33139, Miami Beach, Florida Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 33139, Miami Beach, Florida is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Miami: A Scorecard for 33139

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is daunting. Finding the right care, close to home, is crucial. This review analyzes breast cancer care options near the 33139 ZIP code (Miami, Florida), focusing on hospital quality, access, and specialized services. The information is drawn from publicly available data, including CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings, hospital websites, and other credible sources. It’s important to remember that this is a snapshot in time and individual experiences may vary.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

The 33139 ZIP code is centrally located, offering access to several major hospitals, each with its own strengths in breast cancer care.

**University of Miami Hospital (UMH):** Located at 1295 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125, UMH is a major player. While CMS doesn't provide a star rating specifically for UMH, the University of Miami Health System (UMHS) as a whole is a large network and often influences the perception of individual hospitals within it. UMH boasts a comprehensive cancer center, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center. This designation signifies a commitment to cutting-edge research, advanced treatments, and clinical trials. The Sylvester Cancer Center has a dedicated breast cancer program, offering multidisciplinary care. Emergency room wait times at UMH can fluctuate; recent data suggests an average wait time that is often longer than the national average, but this can vary significantly depending on the time of day and day of the week. UMH offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations for oncology patients. The availability and specific types of telehealth appointments should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Jackson Memorial Hospital:** Situated at 1611 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33136, Jackson Memorial is a large public hospital. Jackson Memorial Hospital has a comprehensive cancer center, and its breast cancer program is a significant part of its oncology services. CMS data indicates that Jackson Memorial Hospital has a 3-star rating. ER wait times at Jackson Memorial can vary, but are often longer than the national average. The hospital offers telehealth options, including virtual appointments for cancer patients. Check directly with Jackson for specific availability.

**Baptist Hospital of Miami:** Located at 8900 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33176, Baptist Hospital of Miami is part of Baptist Health South Florida. Baptist Health South Florida is a large network, and Baptist Hospital of Miami is a key component. Baptist Hospital of Miami has a dedicated breast cancer program and offers a range of services. CMS gives Baptist Hospital of Miami a 4-star rating. ER wait times at Baptist Hospital of Miami are generally shorter than at Jackson Memorial and UMH, but can still vary. Baptist Health South Florida offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations for oncology patients. Specific telehealth availability should be confirmed with the hospital.

**Specialty Centers and Focused Care**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several specialized centers and programs offer focused breast cancer care.

**Miami Cancer Institute (part of Baptist Health South Florida):** While not located directly within the 33139 ZIP code, the Miami Cancer Institute, located at 8900 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33176, is a significant resource. It is a comprehensive cancer center offering advanced technologies and a multidisciplinary approach. It is a major hub for breast cancer treatment within the Baptist Health system.

**Mount Sinai Medical Center (Miami Beach):** While not in the 33139 ZIP code, Mount Sinai Medical Center, located at 4300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33140, is a nearby option. It has a comprehensive cancer program that includes breast cancer services.

**Access and Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Access to care is paramount. ER wait times, appointment availability, and the speed with which diagnostic tests are performed are all critical factors.

**ER Wait Times:** As mentioned, ER wait times can vary significantly. While these times are not directly indicative of the quality of breast cancer care, they do reflect the overall efficiency and accessibility of the hospital. Patients with symptoms potentially related to breast cancer, such as a sudden onset of pain, should seek immediate medical attention. The hospitals discussed above all have emergency departments that are open 24/7.

**Appointment Scheduling:** The ability to schedule timely appointments with specialists is essential. The best way to assess appointment availability is to contact the hospitals directly. Expect delays, especially for new patient consultations.

**Diagnostic Testing:** The speed with which diagnostic tests, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies, are performed is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Hospitals with dedicated breast imaging centers often offer faster turnaround times.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and patient education.

**Telehealth Availability:** All of the major hospitals in the area offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations for oncology patients. The specific types of telehealth appointments and the technology used (e.g., video conferencing platforms) should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Telehealth Benefits:** Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and offer convenience for patients. It is particularly useful for follow-up appointments, discussing test results, and receiving emotional support.

**Factors Beyond the Hospital Walls**

While hospital quality is crucial, other factors influence the overall patient experience.

**Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital and its physicians accept your insurance plan.

**Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and financial counseling.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Consider patient reviews and ratings, available on websites like Healthgrades and the hospital's own website, to gain insights into the patient experience.

**Clinical Trials and Research:** If you are interested in participating in clinical trials, inquire about research opportunities at the hospitals you are considering. The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, as an NCI-designated center, is particularly active in clinical trials.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. The hospitals near the 33139 ZIP code offer a range of options, from large, comprehensive cancer centers to smaller, specialized programs. Consider the factors discussed in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth availability, and patient satisfaction. Contact the hospitals directly to gather more information and determine which one best meets your individual needs. Remember to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with your physician to ensure you receive the best possible care.