06160, Hartford, Connecticut Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 06160, Hartford, Connecticut is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Hartford Area: A Scorecard for 06160 Residents

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision, especially when facing a diagnosis. For residents of ZIP code 06160 (Hartford, CT), several hospitals offer comprehensive services. This review analyzes key factors, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities, to provide a comparative overview.

**The Landscape: Key Players in the Hartford Region**

The Hartford area is home to several major healthcare providers, each with its own strengths in breast cancer treatment. These include Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, and UConn Health. Understanding their individual profiles is essential for making an informed choice.

**Hartford Hospital: A Comprehensive Approach**

Hartford Hospital, a flagship institution in the Hartford HealthCare system, is a significant player in the region. It boasts a strong reputation and a commitment to advanced technology. Hartford Hospital's Cancer Institute offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans.

Hartford Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of performance.

Hartford Hospital's ER wait times are a crucial factor. The average wait time for patients seeking emergency care at Hartford Hospital is approximately 2 hours. This information, based on publicly available data, can be important for patients who need immediate attention.

Hartford Hospital has a robust breast cancer program, offering a range of services from screening and diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and survivorship care. They are equipped with advanced imaging technologies, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which can improve the detection of breast cancer.

Hartford Hospital is actively embracing telehealth. They offer virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be particularly beneficial for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues. Telehealth services can also reduce travel time and make it easier to access care.

**Saint Francis Hospital: A Tradition of Excellence**

Saint Francis Hospital, part of Trinity Health Of New England, is another prominent hospital in the Hartford area. It has a long history of providing high-quality care and is known for its patient-centered approach. Saint Francis Hospital's Hoffman Breast Health Center offers comprehensive breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Saint Francis Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating is the same as Hartford Hospital.

ER wait times at Saint Francis Hospital are approximately 2 hours. This is the same as Hartford Hospital.

Saint Francis Hospital's breast cancer program emphasizes a team approach, with specialists collaborating to develop individualized treatment plans. They offer a range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. The hospital also provides support services, such as counseling and support groups, to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer.

Saint Francis Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes and reduces the need for frequent hospital visits.

**UConn Health: A Focus on Research and Innovation**

UConn Health, the academic medical center of the University of Connecticut, provides a unique perspective on breast cancer care. It combines clinical services with research and education, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. UConn Health's Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center provides comprehensive breast cancer care.

UConn Health has a 3-star CMS rating.

ER wait times at UConn Health are approximately 2 hours.

UConn Health's breast cancer program is known for its research focus, with ongoing studies to improve detection, treatment, and prevention. They offer a wide range of services, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, which can provide access to innovative therapies.

UConn Health has invested in telehealth services, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational programs. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their care teams remotely, improving access to care and convenience.

**Comparing the Options: Key Considerations**

When choosing a hospital for breast cancer care, several factors should be considered. These include the hospital's reputation, the expertise of its medical staff, the availability of advanced technologies, the range of services offered, and the patient experience.

**CMS Star Ratings: A General Indicator**

CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality, but they should not be the sole basis for decision-making. The ratings reflect a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. However, they do not capture all aspects of care.

**ER Wait Times: An Important Factor**

ER wait times can be a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing symptoms or complications. Longer wait times can delay treatment and cause unnecessary anxiety.

**Specialty Centers: Expertise and Focus**

Specialty centers, such as the Hoffman Breast Health Center at Saint Francis Hospital and the Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital, offer specialized expertise and resources. These centers often have dedicated teams of specialists who focus exclusively on breast cancer care.

**Telehealth: Convenience and Access**

Telehealth services can improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues. Virtual consultations and remote monitoring can reduce the need for frequent hospital visits and improve patient convenience.

**Beyond the Basics: Additional Factors**

Beyond the key factors discussed above, other considerations may influence a patient's choice. These include:

* **Physician Expertise:** Research the qualifications and experience of the surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists.
* **Technology:** Inquire about the availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography and MRI.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and talk to other patients to get a sense of the hospital's patient-centered approach.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.

**Making the Right Choice: A Personalized Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. It is essential to consider individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians, seek referrals to specialists, and gather information from multiple sources. Visiting the hospitals, meeting with physicians, and asking questions are crucial steps in the decision-making process.

**Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is based on publicly available data and may be subject to change. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized medical advice and treatment recommendations.