06384, Voluntown, Connecticut Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 06384, Voluntown, Connecticut is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in Southeastern Connecticut: A Scorecard for 06384**

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a deeply personal and crucial decision. This review focuses on hospitals near the 06384 ZIP code (Stonington, Connecticut), providing a fact-based assessment to help navigate the complexities of choosing a provider. We’ll examine key factors, including quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings, to offer a comprehensive view.

**Understanding the Landscape**

Southeastern Connecticut, while not a major metropolitan area, offers several healthcare options. Proximity to larger cities like Providence, Rhode Island, and New Haven, Connecticut, expands the available resources. This review prioritizes hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 06384, acknowledging that patient needs and preferences vary.

**Key Considerations for Breast Cancer Care**

Several elements are critical when evaluating a hospital for breast cancer treatment. These include:

* **Quality Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings offer a general overview of hospital performance, based on various quality measures. While not a perfect indicator, they provide a starting point.
* **Specialized Centers:** Hospitals with dedicated breast cancer centers often offer a multidisciplinary approach, coordinating care from diagnosis to survivorship.
* **Physician Expertise:** The experience and specialization of surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists are vital.
* **Technology and Treatment Options:** Access to advanced imaging, surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and clinical trials is essential.
* **Patient Experience:** Factors like wait times, communication, and overall satisfaction contribute to the patient journey.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Remote consultations and monitoring can improve access to care and convenience.

**Hospital Profiles: A Closer Look**

**1. Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (New London, CT):**

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (L+M), located in New London, is a primary choice for residents near 06384. L+M is part of Yale New Haven Health. L+M currently holds a 3-star CMS rating.

* **Breast Cancer Services:** L+M has a dedicated Breast Health Center, offering a range of services, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and medical oncology. They also provide support services like nurse navigators and support groups.
* **Physician Expertise:** The hospital has a team of breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Technology:** L+M has access to advanced imaging technologies, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis).
* **ER Wait Times:** L+M's ER wait times can vary. Data from recent months shows average wait times, but it is best to check the most recent data.
* **Telehealth:** L+M offers telehealth appointments for some services, including oncology consultations.

**2. Yale New Haven Hospital (New Haven, CT):**

While further away, Yale New Haven Hospital is a flagship hospital for cancer care. It is a major referral center and offers a high level of specialized services. Yale New Haven Hospital currently holds a 4-star CMS rating.

* **Smilow Cancer Hospital:** Yale New Haven Hospital is home to Smilow Cancer Hospital, a comprehensive cancer center. Smilow offers a full spectrum of breast cancer services, from screening and diagnosis to advanced treatments like clinical trials, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Physician Expertise:** Smilow boasts a large team of highly specialized physicians, including breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care specialists.
* **Technology:** Smilow is at the forefront of cancer technology, offering advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and cutting-edge radiation therapy.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Yale New Haven Hospital can be longer than at community hospitals, reflecting the high volume of patients.
* **Telehealth:** Smilow Cancer Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**3. Westerly Hospital (Westerly, RI):**

Located just across the state line in Rhode Island, Westerly Hospital is another option for residents near 06384. Westerly Hospital is part of the Yale New Haven Health system. Westerly Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

* **Breast Cancer Services:** Westerly Hospital offers breast cancer screening, diagnostic services, and surgical care. They also provide access to medical and radiation oncology through partnerships with other hospitals.
* **Physician Expertise:** Westerly Hospital has a team of surgeons and collaborates with specialists from other facilities.
* **Technology:** Westerly Hospital has digital mammography and other imaging capabilities.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Westerly Hospital are generally moderate.
* **Telehealth:** Westerly Hospital offers some telehealth services, including virtual visits.

**4. The Miriam Hospital (Providence, RI):**

Another Rhode Island option, The Miriam Hospital, is part of Lifespan. The Miriam Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

* **Breast Cancer Services:** The Miriam Hospital has a dedicated breast health center, offering comprehensive breast cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, and medical and radiation oncology.
* **Physician Expertise:** The Miriam Hospital has a team of experienced breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Technology:** The Miriam Hospital has advanced imaging and treatment technologies.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at The Miriam Hospital vary.
* **Telehealth:** The Miriam Hospital offers telehealth services for some appointments.

**5. Backus Hospital (Norwich, CT):**

Backus Hospital in Norwich is a part of Hartford HealthCare. Backus Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

* **Breast Cancer Services:** Backus Hospital provides breast cancer screening, diagnostic services, and surgical care. They offer medical and radiation oncology services.
* **Physician Expertise:** Backus Hospital has a team of surgeons and collaborates with specialists.
* **Technology:** Backus Hospital has digital mammography and other imaging capabilities.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Backus Hospital vary.
* **Telehealth:** Backus Hospital offers telehealth services for some appointments.

**Comparative Analysis and Recommendations**

For residents of 06384, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital offers a convenient and comprehensive option. Its Breast Health Center provides a range of services, and its proximity is a significant advantage. However, for complex cases or access to advanced treatments, Yale New Haven Hospital's Smilow Cancer Hospital is a strong contender, despite the longer travel time.

Westerly Hospital provides another local option, offering breast cancer services, and is also part of the Yale New Haven Health system.

The Miriam Hospital and Backus Hospital are also viable options, particularly if they are more convenient or if patients have established relationships with providers there.

**Important Considerations:**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider factors like the hospital's atmosphere, the communication style of the medical team, and the availability of support services.
* **Second Opinions:** Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion, especially if you have concerns about your diagnosis or treatment plan.
* **Stay Informed:** Breast cancer care is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options.

**Conclusion**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a significant decision. This review provides a starting point for residents of 06384, offering a fact-based assessment of the available options. By considering quality ratings, specialized services, physician expertise, technology, patient experience, and telehealth capabilities, patients can make informed choices that align with their individual needs and preferences. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and discuss your options with potential providers to determine the best fit for your care.