Transitioning to APEx

Choosing the right accreditation program is an important decision. ASTRO has developed several resources to assist you as you consider ASTRO’s APEx - Accreditation Program for Excellence^® and to facilitate internal discussions within your practice about accreditation.

Unique Qualities of APEx: Key Highlights Explored provides an overview of what sets APEx apart from other accreditation programs. It highlights specific requirements within APEx, such as the culture of safety, intradisciplinary peer review for all professions and patient education/referrals. This document can help your practice make an informed decision as you review the unique benefits and features of APEx.

ASTRO has also created a library of presentation slides called Transitioning to APEx Accreditation that you can customize depending on your audience (e.g., administration, physics, etc.). These slides will help you effectively communicate the advantages of APEx to your team and address any questions they may have.

In addition to these resources, we offer opportunities to engage with professional peers and ASTRO staff:

1. Peer-to-peer meeting: Hearing from colleagues who have completed the APEx process can provide valuable insights. You can request a teleconference with a knowledgeable radiation oncology professional from your chosen discipline by completing the peer-to-peer request form. This meeting will allow you to ask specific questions and learn from their experiences.
2. APEx one-on-one interest meeting: Schedule a one-on-one session with ASTRO staff to discover how APEx can specifically benefit your practice. These meetings are free and typically take less than an hour. During the call, ASTRO staff will provide personalized information and guidance tailored to your practice’s needs and goals.

"I feel that this was more in-depth than [another accrediting body], but that is to be expected as ASTRO is RO-focused, whereas [others have] many different branches. I felt that our team learned a lot about ourselves, and we achieved all our accreditation goals. As a brand-new RO director (leading my first accreditation), I didn't realize the work needed to complete the process. In the end, it was great to see how our organization meets most of the APEx standards and I was thrilled when we gained full accreditation."  — Chris Channel, RT(T)  Director of Radiation & Imaging Services - Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY