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June 25, 2009

Cambridge Breast Center Receives National Accreditation

First breast center in Mass. to earn NAPBC designation

Cambridge, MA…Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) announced today that the Cambridge Breast Center, based at CHA's Cambridge Hospital campus, is the first breast center in Massachusetts to be endorsed by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

The designation, the highest national recognition for breast health services, signals the Center's firm commitment to offer patients every significant advantage in the battle against breast disease.

"Every CHA patient, provider, staff member, and stakeholder should feel genuine pride that our Cambridge Breast Center is the first and only program currently accredited in Massachusetts," said Steven Schwaitzberg, MD, FACS, CHA's Chief of Surgery. "It is a testimony to our organization and quality of care."

Each year, nearly 250,000 new cases of breast cancer occur in U.S. women. The Center employs a coordinated team approach to treatment, bringing together experts across disciplines including surgery, oncology, radiology, nursing, and social work to meet the individual health needs of women.

Every breast lump or abnormal mammogram is viewed as a "medical emergency" that warrants immediate attention. Extensive breast imaging services are available, including digital mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI, and stereotactic biopsy. Next-day screening mammography appointments are offered. Additionally, the Center has trilingual patient navigators who coordinate care, provide support, and help patients navigate the complexities of modern cancer treatment.

"Women who come through our doors find a state-of-the-art facility that cares for all forms of breast disease," said Michael Wertheimer, MD, FACS, Director of the Cambridge Breast Center and Associate Chief of Surgery at CHA. "While many centers excel at certain facets of care, we believe that our commitment to care coordination, 'concierge-style' access, customer service, and communication makes the difference for patients and families."

Accreditation by the NAPBC, which is part of the American College of Surgeons, is awarded to centers that provide the highest level of quality breast care and undergo a rigorous evaluation and review process. During the survey, the center must comply 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.

The Cambridge Breast Center receives support from the AVON Foundation for Women. In addition to the Cambridge site, the Center has a satellite office at CHA's Whidden Hospital campus in Everett. To learn more call 617-665-2001 or visit www.challiance.org/breastcenter.

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 15 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care.

Cambridge Health Alliance is an innovative, award-winning health system that provides high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston's metro-north communities. It includes three hospital campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices, the Cambridge Public Health Dept., and the Network Health plan. CHA is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Tufts University School of Medicine. Visit us online at www.challiance.org.

Media Contact

David Cecere
Media Relations Manager
Phone: 617-503-8428
Cell: 617-921-9613
Pager: 617-546-1879
dcecere@challiance.org