Quality Assurance Programs

Accreditations

The department is recognized with accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR provides a third-party, impartial peer review and evaluation of patient care. Before granting accreditation, the ACR assesses quality and safety of patient care, documentation of policies and procedures, equipment maintenance, and treatment planning records for quality control and documentation.

Joint Commission

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. The Joint Commission conducts a survey every three years to assess an organization’s commitment to quality and safety. However, there may be adhoc (periodic) Joint Commission surveys conducted at any time. As Columbia University Irving Medical Center continues to partner with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (NYP), we strive to maintain 100% compliance with Joint Commission regulations.

Quality Assurance Processes Goals and Benchmarks

Before each patient begins treatment, there is a rigorous quality assurance and chart review process to ensure the patient’s treatment plan is accurate, verified, and ready for treatment. In addition, once treatment is underway, there is an ongoing series of balances and checks to make sure that treatment is delivered safely and accurately by our technology and staff. Our physicians engage in a weekly prospective peer review process to discuss and improve upon treatment plans. Our therapists and physicists conduct routine daily checks on our patient charts, CT simulations, siteset ups, in addition to our physics team conducting monthly and annual checks on all equipment to ensure its safety and accuracy.