Crozer Health Breast Health Programs Earn Re-accreditation and Commendation

Breast Health Services at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and the Center for Breast Health at Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) were recently re-accredited for three years after they were reviewed by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Accreditation from the NAPBC represents the seal of approval from the American College of Surgeons. Both centers are part of Crozer Health.

According to NAPBC, the agency challenges breast cancer centers to enhance the care they provide by addressing patient-centered needs and measuring the quality of the care they deliver against national standards. Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and undergo a rigorous evaluation process.

“The NAPBC witnessed first-hand how proud and committed we are in caring for this community,” says Mary Lou Patton, M.D., FACS, medical director of the program at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. “I see it every day. The fierce loyalty this team has for its mission drives our success in program accreditation and clinical outcomes.”

According to the NAPBC surveyors, “This well-organized breast center has had the benefit of the long-standing, experienced leadership of breast surgeon Dr. Mary Lou Patton, who has been at this facility for 35 years.” The survey summary indicated, “The team is eager to update and constantly improve […and is] determined to provide and document excellent high quality, multidisciplinary care, and are deservedly proud of their success.”

Andrea Porpiglia, M.D., M.S.

Andrea Porpiglia, M.D., M.S., medical director of the DCMH breast health program says “It’s very rewarding when an outside organization recognizes the quality of our work. The breast health team at DCMH is confident in its efforts, but to hear the NAPBC say this is an excellent center fuels our passion to guide women through their journey with breast disease.”

The NAPBC surveyor commented about DCMH: “Excellent center! Although challenged by nearby large competitors, a significant uninsured population, recent changes in staffing…etc., this center has succeeded in meeting or exceeding every NAPBC standard. The team members are enthusiastic, take pride in their work and facility, and truly care about providing top notch service to their patients.”

The DCMH program includes services offered at Crozer Health at Broomall. The Crozer-Chester program includes services offered at Crozer Brinton Lake, Springfield Hospital and Taylor Hospital.

During the survey process, each center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in the areas of center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes of patients with diseases of the breast. This mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. Its board membership includes professionals from 20 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care.

For more information about the NAPBC, go to their website.