47666, Patoka, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 47666, Patoka, Indiana is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in Southern Indiana: A Scorecard for 47666**

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision, especially when facing a diagnosis. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 47666 (Vincennes, Indiana) and evaluates their capabilities, offering a factual overview to aid in informed decision-making. The analysis includes CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options, providing a comprehensive picture of the available resources.

**Regional Overview and Key Considerations**

The region around Vincennes, Indiana, relies on a network of hospitals, with larger facilities in Evansville playing a significant role. Proximity to specialized care centers and the availability of advanced treatment options are crucial factors in breast cancer care. Factors like surgical expertise, radiation oncology capabilities, access to clinical trials, and supportive services (like counseling and rehabilitation) significantly impact patient outcomes.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general gauge of quality. However, it's important to remember that these ratings are based on specific metrics and don't encompass the full spectrum of care, especially in specialized areas like breast cancer.

**Deaconess Hospital (Evansville, IN):** Deaconess Hospital, located approximately an hour's drive from Vincennes, is a major regional healthcare provider. As of the latest available data, Deaconess consistently holds a strong CMS star rating, often receiving four or five stars. This indicates a generally high level of performance across various measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. Deaconess has a dedicated cancer center, which is an important factor.

**St. Vincent Evansville Hospital (Evansville, IN):** Another significant hospital in the Evansville area, St. Vincent Evansville, also typically receives a respectable CMS star rating. The hospital's cancer services are an important consideration.

**ER Wait Times and Access to Urgent Care**

ER wait times can be a critical factor, particularly in the event of complications or side effects from treatment. While average wait times fluctuate, it's essential to be aware of the typical wait times at hospitals. Publicly available data, often accessible on hospital websites or through third-party sources, provides this information. Keep in mind that these are averages and individual experiences may vary.

**Deaconess Hospital:** Deaconess Hospital typically reports ER wait times that are in line with or slightly better than national averages.

**St. Vincent Evansville Hospital:** St. Vincent Evansville’s ER wait times are generally comparable to Deaconess.

**Specialty Centers and Breast Cancer Expertise**

The presence of specialized cancer centers and dedicated breast cancer programs is a key indicator of a hospital's capabilities. These centers often offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.

**Deaconess Cancer Center:** Deaconess Cancer Center is a well-regarded facility, offering a range of services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation therapy, and supportive care. They have a team of breast cancer specialists.

**St. Vincent Cancer Center:** St. Vincent Cancer Center also has a dedicated breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary approach.

**Surgical Oncology and Surgical Options**

The expertise of surgical oncologists and the availability of advanced surgical techniques are crucial for breast cancer treatment. This includes options like lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. Hospitals should offer a range of surgical options to meet the needs of individual patients.

**Deaconess Hospital:** Deaconess Hospital has a team of experienced surgical oncologists specializing in breast cancer. They offer a variety of surgical options, including breast reconstruction.

**St. Vincent Evansville Hospital:** St. Vincent Evansville also has a team of surgical oncologists and offers a range of surgical procedures, including breast reconstruction.

**Radiation Oncology Capabilities**

Radiation therapy is a common and often crucial component of breast cancer treatment. The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), is a significant advantage.

**Deaconess Cancer Center:** Deaconess Cancer Center has advanced radiation therapy equipment and experienced radiation oncologists.

**St. Vincent Cancer Center:** St. Vincent Cancer Center also provides radiation therapy services, including advanced techniques.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy Services**

Medical oncologists are responsible for administering chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Access to these services, along with a comfortable and supportive environment for chemotherapy infusions, is essential.

**Deaconess Cancer Center:** Deaconess Cancer Center offers comprehensive medical oncology services, including chemotherapy and other systemic therapies.

**St. Vincent Cancer Center:** St. Vincent Cancer Center also provides medical oncology services and chemotherapy infusions.

**Access to Clinical Trials**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and improve outcomes. Hospitals with robust research programs and affiliations with national cancer research networks are more likely to offer clinical trial opportunities.

**Deaconess Cancer Center:** Deaconess Cancer Center is often involved in clinical trials, providing patients with access to innovative therapies.

**St. Vincent Cancer Center:** St. Vincent Cancer Center may also participate in clinical trials.

**Pathology and Diagnostic Services**

Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical for breast cancer treatment. Hospitals should have well-equipped pathology departments and access to advanced imaging technologies, such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.

**Deaconess Hospital:** Deaconess Hospital has a comprehensive pathology department and advanced imaging capabilities.

**St. Vincent Evansville Hospital:** St. Vincent Evansville also has a well-equipped pathology department and advanced imaging services.

**Supportive Services**

Breast cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Hospitals should offer supportive services, such as counseling, support groups, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services, to help patients cope with the side effects of treatment and improve their quality of life.

**Deaconess Cancer Center:** Deaconess Cancer Center offers a range of supportive services, including counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation.

**St. Vincent Cancer Center:** St. Vincent Cancer Center also provides supportive services to patients.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring Options**

Telehealth services can improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Some hospitals offer telehealth options for breast cancer patients.

**Deaconess Hospital:** Deaconess Hospital may offer telehealth options for certain services.

**St. Vincent Evansville Hospital:** St. Vincent Evansville may also offer telehealth services.

**Patient Satisfaction and Reviews**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and the hospital's own websites often provide this information.

**Deaconess Hospital:** Patient reviews for Deaconess are generally positive.

**St. Vincent Evansville Hospital:** St. Vincent Evansville also has generally positive patient reviews.

**Proximity and Travel Considerations**

The distance to the hospital and the ease of travel are important practical considerations. For residents of ZIP code 47666, the hospitals in Evansville are a significant drive. Consider the impact of travel on appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage**

Understanding insurance coverage and the costs associated with treatment is crucial. Contacting the hospital's billing department and your insurance provider can provide detailed information about costs and coverage.

**Conclusion**

For residents of ZIP code 47666, the hospitals in Evansville, particularly Deaconess Hospital and St. Vincent Evansville Hospital, offer comprehensive breast cancer care. Both hospitals have dedicated cancer centers, experienced specialists, and advanced treatment options. While CMS star ratings provide a general overview, the specific needs of each patient should be considered. Choosing the right hospital requires careful consideration of all the factors discussed in this review, including proximity, specialty expertise, and access to supportive services. It is highly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician or a specialist to determine the best course of action.