April 30, 2026
Denver Health has been awarded accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The designation recognizes Denver Health's Breast Care Center as meeting rigorous national standards for quality, multidisciplinary care, and patient outcomes.
In September 2025, Denver Health underwent an in-person site survey evaluating the Breast Program against more than 40 standards, including staff interviews, a facility tour, and a formal presentation. Following the review, the ACS granted full accreditation. The surveyor noted specific program strengths including "strong clinical staff," "resource center for patients," and administrative support. The accreditation covers the 2026-2028 cycle.
"I am extremely proud that Denver Health has received NAPBC accreditation from the American College of Surgeons," said Laura Leonard, MD, Director of Quality and Patient Safety and co-director of the Breast Care Center. "This accreditation signifies that our Breast Care Center delivers coordinated, multi-disciplinary that supports timely diagnoses, individualized treatment planning, and continuous quality improvement. For our patients, it means access to nationally recognized standards, integrated care teams, and supportive services such as patient navigation which help guide them through every step of their breast cancer journey. As a safety-net hospital, this achievement carries special meaning. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every patient, regardless of circumstance, has access to high-quality, evidence-based breast care close to home. This milestone reflects years of hard work and dedication by our entire multidisciplinary team."
"Breast accreditation aligns with all four of our department's vision pillars," said Fredric M. Pieracci, MD, MPH, Chair of Surgery at Denver Health. "It also aligns with the institutional mission to be the most trusted healthcare provider in Colorado. The impact of accreditation as a breast center on quality, patient outcomes, patient experience, and staff experience is well documented. Breast pathology also disproportionately impacts marginalized communities."
The accreditation is the result of a broad team effort spanning surgery, medicine, emergency medicine, radiology, pathology and laboratory services, and executive leadership.
"We have all been engaged in an ongoing and iterative effort to provide the highest quality of care for patients with breast cancer. The accreditation is a wonderful recognition of the care we are providing and will continue to provide for our patients," said Heather West, MD, Medical Oncologist and co-director of the Breast Care Center.
