Ocala, Fl (352today.com) —HCA Florida Ocala Hospital has been named a Center of Excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) for its ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care to the Ocala community and the surrounding area. The designations provide access to testing for patients with certain tumors to determine suitability for personalized, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, as well as providing a robust lung nodule program that is instrumental in early detection of lung cancer, giving patients the best possible outcome.
“HCA Florida Ocala Hospital is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “We are thrilled to be part of this elite network, setting an example for responsible treatment and care practices across the country and helping people diagnosed with lung cancer in our community live longer, higher-quality lives.”
An estimated 237,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer annually, and while it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths, lung cancer survival rates are growing at a rapid pace thanks to early detection and the availability of new, groundbreaking treatments for people diagnosed with the disease.
“We are proud to have HCA Florida Ocala Hospital among the community of GO2 for Lung Cancer Centers of Excellence that is national in scope and local in impact,” said GO2 Chief Healthcare Delivery Officer Joelle Fathi. “Across the U.S., the majority of people at risk for or living with lung cancer are served by a local community hospital near their home. Through the GO2 COE network of community hospitals, clinics, and academic and VA medical centers, we are fostering and supporting essential knowledge sharing and collaboration that brings national and global advancements in early detection, treatment and care close to home.”
GO2 Centers of Excellence in Biomarker Testing are dedicated to offering guideline-directed testing to assess patients’ suitability for targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Through the use of advanced next-generation sequencing technology, they provide precise, personalized treatment strategies, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.
Centers of Excellence in Incidental Pulmonary Nodules provide a structured program that captures incidentally found lung nodules from imaging, with a standardized process for patient follow-up and reporting across the health system.
In addition to receiving this newly awarded designation as a Center of Excellence in Biomarker Testing and Center of Excellence in Incidental Pulmonary Nodules, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital is also recognized by GO2 as a Center of Excellence in Cancer Care and Lung Cancer Screening:
- Cancer Care, for demonstrating access to standard cancer services within medical, radiation, and surgical oncology and pathology.
- Lung Cancer Screening, for implementing a structured low-dose CT screening program that adheres to NCCN, USPSTF, or CMS criteria and uses a standardized process to manage patient follow-through.
About HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital comprise a combined 545-bed hospital system, which also includes five freestanding emergency departments: HCA Florida Foxwood ER, on U.S. 27 northwest of Ocala; HCA Florida Silver Springs ER, on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala; HCA Florida Summerfield ER, on U.S. 441 in southern Marion County; HCA Florida Maricamp ER, on Maricamp Road in Ocala; and HCA Florida Trailwinds Village ER, in Wildwood. HCA Florida Ocala Hospital is verified as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, the highest possible designation. HCA Florida Ocala Hospital is also a Comprehensive Stroke Center and is the only cancer center in Marion County approved by the Commission on Cancer. Healthgrades has ranked the system among the 250 best overall hospitals in America as well as among the 50 best hospitals in the U.S. for surgical care and vascular surgery, and among the nation’s top 100 hospitals for joint replacement, orthopedic, prostate, and spinal surgeries. The system also has been nationally recognized for excellence in patient safety, cardiac services, critical and emergency care, and neurological and rehabilitation services. The system’s outpatient facilities also encompass Family Care Specialists, a primary care network of six locations throughout Marion County, HCA Florida Ocala Imaging Center, and three surgical and physician specialty practices.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
ABOUT GO2 FOR LUNG CANCER
GO2 for Lung Cancer relentlessly confronts lung cancer on every front, every day, for everyone. Founded by patients and survivors, GO2 is dedicated to increasing survival for those at risk, diagnosed and living with lung cancer. For more information visit go2.org, like us on Facebook/Instagram (@GO2forLungCancer) and follow us on Twitter (@go2forlungcancr) and LinkedIn (@go2forlungcancer).