Lexington Medical Center Receives Prestigious Breast Cancer Accreditation

Posted by: Jennifer Wilson, Public Relations Manager | August 06, 2010

West Columbia, S.C. – Lexington Medical Center has received a prestigious accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The organization is praising Lexington Medical Center for its commitment to providing the highest quality evaluation and management of patients with breast disease.

The NAPBC measured Lexington Medical Center’s breast cancer program by looking at 27 standards of care established by the NAPBC that collectively provide the most efficient and contemporary care available for patients. 

“We’ve always felt we provide stellar breast cancer care,” said Deirdre Young, manager for cancer programs at Lexington Medical Center. “This is another measure of excellence that people in our community can see.”

The measured standards in the accreditation process included the presence of board-certified surgeons and oncologists, nurse navigators, digital mammography, breast MRI, support programs and services, community outreach and clinical trials. Lexington Medical Center applied to be surveyed for accreditation because the hospital wants to ensure it is providing the highest level of care possible for breast cancer, a disease that affects approximately 1 in 8 women. Currently, only seven hospitals in South Carolina have the NAPBC accreditation.

“Congratulations on your center’s dedication to the care of your patients,” said Scott Kurtzman, MD, chairman of the NAPBC Standards and Accreditation Committee in a letter to Lexington Medical Center.

Lexington Medical Center’s breast program is also accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Lexington Medical Center has four Women’s Imaging Centers and a state-of-the-art digital mobile mammography van that travels throughout the Midlands. Through an innovative program known as "Five Day Detection to Diagnosis,” Lexington Medical Center provides answers about the health of a woman’s breast within five days after detection of a lump or abnormality. Lexington Medical Center works closely with women and their families throughout cancer treatment. “Becky’s Place” is a boutique located inside the hospital that offers wigs, mastectomy bras and prostheses. Breast cancer patients also receive the assistance of a nurse navigator who provides education and emotional support.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lexington Medical Center will hold one of its largest events of the year, Women’s Night Out, on October 12^th. Women’s Night Out is a silent auction, dinner and talk by a breast cancer survivor that honors patients and their families. Proceeds benefit Lexington Medical Center’s Cancer Care Fund, designed to help cancer patients in need. 

For more information, visit www.lexmed.com

About Lexington Medical Center

Lexington Medical Center, in West Columbia, S.C., anchors a county-wide health care network that includes six community medical centers throughout Lexington County and employs a staff of 5,200 health care professionals. The network also includes the largest extended care facility in the Carolinas, two occupational health centers and more than 40 physician practices. At its heart is the 414-bed state-of-the-art Lexington Medical Center, with a reputation for the highest quality care. Lexington Medical Center won "Best Hospital" by readers of The State for ten years in a row, "Best Hospital" by readers of the Free Times, "Best Place to Have a Baby" by readers of Palmetto Parent, the "Consumer Choice Award" from the National Research Corporation and the prestigious "Summit Award" from Press Ganey.