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Rating Methodology

Our objective, transparent rating system helps you understand treatment center quality based on verifiable facts, not opinions.

How We Rate Treatment Centers

Every treatment center receives a score from 60-98 points based on five key quality indicators. All centers start with a base score of 60 points (representing basic cancer care capability), then earn additional points across five categories. The maximum score is capped at 98 to ensure even the best centers have room for continuous improvement.

Why This Matters

Our ratings are based solely on objective, verifiable data that reflects a center's capabilities and recognition. This helps you make informed decisions based on facts, not marketing.

Rating Scale:

90-98
Exceptional Care
80-89
High-Quality Care
70-79
Standard Care
60-69
Basic Care

Excellence & Recognition

0-25 points

Official designations and accreditations that demonstrate a center's commitment to the highest standards of care.

NCI-Designated Cancer Center +15 points

Designated by the National Cancer Institute as meeting rigorous standards for world-class cancer research and care. These centers are leaders in advancing cancer treatment.

Magnet Hospital Recognition +5 points

The highest credential for nursing excellence, awarded to hospitals with exceptional patient care and nursing practices.

Joint Commission Accredited +5 points

National accreditation demonstrating compliance with healthcare quality and safety standards.

Research & Innovation

0-20 points

Access to cutting-edge treatments through clinical trials and research programs.

Clinical Trials Available +10 points

Offers access to experimental treatments and newest therapies through active clinical trials.

Active Trials Count +1 point per 10 trials (max +10)

More trials mean more treatment options. Centers with 100+ trials earn the maximum 10 points.

Example: 47 trials = +4 points, 150 trials = +10 points

Experience & Stability

0-10 points

Years of experience treating cancer patients, demonstrating established expertise.

Years in Operation +1 point per 10 years (max +10)

Longer-established centers have refined their processes and built deep expertise.

20+ years = +2 points, 50+ years = +5 points, 100+ years = +10 points

Treatment Breadth

0-10 points

Range of treatment options available, from conventional to holistic approaches.

Conventional Treatments +1 point each (max +5)

Available treatment modalities: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy

More options mean you can receive coordinated, comprehensive care at one location.

Holistic Care Available +5 points

Offers complementary therapies like nutrition, mind-body medicine, and integrative approaches for whole-person care.

Patient Support

0-10 points

Services that help patients navigate treatment and manage the financial and emotional aspects of care.

Financial Assistance Available +5 points

Offers programs to help patients afford care, including payment plans and assistance programs.

Comprehensive Supportive Care +5 points

Provides at least 5 of these essential services: Palliative Care, Pain Management, Nutrition Support, Counseling, Social Work, Spiritual Care, Survivorship Programs

These services improve quality of life during and after treatment.

Example: How a Top Center Earns Its Rating

Let's look at a hypothetical comprehensive cancer center to understand how the rating works:

Major Academic Medical Center - Example Calculation

Base Score (all centers start here)60 points
Excellence: NCI-Designated (15) + Magnet (5) + JC (5)+25 points
Research: Clinical Trials (10) + 80 Active Trials (8)+18 points
Experience: 75 years in operation+7 points
Treatments: 5 Conventional (5) + Holistic (5)+10 points
Support: Financial Aid (5) + Full Services (5)+10 points
Total Score130 → 98 (capped)
Grade: Exceptional Care

Note: Scores are capped at 98 points. This ensures that even the highest-performing centers have room for continuous improvement and maintains realistic expectations for excellence in cancer care.

Why Our Rating System Works

Transparent

You see exactly how each score is calculated

Objective

Based on verifiable facts, not opinions

Fair

All centers evaluated by the same criteria

Educational

Helps you understand quality indicators

Questions About Our Ratings?

Our rating system is designed to help you make informed decisions about your cancer care. Each center's profile page shows a detailed breakdown of how their rating is calculated.

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