Franciscan Health's Rectal Cancer Program In Central Indiana Earns National Accreditation

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Franciscan Health hospitals in Indianapolis and Mooresville have earned a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons.

To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal center demonstrates compliance with the NAPRC standards that look at program management, clinical services and quality improvement. This includes establishment of a rectal cancer multidisciplinary team with clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.

In addition, the program met standards addressing the clinical services that the rectal cancer program provides, including Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA testing), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) imaging for cancer staging. Dedicated radiologists ensure that MRI quality, protocols and reporting are all performed to guidelines. The most important standard is ensuring that the surgery follows proper technique and is then confirmed by specimen photography and pathology analysis.

"The NAPRC accreditation was the next step to formalizing our rectal cancer clinic," said colorectal surgeon Dipen Maun, MD, a member of Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Colorectal Specialists. "We have a multidisciplinary team of colorectal surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and rectal nurse navigator that meets regularly to review every aspect of the patient’s treatment plan. This improves communication and the patient can be confident that all eyes are on them and know they are receiving the most personalized plan."

"I am very proud of the work of our colorectal cancer team. Franciscan Health is a national leader in rectal cancer care," said Peter Garrett, MD, radiation oncologist and medical director at Franciscan Health Cancer Center. "This designation demonstrates to our patients and physician partners that Franciscan Health is committed to track data and ensure adherence to national guidelines in the treatment of rectal cancer."

There are only 19 rectal cancer programs currently accredited in the United States, and Franciscan Health is the first and only accredited institution in Indiana for rectal cancer care. Franciscan Health also supports the only accredited residency program for training colorectal surgeons in Indiana, displaying commitment to both academic and clinical excellence.

To learn more about the rectal cancer clinic, call 317-528-1420.