Portland, MAINE - Breast Care Specialists of Maine, a department of Mercy Hospital, has received a full, three-year accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), which is administered by the American College of Surgeons. Only breast centers that provide the highest level of diagnosis and treatment nationally are eligible for the distinction.

NAPBC accreditation was granted to Breast Care Specialists of Maine, after the program volunteered to undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with NAPBC's standards. The review found Breast Care Specialists of Maine to be 100 percent compliant in all areas.

"This accreditation is a validation of the expertise and level of professionalism that our staff brings to work each day," said Dr. Melinda Molin, director of the center. "We are honored to be recognized as one of the best breast care centers in the country. The accreditation shows that our clinical ability is every bit as strong as our concern for patients as individuals."

Inspectors from the NAPBC consider six broad areas, when they look at whether to provide accreditation: Center Leadership, Clinical Management, Research, Community Outreach, Professional Education and Quality Improvement. Within those broad areas, the center must meet 27 specific standards, such as how they help patients through the process, conduct and manage diagnostic tests and constantly seek to improve the quality of their work.

Located at new offices in the Fore River Medical Building of Mercy Hospital, Breast Care Specialists of Maine offers accurate consultation and compassionate treatment for benign and malignant breast conditions. Patients have access to:

* The complete spectrum of breast care services, from regular screenings and diagnostic testing to help in preparing for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments. Services include digital mammography, breast ultrasound, BRCA Genetic Testing, Stereotactic Biopsy, Breast MRI, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and access to clinical trials. There is coordinated care with off-site radiation oncologists, as well as plastic surgeons.
* A team of leading medical professionals. This includes Dr. Molin, who was recently recognized as a Great Woman of Maine for her pioneering work in improving breast care treatment statewide and Dr. Suzanne Hoekstra, who has achieved a Mastery of Breast Surgery distinction through the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

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