^
X
Professional Growth
Professional Tools
Astro Outreach

Daily Practice

Home / Daily Practice / APEx
Page Menu

APEX Related Links

Welcome to APEx

APEx in the COVID-19 Global Health Emergency - Update September 21

Thank you for your interest in APEx - Accreditation Program for Excellence®. The safety of our members and the patients you serve remains of utmost importance to us.

As states are continue to modify restrictions, ASTRO has carefully considered how to resume facility visits. If your practice’s facility visit has been on hold, we will be reaching out to you, where appropriate, to begin scheduling the surveyors based on your ability to receive visitors.

We continue to offer extensions to APEx-accredited practices who have completed the Self-Assessment before their expiration dates but whose facility visit cannot be accommodated during the public health emergency.

If you are thinking about applying for APEx, ASTRO staff is offering virtual office hours throughout the month of October. ASTRO staff will answer your questions about the program and help you get started. Schedule a meeting date and time now, and ASTRO staff will send a personalized link for your practice to join the discussion.

Also, ASTRO is offering a partial payment option ― with half the fee paid upon submission of the application and the balance due before finalizing your facility visit ― through the end of this year.

We hope you continue to stay well and look forward to serving you in the future.

“APEx is far more comprehensive, rigorous and radiation therapy-specific than any other accreditation program out there.” – Suneel Nagda, MD, University of Pennsylvania

Welcome to APEx, the practice accreditation program from the world’s premier radiation oncology society. ASTRO created this unique program to support quality improvement in radiation therapy practices. Facilities that obtain practice accreditation demonstrate the systems, personnel, policies and procedures needed to meet APEx standards for high quality patient care.

 

Why APEx Accreditation?

  • APEx is designed to promote that appropriate systems, consistent processes and documented policies are in place at your facility.
  • It focuses on the entire radiation oncology team, with an emphasis on understanding each team member's role in the patient care process.
  • The APEx process begins with a comprehensive self-assessment, allowing your practice to review compliance with evidence-based indicators and adjust as needed before the facility visit. 
  • The four-year accreditation cycle allows time for quality and process improvement and to evaluate the impact on your facility's safety processes and patient care.

What are the benefits to becoming an accredited facility?

  • It meets 15 improvement activities in Medicare’s Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
  • The APEx PQI template satisfies the American Board of Radiology’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Part 4 requirements. 
  • It satisfies the radiation therapy component for the Commission on Cancer (CoC) and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). 
  • It provides patients and caregivers with additional evidence of the standards of safety and care at your facility.

For specific questions on the program, please email APEx Support.

 

Facilities The ASTRO Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx) is an independent radiation oncology practice accreditation program that builds upon and integrates ASTRO's quality improvement initiatives.
APEx FAQs During the initial decision to pursue accreditation or while in progress, questions about the program may arise. See answers about APEx related to initial accreditation, reaccreditation and for select APEx Evidence Indicators.
Standards The APEx standards of performance are derived from evidence-based guidelines and consensus statements on practice for radiation oncology.
Updates As the APEx program promotes quality improvement and patient safety, ASTRO continuously assesses the program for any necessary changes and updates.
CLOSE