Crystal Run Healthcare announced today that it has earned the American College of Radiology (ACR) Lung Cancer Screening Center designation. The designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practicing safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer. Crystal Run is the only facility in Sullivan and Rockland Counties and one of two facilities in Orange County to earn this accreditation.
In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography (CT) in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Additionally, Crystal Run has demonstrated it has the required procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.
“Crystal Run is proud to offer our patients the only ACR-Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center in Sullivan County and Rockland County and one of only two in Orange County. Lung cancer screening is recommended for certain active and former smokers by the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) because early detection has been shown to improve outcomes. I would encourage any current and former smoker to speak with their doctor about whether or not they quality for this important test,” said Scott Hines, MD, Chief Quality Officer at Crystal Run Healthcare.
Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In December 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.
For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit: acr.org/Quality-Safety/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center.