06234, Brooklyn, Connecticut Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 06234, Brooklyn, Connecticut is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in Eastern Connecticut: A Scorecard for 06234 (and Beyond)**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Understanding the quality of care available near you is crucial. This review focuses on hospitals serving the area around ZIP code 06234 (Brooklyn, CT) and provides a fact-based assessment of their breast cancer services, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Defining the Landscape: Key Hospitals in the Region**

The primary hospitals serving this region are clustered in eastern Connecticut, offering varying levels of specialization and resources. These include Day Kimball Hospital (Putnam, CT), Backus Hospital (Norwich, CT), and Hartford Hospital (Hartford, CT), which, while further afield, is a major regional referral center. Each hospital's strengths and weaknesses in breast cancer care will be examined.

**Day Kimball Hospital: A Community Focus**

Day Kimball Hospital, located in Putnam, CT, serves as a crucial community hospital for the 06234 area. As of late 2023, Day Kimball Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. This rating, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), offers a general assessment of a hospital's overall quality.

Day Kimball's emergency room wait times are an important factor for patients. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, publicly available data often shows wait times in the range of 30-60 minutes. This can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

Day Kimball Hospital offers breast cancer screening and diagnostic services, including mammography. They also provide access to surgical consultations and some supportive services. While they may not have a dedicated, comprehensive breast cancer center, they offer essential local care.

Telehealth capabilities are increasingly important. Day Kimball Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who need to reduce travel time.

**Backus Hospital: A Regional Presence**

Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT, is another significant player in the region. Backus Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars as of late 2023. This rating reflects a hospital's performance on various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality, and readmission rates.

Backus Hospital's emergency room wait times are also a consideration. Similar to Day Kimball, wait times can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or use online tools to get the most up-to-date information. Wait times typically range from 45-90 minutes.

Backus Hospital has a breast health center that provides a range of services, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, and surgical consultations. The hospital also offers access to medical oncology and radiation oncology services. Backus Hospital is a member of the Hartford HealthCare system, which provides access to a broader network of specialists and resources.

Telehealth is an important component of Backus Hospital's services. They offer telehealth appointments for various specialties, including oncology, which can improve access to care for patients in the 06234 area.

**Hartford Hospital: A Flagship Institution**

Hartford Hospital, located in Hartford, CT, is a major regional referral center and a flagship hospital within the Hartford HealthCare system. As of late 2023, Hartford Hospital has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. This higher rating indicates a strong performance on quality metrics.

Hartford Hospital's emergency room wait times can be longer than those at smaller community hospitals, reflecting its role as a regional trauma center. Patients should anticipate potential wait times that can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the severity of their condition. Wait times can range from 60-120 minutes or more.

Hartford Hospital has a comprehensive breast cancer center that offers a full spectrum of services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. The hospital's breast cancer center is known for its research and clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

Hartford Hospital has robust telehealth capabilities, including virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring, and support groups. These services are particularly valuable for patients who live at a distance or have mobility challenges.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Treatment Options**

Beyond the core services, the presence of specialty centers and advanced treatment options is a key differentiator. Hartford Hospital's breast cancer center offers access to advanced technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which can improve the detection of early-stage cancers. They also provide access to genetic counseling and testing, which is crucial for patients with a family history of breast cancer.

The availability of medical oncology and radiation oncology services is critical. Both Backus Hospital and Hartford Hospital have on-site medical and radiation oncologists. These specialists work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

ER wait times are a practical consideration for patients experiencing symptoms or needing urgent care. While ER wait times can fluctuate, it's essential to understand the typical ranges for each hospital. Day Kimball Hospital and Backus Hospital generally have shorter wait times than Hartford Hospital. However, Hartford Hospital's ER has the resources to handle more complex cases.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for patients in rural areas. All three hospitals offer telehealth services, but the scope and availability vary. Hartford Hospital, with its larger infrastructure, generally offers a wider range of telehealth options, including virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring programs.

**Support Services: Beyond Medical Treatment**

The availability of support services is an important aspect of breast cancer care. These services include support groups, counseling, and survivorship programs. Hartford Hospital and Backus Hospital generally offer more extensive support services than Day Kimball Hospital, reflecting their larger size and resources.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations**

Patients should verify that the hospitals and providers they choose are in their insurance network. Insurance coverage for breast cancer treatment can vary significantly. Patients should contact their insurance company to understand their coverage for mammograms, diagnostic tests, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other services.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. Factors to consider include the hospital's CMS star rating, ER wait times, the availability of specialized services, and the convenience of location and transportation.

**Summary and Recommendations**

For residents of the 06234 area, Day Kimball Hospital offers convenient local access to essential breast cancer screening and diagnostic services. Backus Hospital provides a more comprehensive range of services, including a dedicated breast health center and access to medical and radiation oncology. Hartford Hospital, while further away, offers the most comprehensive breast cancer care, including advanced technologies, research opportunities, and a wide range of support services.

Patients should research each hospital, compare their services, and consider their individual needs and preferences. Consulting with their primary care physician is essential to determine the best course of action. The information provided in this review is intended to assist patients in making informed decisions about their breast cancer care. Remember to verify all information, including wait times and service availability, directly with the hospitals before making any decisions.