Radiation Oncology Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the program goals?
- How long has the ACR offered this program?
- Is an on-site survey performed?
- What happens during the on-site survey?
- What happens after the site survey is over?
- What are the benefits to my practice?
- Do patients really care or know about accreditation?
- How soon can my survey be scheduled?
- How soon will we receive the accreditation report?
- Who makes the recommendations and accreditation decision?
- What can my practice begin doing to prepare for an ACR accreditation survey?
- What are the costs of an accreditation survey?
- How do I start the survey process?
1. What are the program goals?
A: The goals of the program are to provide impartial, third-party peer review; to recognize quality radiation oncology practices through accreditation; to make recommendations for improvement in practice and patient outcomes according to the recognized standards of the scientific community; and to provide a referral list for patients.
2. How long has the ACR offered this program?
A: The program was established in 1986 as the logical extension of the Patterns of Care Study (PCS) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and administered by the American College of Radiology.
3. Is an on-site survey performed?
A: Yes. On site surveys are performed by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists. In addition, in order to verify that accredited facilities maintain consistent quality during the 3-year accreditation period, on site surveys may also be performed at any time during the accreditation period. Any facility chosen for a random on site survey will be notified in advance. There is no additional cost to the facility for the random survey.
4. What happens during the on-site survey?
A: During the on site review, the surveyors tour the facility; meet and interview the medical director, the chief of physics, and chief therapist and/or department manager; review 10 pre-selected patient records using ACR data collection forms, verify information submitted in the application and in the facility’s self-assessment peer review documents, review the facility’s quality assurance and improvement program, peer review activities and policies and procedures.
5. What happens after the site survey is over?
A: The medical director of the facility receives a detailed narrative report that includes tables comparing the facility’s staffing and equipment ratios to similar size and type ACR accredited facilities, comments and recommendations regarding the reviewed patient cases and, recommendations for improvement.
6. What are the benefits to my practice?
A: Benefits to the practice include: an objective peer review assessment of the practice; evidence through an external audit that demonstrates to referring physicians, patients, peers, regulatory agencies (some states require routine external audits) and payers, the facility’s commitment to quality care; and specific recommendations for improvement from experienced, practicing radiation oncologists and physicists. In addition, the peer review forms can be used by the facility as part of their continuing quality improvement activities. Some facilities use the survey report to support their requests for increased staffing and equipment improvements/replacements.
7. Do patients really care or know about accreditation?
A: In today's world, patients have access to a wealth of information and are very knowledgeable about health care issues. They are continually seeking high-quality, appropriate care. ACR accreditation is widely recognized as a measure of quality care and all accredited facilities are listed on the ACR web site.
8. How soon can my survey be scheduled?
A: A survey can usually be scheduled within 12-16 weeks after the completed application is submitted. The scheduled dates are based on the available dates submitted by the facility.
9. How soon will we receive the accreditation report?
A: On average, most facilities receive the final report within eight to twelve weeks after completion of the on site survey.
10. Who makes the recommendations and accreditation decision?
A: The surveyors act as data collectors only; all data from the application and the survey are compiled and submitted to the Committee on Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation who make the final recommendations regarding accreditation. This committee is composed of board certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who undergo special training in order to participate.
11. What can my practice begin doing to prepare for an ACR accreditation survey?
A: Review the ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards for Radiation Oncology on the ACR Web site at www.acr.org and the AAPM Task Group Reports (in particular TG-21, TG-51, TG-40, and TG-53) and incorporate these into your facility’s operational policies and procedures.
12. What are the costs of an accreditation survey?
A: The cost is $9,000.00 for a single site; additional sites are $2,500.00 each. Surveyors' expenses are included in the survey fee.
13. How do I start the survey process?
A: The medical director of the radiation oncology facility must request the survey by submitting a completed application and a signed survey agreement.
For more information or to request an application, please call the Radiation Oncology Accreditation Program at 800-770-0145 or e-mail rad-onc-accred@acr.org
