significant milestones in patient care and quality assurance
Rigorous CAP Surveys and 7 Million Annual Labs Showcase Health First’s Commitment to Care
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Health First’s Cape Canaveral, Holmes Regional, Palm Bay, and Viera Hospitals have achieved significant milestones in patient care and quality assurance with the recent re-accreditation surveys conducted by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
A team of 17 inspectors, including representatives from CAP and HCA, meticulously reviewed 10,000 federal regulatory checklist items as part of the re-accreditation process. Inspectors evaluate every aspect of a laboratory’s operations, from testing procedures and equipment maintenance to record-keeping and staff training.
“CAP surveyed everything, from the way specimens are handled to the processes used for testing and equipment calibration,” said Mavis Masuecos, System Director of Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, and Lab Administration at Health First.
“The feedback from the inspectors was overwhelmingly positive. They were impressed with our team’s professionalism and the high standards of care we uphold.”
Dr. Alejandra Kalik, HCA Chief Physician and Lead Inspector shared glowing feedback, stating that the laboratories were “well-run and highly organized.” She commended the labs for their precision and efficiency, which she described as instrumental to the hospitals’ continued success in providing high-quality care to their patients.
“I am incredibly proud of our team,” said Masuecos. “They have shown unwavering commitment and dedication, ensuring that our laboratories continue to operate at the highest standards.”
This re-accreditation is a critical achievement that validates the hospital’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of healthcare across Brevard County. The recognition underscores not only the hospitals’ adherence to rigorous standards but also the dedication of the teams responsible for the exceptional care provided to the community.
A team of 425 dedicated laboratory professionals at Health First process over 7 million lab tests annually, across 17 locations in Brevard County, including nine high-complexity labs. Health First’s ability to consistently meet and exceed industry standards, while providing life-saving diagnostic services, has made the organization a leader in the region.
“The scope of testing we perform—ranging from basic screenings to complex diagnostic exams—ensures clinicians have the critical information needed to make informed decisions about patient care,” said Mike Mullowney, Health First Hospital Division President.
“Each test we process helps clinicians gain a deeper understanding of patient conditions, ensuring that care is not only efficient but also accurate and timely. This commitment is reflected in every action our teams take.”
Health First’s lab services go beyond routine testing. The tests processed each day are often the first step in understanding the underlying causes of a patient’s symptoms and determining the best path forward for treatment.
Whether it’s a routine blood test or a more specialized pathology review, these tests provide invaluable insights into a patient’s condition. For Health First, this level of service requires consistency, precision, and the ability to stay ahead of evolving medical standards.
Diagnostic testing plays a critical role in modern healthcare decision-making. Health First experts estimate that approximately 70 percent of clinical decisions are influenced by diagnostic test results. These tests are essential not only for diagnosing medical conditions but also for determining treatment plans, prescribing medications, and tracking patient progress over time. The ability to have access to reliable test results directly impacts the care provided to patients and influences the course of their recovery.
“Laboratories are at the heart of healthcare,” said Mullowney.
“Every test we process helps clinicians gain critical insights into patient conditions, ensuring that care is both efficient and accurate. This dedication is reflected in everything our teams do.”
Diagnostic tests are necessary for a wide range of medical conditions. From routine blood work that helps detect potential issues such as anemia or diabetes to more specialized tests that identify complex diseases, accurate results are essential for clinicians to provide the best possible care.
In addition, laboratory and pathology results generate 50–70 percent of all medical records in circulation. These results are integral to the comprehensive healthcare documentation of patients, guiding not just immediate care but long-term medical management.
This is why CAP surveys are so essential. CAP provides the standards by which laboratories are held accountable, ensuring they meet the highest quality standards in every aspect of their operations. CAP’s comprehensive surveys evaluate everything from specimen handling and testing procedures to equipment maintenance, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long emphasized the importance of laboratory professionals in clinical diagnostics, disease prevention, and public health surveillance. In its many statements, the CDC has highlighted how integral these professionals are to the accuracy of diagnoses and the implementation of public health measures.
The CDC said that laboratory professionals are an essential part of the healthcare system and their work in diagnostics and disease prevention ensures the safety and well-being of patients across the nation.
Health First’s laboratory professionals continue to be at the forefront of providing life-saving diagnostic information that influences healthcare decisions. Their exceptional work helps safeguard public health by enabling faster diagnoses, providing early detection of diseases, and guiding treatment decisions that ultimately improve patient outcomes.
The re-accreditation process through CAP is no easy task. CAP provides healthcare facilities with a six-month window to conduct the inspections, and teams are notified only an hour before the inspectors arrive. This short notice ensures that laboratories are consistently prepared for thorough evaluations.
During the inspections, Health First underwent a detailed evaluation that tested the laboratory’s readiness and ability to meet the CAP standards.
“For the team at Health First, the years leading up to the CAP re-accreditation were filled with preparation, including internal audits, quality control checks, and training sessions,” said Masuecos.
“This rigorous preparation ensures that the hospitals’ laboratory services operate seamlessly, providing consistent and reliable results.”
Masuecos added that this re-accreditation process is a testament to the ongoing commitment Health First has to providing the best possible care for the community. It underscores the dedication of the 425 laboratory professionals who work diligently to maintain the highest standards in laboratory medicine.
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