35652, Rogersville, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35652, Rogersville, Alabama is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Treatment Near ZIP Code 35652

Living in or near ZIP code 35652, which encompasses the city of Moulton, Alabama, means understanding your healthcare options, especially when facing a diagnosis like breast cancer. This review delves into the hospitals within a reasonable radius, assessing their capabilities in breast cancer treatment, focusing on factors crucial for informed decision-making. We'll examine key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The immediate vicinity of Moulton, Alabama, is predominantly served by smaller community hospitals. However, for specialized cancer care, residents often look to larger facilities in nearby cities. This review considers hospitals within a 100-mile radius, encompassing cities like Huntsville, Birmingham, and Decatur. This ensures a comprehensive overview of available resources.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Critical Indicator**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a valuable, albeit imperfect, snapshot of a hospital's overall quality. While these ratings shouldn't be the sole determinant, they offer a starting point.

**Huntsville Hospital (Huntsville, AL):** Located approximately 50 miles east of Moulton, Huntsville Hospital is a major regional player. It boasts a four-star CMS rating. This rating reflects generally good performance across various quality measures, including patient safety and care outcomes. Huntsville Hospital has a dedicated cancer center, the Huntsville Hospital Cancer Care Center, which offers comprehensive services.

**University of Alabama Hospital (Birmingham, AL):** Roughly 100 miles south of Moulton, the University of Alabama Hospital (UAB Hospital) is a five-star hospital. This signifies a high level of quality. UAB is a nationally recognized center for cancer care, including breast cancer treatment, and is home to the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital (Decatur, AL):** Situated about 30 miles west of Moulton, Decatur Morgan Hospital is a three-star hospital. While this rating is lower than Huntsville Hospital or UAB, it still provides important services. Decatur Morgan Hospital has a cancer program that offers breast cancer treatment options, but it may not have the same breadth of specialists or research opportunities as the larger facilities.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Window into Access**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially in situations where rapid assessment and intervention are necessary. While wait times fluctuate, they offer insight into a hospital's efficiency.

**Huntsville Hospital:** Huntsville Hospital's ER typically sees moderate wait times, often ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. This can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases. It’s essential to check current wait times using online resources or by calling the hospital directly.

**University of Alabama Hospital (UAB):** UAB Hospital, being a major trauma center, often experiences longer ER wait times. Patients can expect to wait an hour or more, especially during peak hours. However, UAB's advanced capabilities make it a critical resource for complex cases.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital:** Decatur Morgan Hospital typically has shorter ER wait times compared to the larger hospitals, often under 30 minutes. This makes it a good option for less critical emergencies.

**Specialty Centers: The Heart of Breast Cancer Care**

Dedicated breast cancer centers offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other supportive services.

**Huntsville Hospital Cancer Care Center:** This center offers a comprehensive range of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. They also provide support services like patient navigation, counseling, and support groups. The center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

**O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB:** UAB's O’Neal Cancer Center is a nationally recognized center of excellence. It offers cutting-edge treatments, including clinical trials, and a wide range of specialists. The center's multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans. They also have a strong research focus, providing patients access to the latest advancements.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital Cancer Program:** Decatur Morgan Hospital offers breast cancer treatment, but its resources may be more limited compared to Huntsville Hospital or UAB. They provide services such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The center may not have the same level of specialization or research opportunities.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare, especially for patients in rural areas. It can provide access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and support services.

**Huntsville Hospital:** Huntsville Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. They offer virtual consultations with specialists, including oncologists, and remote monitoring programs.

**University of Alabama Hospital (UAB):** UAB has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources. They are actively expanding their telehealth capabilities to improve access to care for patients across the state.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital:** Decatur Morgan Hospital offers telehealth services, but the scope may be more limited compared to the larger hospitals. They provide virtual consultations and remote monitoring for some specialties.

**Navigating the Decision-Making Process**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer treatment involves careful consideration of several factors.

**Considerations for Proximity and Travel:** The distance to a hospital is a crucial practical factor. Frequent appointments for treatment and follow-up care can be demanding, and travel time can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

**Insurance Coverage:** Insurance coverage is another critical factor. Patients should verify that their insurance plan covers treatment at the chosen hospital and that their preferred specialists are in-network.

**Specialist Expertise:** Patients should research the qualifications and experience of the surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists involved in their care. Seeking a second opinion from a different specialist is often a good idea.

**Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as patient navigation, counseling, and support groups, can significantly impact a patient's well-being.

**Research and Clinical Trials:** For some patients, access to clinical trials and cutting-edge research may be a priority. The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB is a leading center for research.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into a hospital's quality of care and patient experience.

**Conclusion: Finding the Best Fit**

For residents near ZIP code 35652, the best option for breast cancer treatment depends on individual needs and preferences. Huntsville Hospital offers a good balance of quality and accessibility. UAB Hospital, while further away, provides access to a nationally recognized center of excellence. Decatur Morgan Hospital offers a more local option, but with potentially fewer resources.

Patients should carefully consider their individual circumstances, consult with their primary care physicians, and seek second opinions from specialists to make informed decisions. By understanding the available resources and considering the factors discussed in this review, patients can navigate their breast cancer journey with greater confidence and access the best possible care.