Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Accreditation Program
Introduction
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Accreditation Program offers physicians the opportunity for peer review and evaluation of their qualifications to perform stereotactic breast biopsy’s in an independent or collaborative setting, and for the facility's staff qualifications, equipment, quality control and quality assurance programs, image quality, and breast dose to be evaluated.
This voluntary program is a collaboration between the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Radiology (ACR). The general fee is $1,600 which includes ACS verification of credentials for the surgical staff performing stereotactic breast biopsies in an independent or collaborative setting, and review of the breast biopsy unit by the ACR. A fee of $1,400 is required for each additional unit being reviewed.
The impetus for the program came as a result of the concerns of radiologists, surgeons, other national medical organizations, the government, and the public that qualified personnel perform stereotactic breast biopsies using appropriate equipment to ensure that women receive optimum tissue sampling with the lowest possible risk.
Application for Accreditation
Step 1 - Review the Physician Qualifications for Stereotactic Breast Biopsy and select the model and related requirements that best represent the practice setting.
If the model of practice for the performance of stereotactic breast biopsy includes a surgeon practicing independently, then one of the requirements includes four hours of Category 1 CME in medical radiation physics. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer offers an online course through its Online Education Portal to support this requirement.
The series is in four parts. It is $50 per program or $200 for the series. The topics include:
- Radiation Dose, Risk and Safety for Surgeons
- Image Quality in Screen-Film Mammography
- Digital Imaging for Mammography and Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Quality Control for Surgeons
Step 2 - Complete and submit the following documents to the ACS:
- Physician Qualification Entry Application Form (35K PDF) for the surgeon.
- Verification Checklist (30K PDF) and supporting CME documentation.
Submit documentation to:
Connie Bura
Cancer Programs
American College of Surgeons
633 North Saint Clair Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Or via e-mail to cbura@facs.org
Step 3 - The ACS will review the materials for completeness and determine if the physician(s) requesting verification of credentials have met the qualifications to perform stereotactic breast biopsies in an independent or collaborative setting.
Step 4 - If approved, notification will be sent with a request to complete and submit the following documents to ACS:
These documents will need to be accompanied by a check made out the American College of Surgeons in the amount of $1,600/$1,400 for each additional unit.
Submit documentation and payment to:
Connie Bura
Cancer Programs
American College of Surgeons
633 North Saint Clair Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Or via e-mail to cbura@facs.org
Step 5 – All documentation is then forwarded to the ACR and they will schedule the evaluation of stereotactic breast biopsy unit.
Step 6 - When all stages of the evaluation are completed, a final report that includes specific assessments and recommendations will be issued. Those facilities successfully meeting all of the criteria will be awarded a three-year accreditation, a certificate and machine label for each accredited stereotactic unit. For those facilities that do not meet the criteria, specific recommendations for improvement will be made. These recommendations should provide guidance so that a facility can meet the criteria upon re-application.
To receive a complete program packet of the documents referenced above, or for additional questions about the program, please contact Connie Bura at the American College of Surgeons at 312-202-5290 or via email at cbura@facs.org.
Revised May 16, 2011