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Dickinson Hematology /Oncology Clinic receives National Recognition for Quality

IRON MOUNTAIN – Dickinson Hematology / Oncology Clinic has received re-certification by the Quality Oncology Practice initiative
(QOPI) Certification Program, providing a three-year certification for outpatient hematology / oncology practices
that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care.

Dickinson Hematology / Oncology Clinic first achieved QOPI Certification in May 2017. In applying for recertification,
the clinic had to again meet the program’s requirements, which include participating in a voluntary
comprehensive site assessment against clearly specified standards that are consistent with national guidelines and
being successful in meeting the standards and objectives of the QOPI Certification Program.

“Practices that re-certify demonstrate passion for quality care,” said Association Chair Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD,
FACS, FASCO. “By opting to dedicate time and resources toward this certification, they exemplify what all providers
should strive for, in not just meeting guidelines and standards, but exceeding them.”

One QOPI measure is related to the psychosocial needs of the patient. Practices identify psychosocial needs and
then develop and implement a plan to provide personalized information, strategies to address needs, provide
emotional support, help manage health and illness, and then follow-up and re-evaluate. “It is extremely important
that assessments of well-being are undertaken at regular intervals because this is an important aspect of quality
care. Dr. Morel and the DCHS Oncology team have embraced the recommendations to provide a higher quality of
care to the clinic’s cancer patients,” said Melissa Hall, Cancer Center Manager.

To become certified, practices have to submit to a practice-wide evaluation of their documentation standards. The
QOPI Certification Program staff and steering group members then verify through on-site inspection 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