CEDAR RAPIDS—February 16, 2011—Iowa Blood & Cancer Care of Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa has become the first oncology practice in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor, and the third in the State of Iowa, to be recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).  The QOPI® Certification Program is a new initiative to certify oncology practices that meet rigorous standards for high-quality cancer care.

“Our physicians, nurses and staff are extremely honored to be recognized for leading the way in quality cancer care. This certification from ASCO and QOPI, underscores our focus on providing the highest level of care for our patients,” said Thomas L. Warren, MD, department head of Iowa Blood & Cancer Care of Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa.

“Increasingly, educated patients and families demand accountability and the highest standards from cancer care providers,” said Douglas W. Blayney, MD, immediate past president of ASCO. “The QOPI certification will allow oncologists in the community to be at the forefront of cancer care, and to be recognized for their quality. The Certification Program will help practices determine whether they are providing the best treatment and care possible to their patients, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement in the hematology-oncology outpatient practice.”

QOPI is a voluntary, self-assessment and quality improvement program for hematology-oncology practices to assess the standard of the care provided to patients. Following participation in the program, practices can apply for certification.  Iowa Blood & Cancer Care of Physicians' Clinic of Iowa has become the 58th practice in the nation to receive the inaugural certification. More than 650 oncology practices have registered in the QOPI program.

# # #

About Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Cancer Services:
Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa is home to the areas largest group of board certified medical and surgical oncology providers.  Cancer services include screening, diagnostic testing and imaging, surgery, education, support and counseling, chemotherapy infusion center, and clinical trials.  PCI physicians manage care for thousands of patients each year with blood, breast, gastrointestinal, head and neck, lung, prostate and urologic cancers.  Both Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital provide inpatient support services for PCI physicians and their patients.

About Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa:
Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, founded in Cedar Rapids in 1997, is one of the largest, private, multispecialty medical groups in Iowa. More than 75 board certified physicians, surgeons, and mid-level providers offer high quality medical care to eastern Iowa communities. For more information, visit www.pcofiowa.com.

About ASCO:
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With nearly 30,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.Cancer.Net.