06264, Scotland, Connecticut Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 06264, Scotland, Connecticut is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Eastern Connecticut: A Scorecard for 06264

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey, and choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. This review focuses on the hospitals offering breast cancer care near the ZIP code 06264 (Putnam, CT), providing a fact-rich assessment to help patients make informed decisions. We'll examine key factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options.

**Understanding the Landscape: The Importance of Proximity**

While specialized cancer centers may be renowned, the reality for many patients is the need for accessible care. Frequent appointments for imaging, chemotherapy, and follow-up require a hospital that is geographically convenient. This review prioritizes hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 06264, considering the added stress of travel during treatment.

**Flagship Hospitals and Quality Ratings: A Crucial Starting Point**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings offer a snapshot of hospital quality. While not a definitive measure, they provide a valuable starting point. Hospitals are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five being the highest.

**Day Kimball Hospital (Putnam, CT): A Local Focus**

Day Kimball Hospital, located directly within the 06264 ZIP code, is a key consideration. While CMS star ratings are not always available for smaller community hospitals, it is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This accreditation indicates adherence to rigorous standards for cancer care. Day Kimball offers a comprehensive breast health program, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, and surgical services. They also have a dedicated oncology department and support services.

**Hartford HealthCare's Presence: A Network Advantage**

Hartford HealthCare (HHC) operates several hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 06264. HHC's integrated network allows for seamless care coordination and access to a wider range of specialists and resources.

**Backus Hospital (Norwich, CT): A Strong Contender**

William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT, is part of the Hartford HealthCare network. Backus Hospital is located approximately 20-30 minutes from Putnam. Backus Hospital, as part of HHC, offers a comprehensive breast health program. They provide screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI. Backus has a dedicated breast care center with specialized nurses and navigators to guide patients through their treatment. Backus Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Hartford Hospital (Hartford, CT): A Tertiary Care Option**

Hartford Hospital, located in Hartford, CT, is a flagship hospital within the Hartford HealthCare system, approximately a 1-hour drive from Putnam. Hartford Hospital is a Level I trauma center and a major referral center for complex cancer cases. Hartford Hospital boasts a 4-star CMS rating. The hospital's comprehensive cancer center offers advanced treatments, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. They also have a robust clinical trials program, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies. However, the longer travel time may be a significant factor for some patients.

**Yale New Haven Health System: A Regional Powerhouse**

Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) is another major healthcare provider in the region, with hospitals within driving distance of 06264.

**Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (New London, CT): A Yale New Haven Affiliate**

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, CT, is part of the Yale New Haven Health System. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Putnam. Lawrence + Memorial offers a comprehensive breast health program, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, and surgical services. They have a dedicated breast care center with a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

**Yale New Haven Hospital (New Haven, CT): A Center of Excellence**

Yale New Haven Hospital, located in New Haven, CT, is a leading academic medical center and a major referral center for complex cancer cases. It is approximately a 1 hour 30-minute drive from Putnam. Yale New Haven Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating. Yale New Haven Hospital's Smilow Cancer Hospital is renowned for its advanced cancer treatments, including cutting-edge research and clinical trials. The hospital has a dedicated breast cancer center with a multidisciplinary team of specialists. However, the longer travel time and potential for higher costs should be considered.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Measure of Accessibility**

ER wait times can be an indicator of hospital efficiency and accessibility. While not directly related to breast cancer care, they can be a factor in overall patient experience, especially in emergencies. Data on ER wait times is often publicly available through sources like the CMS or hospital websites.

**Day Kimball Hospital:** Data on ER wait times is available on the hospital's website and through public reporting agencies.

**Backus Hospital:** As part of Hartford HealthCare, Backus Hospital's ER wait times are often reported alongside other HHC facilities.

**Hartford Hospital:** Hartford Hospital's ER wait times are typically available through the hospital's website and public reporting agencies.

**Lawrence + Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times are available on the hospital's website and through public reporting agencies.

**Yale New Haven Hospital:** Yale New Haven Hospital's ER wait times are typically available through the hospital's website and public reporting agencies.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: Tailored Care**

Specialized breast cancer centers often offer a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach. These centers typically have multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and specialized nurses. They may also offer support services like genetic counseling, nutritional counseling, and psychological support.

**Day Kimball Hospital:** Day Kimball Hospital's breast health program provides a multidisciplinary approach to care.

**Backus Hospital:** Backus Hospital's breast care center offers a multidisciplinary approach to care, including access to specialized nurses and navigators.

**Hartford Hospital:** Hartford Hospital's cancer center offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

**Lawrence + Memorial Hospital:** Lawrence + Memorial's breast care center offers a multidisciplinary approach to care.

**Yale New Haven Hospital:** Yale New Haven Hospital's Smilow Cancer Hospital is a center of excellence for breast cancer care, offering a wide range of specialized services.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. Telehealth can provide access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services without the need for travel.

**Day Kimball Hospital:** Day Kimball Hospital may offer telehealth options for certain services.

**Backus Hospital:** Backus Hospital, as part of Hartford HealthCare, likely offers telehealth options.

**Hartford Hospital:** Hartford Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Lawrence + Memorial Hospital:** Lawrence + Memorial Hospital offers telehealth services.

**Yale New Haven Hospital:** Yale New Haven Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Support Services: Beyond Medical Treatment**

Breast cancer treatment involves more than just medical care. Support services, such as counseling, support groups, and financial assistance, are crucial for patients' well-being.

**Day Kimball Hospital:** Day Kimball Hospital offers support services.

**Backus Hospital:** Backus Hospital offers support services.

**Hartford Hospital:** Hartford Hospital offers comprehensive support services.

**Lawrence + Memorial Hospital:** Lawrence + Memorial Hospital offers support services.

**Yale New Haven Hospital:** Yale New Haven Hospital offers comprehensive support services.

**Conclusion: Making the Right Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near 06264, considering factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth options. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians, gather information from multiple sources, and consider their individual needs and preferences when making their choice. Proximity to home, the availability of specialized services, and the overall patient experience are all crucial factors in determining the best fit.