^

Practice Support

Section Menu  

 

APEx Self-Assessment

APEx is Designed for Excellence

When asking about APEx, a common question from radiation oncology practices is, what’s the difference between APEx and other radiation oncology accreditation programs?

There are a few differences, but the most important one is APEx’s unique focus on practice improvement through its structured Self-Assessment.

Why the Self-Assessment Matters

APEx Self-Assessment Drives Improvement before the Facility Visit

While other programs provide broad or modality-focused accreditation, APEx is tailored to modern radiation oncology practices. Its strength lies in supporting teamwork and ensuring patient-centered care through an objective self-evaluation.

Built on the PDSA methodology (Plan, Do, Study, Act) the APEx Self-Assessment is a systematic approach for radiation oncology staff to evaluate their processes, implement changes, measure results and refine workflows for sustained excellence before the APEx Surveyors even begin their review.


Geraldine JacobsonThe process itself elevated our quality. The accreditation just confirmed it.
— Minesh P. Mehta, MD,
Miami Cancer Institute
  SAimprovement

Click to enlarge

By turning insights into actionable improvements, the Self-Assessment transforms accreditation from a checklist exercise into a meaningful, practice-enhancing experience.

The graph shows examples of improvement from the Self-Assessment. Across all four quality examples, performance increases from the Self-Assessment. This demonstrates how the structured APEx process removes uncertainty and allows the practice the opportunity to drive their own continuous quality improvement.

Doing the self-evaluation before the on-site review was very helpful and allowed us to improve throughout the process.
Program evaluation response

 

The impact of the Self-Assessment is that 71% of APEx applicants receive full accreditation from the start.

APEx applicants can enter the accreditation process with confidence that their practice will emerge stronger after the process.

Determination graphic

Click to enlarge

Geraldine JacobsonProbably the greatest benefit of all is APEx’s Self-Assessment because it offers self-reflection and a chance to look at our roles in the radiation therapy process.
— Adam Dicker, MD, PhD
Jefferson Health

 

Resources and Next Steps

APEx helps radiation oncology practices improve quality, safety and patient care, setting the standard for excellence in the field.

Copyright © 2025 American Society for Radiation Oncology