36467, Opp, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36467, Opp, Alabama is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in South Alabama: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 36467**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Access to quality healthcare, particularly from experienced specialists and advanced facilities, is paramount. This review examines the hospitals closest to ZIP code 36467 (Monroeville, Alabama), evaluating their breast cancer services, including factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. This information aims to assist individuals in making informed decisions about their care.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Monroeville, Alabama, is a rural area. Residents often travel to larger cities for specialized medical care. The primary hospitals serving this region are in nearby towns like Brewton and Atmore, with larger facilities in Mobile and Montgomery offering a wider range of services. This review focuses on the most accessible options, considering travel distances and the scope of available breast cancer treatments.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, Brewton, AL**

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton, approximately 30 minutes from Monroeville, is a critical access hospital. Critical access hospitals are designed to serve rural communities, offering essential services but often lacking the breadth of specialized care found in larger facilities. While D.W. McMillan provides general medical services, its breast cancer care is limited. Patients requiring specialized oncology services, surgery, or radiation therapy are typically referred to larger hospitals. The hospital's CMS star rating is not publicly available. ER wait times can vary, but in a rural setting, they tend to be shorter than in larger metropolitan areas. Telehealth options may be available for some follow-up appointments or consultations, but the scope of telehealth services is likely limited compared to larger hospitals.

**Atmore Community Hospital, Atmore, AL**

Atmore Community Hospital, also a critical access hospital, is another option for residents near Monroeville. Similar to D.W. McMillan, Atmore Community Hospital provides basic medical services. Breast cancer care is primarily focused on early detection, such as mammograms. More complex cases necessitate referral to larger hospitals. The CMS star rating is not publicly available. ER wait times are generally moderate. Telehealth capabilities are likely to be limited.

**Mobile: A Hub for Advanced Care**

The city of Mobile, about a two-hour drive from Monroeville, is a significant medical hub for South Alabama. It boasts several hospitals with comprehensive breast cancer programs.

**University Hospital (USA Health), Mobile, AL**

University Hospital, part of USA Health, is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of South Alabama. It offers a wide range of medical specialties, including a dedicated cancer institute. The hospital's breast cancer program provides comprehensive care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. They also offer clinical trials. University Hospital has a CMS star rating, but it fluctuates. The hospital’s ER wait times can be longer than those at smaller hospitals, especially during peak hours. Telehealth services are available for certain appointments and follow-up care. USA Health has invested in telehealth infrastructure to improve access to care for patients in rural areas.

**Providence Hospital, Mobile, AL**

Providence Hospital, part of the Ascension Health system, is another major healthcare provider in Mobile. Providence Hospital offers a comprehensive breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary approach. They provide diagnostic services, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation therapy, and supportive care services. Providence Hospital has a CMS star rating, which is publicly available. ER wait times can vary. Telehealth services are available for certain appointments and follow-up care.

**Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, Mobile, AL**

Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, part of Infirmary Health, is a large, full-service hospital with a dedicated cancer center. The hospital's breast cancer program offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support services. Mobile Infirmary has a CMS star rating, which is publicly available. The hospital’s ER wait times can vary. Telehealth services are available for certain appointments and follow-up care.

**Montgomery: Another Option for Advanced Care**

Montgomery, approximately a three-hour drive from Monroeville, offers another option for specialized breast cancer care.

**Baptist Medical Center South, Montgomery, AL**

Baptist Medical Center South, part of the Baptist Health system, has a comprehensive cancer program. The hospital offers a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including advanced diagnostics, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation therapy, and supportive care. Baptist Medical Center South has a CMS star rating. ER wait times can vary. Telehealth services are available for certain appointments and follow-up care.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: A Deeper Dive**

Beyond the general services offered by hospitals, some facilities have specialized centers or programs dedicated to breast cancer care. These centers often bring together a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses, to provide coordinated care. They may also offer access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.

In Mobile, the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute is a prominent example of a specialized cancer center. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. The Institute also conducts research and offers clinical trials.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in urgent situations. While rural hospitals often have shorter wait times than larger facilities, they may not have the same level of specialized resources. In Mobile and Montgomery, ER wait times can be longer, particularly during peak hours or on weekends. Checking the hospital's website or using online tools to get an estimate of current wait times can be helpful.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, especially for patients in rural areas. It allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Many hospitals in Mobile and Montgomery offer telehealth services for certain appointments, such as follow-up consultations, medication management, and supportive care. The availability of telehealth services can be a significant advantage for patients living in rural areas like Monroeville.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Measure of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance in various quality measures. These ratings provide a general indication of a hospital's overall quality of care. However, it's important to note that star ratings are just one factor to consider when choosing a hospital. They may not reflect all aspects of a hospital's breast cancer program.

**Making Informed Decisions: Key Considerations**

When choosing a hospital for breast cancer care, several factors should be considered:

* **Proximity:** The distance to the hospital and the ease of travel.
* **Comprehensive Services:** The availability of a full range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, medical oncology, radiation therapy, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Specialized Centers:** The presence of a dedicated breast cancer center or program.
* **Experienced Specialists:** The expertise of the medical team, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nurses.
* **Technology and Equipment:** The availability of advanced imaging and treatment technologies.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability of telehealth services for convenient access to care.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** A general indicator of hospital quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** The expected wait time in the emergency room.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

For residents near ZIP code 36467, the best options for comprehensive breast cancer care are in Mobile and Montgomery. These cities offer a wider range of services and specialized centers. While the local hospitals in Brewton and Atmore provide basic medical care, they often refer patients to larger facilities for specialized treatment. Patients should carefully research their options, considering the factors outlined above, and consult with their primary care physician to determine the best course of action for their individual needs. The journey through breast cancer is challenging, but with access to quality healthcare and a supportive medical team, patients can navigate this journey with greater confidence.