Who can perform wide local excisions for melanoma that would be applicable for review during a site visit?

Wide local excisions for melanoma can be performed by any provider who has been appropriately trained and credentialed, making it possible for a variety of healthcare professionals to carry out this procedure. This includes, but is not limited to, primary care physicians, surgeons, and oncologists, provided they possess the necessary skills and certification applicable to the procedure.

The practice of having multiple types of trained providers performing such excisions allows for more accessible treatment options for patients, ensuring that surgical intervention can occur in various healthcare settings. This approach also recognizes the importance of collaborative practices in healthcare, where specialists and general providers work together to deliver comprehensive care to patients with melanoma.

In contrast, while licensed surgeons typically have the training necessary to perform surgical procedures, the phrase "only licensed surgeons" implies exclusivity that doesn't reflect the wide range of providers who may be involved in melanoma treatment. Similarly, while oncologists trained in melanoma certainly have the expertise to perform such excisions, limiting the option to them disregards other qualified professionals. Researchers contribute significantly to the field of oncology, but they typically do not perform clinical procedures like wide local excisions unless they are also licensed practitioners. Thus, the inclusivity of the term "any provider" appropriately captures the range of trained professionals who