstrates how our team goes the extra mile to achieve the best possible outcome for every patient."

HOA is the only cancer center in Central New York with the QOPI® designation, and only one of 11 in New York State.QOPI®certified practicesroutinely evaluate practice performance against quality measures and standards established by experts in the oncology field.

To become QOPI®Certified, practices have to submit to an evaluation of their entire practice anddocumentation standards. The QOPI® Certification Program staff and committee members then verify through an on-site survey that the evaluation and documents are correct and that the practices met core standards in areas of treatment, including:

• Creating a safe environment—staffing, competencies, and general policy
• Treatment planning, patient consent, and education
• Ordering, preparing, dispensing, and administering chemotherapy
• Monitoring after chemotherapy is administered, including adherence, toxicity, and complications
• Treatment planning
• Staff training and education
• Chemotherapy orders and drug preparation
• Patient consent and education
• Safe chemotherapy administration
• Monitoring and assessment of patient well-being

“Through these challenging times, practices have persevered and risen above to provide the highest quality of care possible,” said Association Chair Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO. “With the dedication of practices like these, we get one step closer to conquering cancer.”

According to ASCO, practices participating in the QOPI Certification Program not only receive detailed reports to benchmark against other top-performing practices, but also learn from certification staff and surveyors to support and strengthen the effectiveness of policies and procedures. The certification process creates a culture of excellence and self-examination that helps practices deliver the best care to their patients. By becoming QOPI Certified, a practice demonstrates its commitment to quality to patients, insurance providers, and the medical community.

About Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY(HOA)

HOA is a private, community cancer center established in 1982 with a vision to serve the community by providing the highest level of quality care to patientsdealing with cancer and blood disorders. With locations in Auburn, Camillus, East Syracuse and Syracuse, HOA continues that vision with a multi-faceted team dedicated to holistic, patient-centered care. The only cancer practice in CNY Certified for Quality by The American Society of Clinical Oncology, HOA also serves as an oncology medical home. For more information, visit hoacny.com.

About ASCO

Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) is committed to making a world of difference in cancer care. As the world's leading organization of its kind, ASCO represents nearly 45,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of the highest-quality patient care, ASCO works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. ASCO's Conquer Cancer Foundation supports the Society by funding groundbreaking research and education across cancer's full continuum.