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Program Updates


APEx is updated regularly to reflect advances in radiation oncology practice, technology and patient safety.

Significant program changes are communicated to enrolled practices at least 90 days before taking effect. 

What's New at APEx?

Enhanced APEx Portal

We've revamped the APEx Portal to be more efficient, making your accreditation process smoother than ever. Practices are reporting easier navigation, improved functionality and better access to key resources. One reaccredited facility shared:

"The new platform was straightforward and easy to use. I liked that it showed progress throughout the process, allowed you to save your work and pick it back up later, and displayed the submission date. It eliminated any questions we had about our application status."

Updated APEx Standards

Refined based on a decade of experience and the evolving radiation oncology landscape, the updated APEx Standards provide an even more comprehensive evaluation experience. Enhancements include documentation of prior radiation, expanded staffing considerations, and safe management of radioactive materials, among others.

Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) Designation

APEx now offers a radiopharmaceutical therapy-specific designation, giving practices an opportunity to enhance their services and gain recognition for their expertise in this rapidly growing field. Practices can choose to pursue RPT accreditation as a standalone offering or combine it with their broader APEx accreditation.

Enhanced Support and Resources

APEx is recognized for outstanding customer support, and we're expanding our resources to further assist you. The updated Standards Guide, available to APEx applicants, now has clearer recommendations and examples to help you meet your accreditation goals with greater ease. We also created quick explainer videos to help answer common questions.

Program Updates

May 2024: Updated Standards and Portal

As of May 2024, an updated APEx Standards Guide and new portal are available for use.

Affecting:
All facilities seeking reaccreditation.

September 2020: Updated Reaccreditation Guide
As of September 25, 2020, an updated version of the APEx Reaccreditation Guide has been released for facilities in the program to use.

Affecting:
All facilities seeking reaccreditation.
September 2020: Updated Self-Assessment Guide
As of September 25, 2020, an updated version of the APEx Self-Assessment Guide has been released for facilities in the program to use.

Affecting:
All facilities within the initial accreditation cycle.
August 2020: Addition of Evidence Indicator 2.4
As of September 25, 2020, Evidence Indicator 2.3 treatment prescription and treatment plan will no longer include evaluation of the treatment plan, but will evaluate the prescription. Treatment plan evaluation will be separated out into Evidence Indicator 2.4. The separation into 2.3 for the prescription and 2.4 for the treatment plan allows for more detailed evaluation of both criteria.

Affecting:
All facilities.
June 2020: Addition of Evidence Indicator 1.6.1
As of July 7, 2020, Evidence Indicator 1.6.1 on transferring of previous radiation therapy was added promote the creation of a standard process for transfer of care documents to a new provider and in emergency situations (i.e., patient treated at another ROP in the same area or clinical continuity of care transfer when treatment can no longer be given at the current ROP).

Affecting:
All facilities.
December 2019: Updated APEx Procedures
In December 2019, an updated version of the Accreditation Procedures was released. The changes made by the Accreditation Procedures became effective in January 2020.

Affecting:
All facilities.
October 2019: Release of Reaccreditation Guide
In October 2019, ASTRO released the Reaccreditation Guide for practices seeking reaccreditation through the APEx program.

Affecting:
All facilities seeking reaccreditation.
April 2019: Updated APEx Procedures
In April 2019, an updated version of the Accreditation Procedures was released. The changes made by the Accreditation Procedures became effective in May 2019.

Affecting:
All facilities.
March 2019: Updated Self-Assessment Guide
As of March 2019, an updated version of the Self-Assessment Guide has been released for facilities in the program to use.

Affecting:
All facilities.
June 2018: Accreditation Determination
As of July 30, 2018 Radiation Oncology Practices (ROPs) that participate in APEx as part of a multi-facility application will have their determination assessed as a single practice. This will result in one accreditation determination that will apply to the facilities in the group.

Affecting:
Multi-facility applicants.
June 2018: Program scoring
As of June 1, 2018, the following evidence indicators will be updated to Level 1 requirements. These include:
  • 2.1.1 Simulation directive
  • 2.2.1 Treatment planning directive
  • 6.1.2 Safe staffing plan
  • 7.3.1 Patient safety event reporting
Please see the APEx standards for details on the requirements for these evidence indicators.

Affecting:
All facilities.
January 2017: Survey team
All ROP survey teams will have a radiation oncologist and medical physicist as part of the survey team. For larger facilities or networks an additional physicist, radiation therapist or medical dosimetrist may be added to the team.

Affecting:
All facilities.
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