31790, Sycamore, Georgia Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 31790, Sycamore, Georgia is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Southwest Georgia: A Review for ZIP Code 31790

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to high-quality medical care. For residents near ZIP code 31790 (Thomasville, Georgia), several hospitals and healthcare facilities offer breast cancer services. This review provides a fact-rich overview of the available options, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities, to aid in informed decision-making.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality metrics, patient experience, and other factors. These ratings offer a snapshot of overall hospital performance.

**Archbold Medical Center (Thomasville, GA):** Archbold Medical Center, located directly within the 31790 ZIP code, is the primary healthcare provider for the area. It is a comprehensive medical center offering a range of services, including breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. As of the latest available data, Archbold Medical Center has a CMS star rating. It's essential to regularly check the CMS website for the most up-to-date rating, as these can fluctuate. Archbold's Breast Center provides a dedicated space for breast health services, including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy procedures.

**Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Albany, GA):** Approximately 45 minutes away, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia, serves as a regional referral center. Phoebe Putney has a CMS star rating. The hospital's cancer center offers comprehensive cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Patients in the Thomasville area may be referred to Phoebe Putney for specialized treatments or consultations.

**ER Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in assessing immediate access to care. These times can vary significantly depending on the day, time, and patient volume.

**Archbold Medical Center:** According to recent data, the average ER wait time at Archbold Medical Center fluctuates. It is advisable to check real-time wait times through online resources or by calling the hospital's emergency department directly before seeking care.

**Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital:** Phoebe Putney's ER wait times are also variable. Similar to Archbold, checking online resources or calling the hospital is recommended to ascertain current wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Specialized breast cancer centers often provide a multidisciplinary approach to care, bringing together radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists.

**Archbold Medical Center:** Archbold's Breast Center is a key resource for residents. It offers a range of services, including screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and breast biopsies. The center also provides access to breast surgeons for consultation and treatment.

**Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital:** Phoebe Putney's cancer center provides comprehensive cancer care. This includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and support services. The hospital's affiliation with the American Cancer Society can be a great resource for patient support.

**Surgical Options:** Both hospitals offer surgical options for breast cancer treatment, including lumpectomy and mastectomy. The choice of surgical procedure depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as patient preferences.

**Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy is a common treatment modality for breast cancer. Both Archbold and Phoebe Putney offer radiation oncology services, allowing patients to receive this critical treatment close to home.

**Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists specialize in the use of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies to treat cancer. Both hospitals have medical oncology departments.

**Support Services:** Both hospitals provide support services, such as patient navigation, counseling, and support groups. These services are essential for helping patients cope with the emotional and practical challenges of breast cancer.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring.

**Archbold Medical Center:** Archbold has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments for certain services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling.

**Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital:** Phoebe Putney also offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments for oncology consultations and follow-up care. The availability of telehealth can improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel for patients.

**Diagnostic Imaging:**

Accurate and timely diagnostic imaging is crucial for breast cancer detection and staging.

**Mammography:** Both Archbold and Phoebe Putney offer digital mammography, the standard of care for breast cancer screening.

**Ultrasound:** Breast ultrasound is often used to evaluate suspicious findings on mammograms or to assess dense breast tissue. Both hospitals provide breast ultrasound services.

**MRI:** Breast MRI is used in certain cases, such as for women with a high risk of breast cancer or to assess the extent of the disease. Both hospitals have MRI capabilities.

**Biopsy Procedures:**

When a suspicious finding is detected, a biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

**Archbold Medical Center:** Archbold offers various biopsy procedures, including core needle biopsy and stereotactic biopsy.

**Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital:** Phoebe Putney also provides breast biopsy services, including core needle biopsy and image-guided biopsy.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is an important factor in assessing the quality of care. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into patient perspectives.

**Archbold Medical Center:** Reviewing patient satisfaction scores and online reviews can offer insight into the patient experience at Archbold.

**Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital:** Similarly, reviewing patient satisfaction scores and online reviews can provide information about the patient experience at Phoebe Putney.

**Additional Considerations:**

**Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and healthcare providers accept your insurance plan.

**Second Opinions:** Consider seeking a second opinion from another oncologist or surgeon, especially if you have complex medical needs.

**Clinical Trials:** Inquire about clinical trials that may be available at either hospital. Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments and can benefit patients.

**Community Resources:** Explore local support groups and resources for breast cancer patients. The American Cancer Society and other organizations offer valuable support services.

**Conclusion:**

Residents near ZIP code 31790 have access to breast cancer care through Archbold Medical Center and Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Both offer a range of services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a healthcare provider. Researching CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth capabilities, as well as exploring the specialized services offered by each hospital, can aid in making informed decisions. Regularly checking for updated information and consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial for navigating the complexities of breast cancer care.