40385, Waco, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 40385, Waco, Kentucky is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in the Vicinity of ZIP Code 40385: A Comprehensive Review**

The residents of Winchester, Kentucky, and the surrounding areas served by the 40385 ZIP code have access to a network of healthcare providers when facing a breast cancer diagnosis. This review examines the available options, focusing on key metrics like hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility, to provide a comprehensive overview for patients and their families.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance across various quality measures. These ratings offer a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality of care. Within a reasonable driving distance of 40385, several hospitals stand out.

**University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital (Lexington, KY):** Located in Lexington, approximately 25 miles from Winchester, the University of Kentucky (UK) Albert B. Chandler Hospital is a major regional referral center. As a teaching hospital, it often handles complex cases and offers access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. The hospital's CMS star rating and specific performance metrics can fluctuate, so it's crucial to consult the most recent CMS data for the most up-to-date information. The Markey Cancer Center, part of the UK HealthCare system, is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, indicating a high level of expertise in cancer research and treatment.

**Baptist Health Lexington (Lexington, KY):** Also in Lexington, Baptist Health Lexington is another significant healthcare provider. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including cancer care. Like UK Chandler Hospital, its CMS star rating is a valuable indicator of overall quality. Patients should review the latest CMS data to understand its performance in areas relevant to breast cancer treatment, such as surgical outcomes, infection rates, and patient satisfaction.

**Saint Joseph Hospital (Lexington, KY):** Part of CHI Saint Joseph Health, Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington provides a range of medical services, including cancer care. Its CMS star rating provides a comparative measure of its quality performance. Patients should investigate the hospital's specific breast cancer services, including its breast imaging capabilities, surgical options, and supportive care programs.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially when dealing with urgent medical concerns related to cancer treatment or complications. While wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and patient volume, understanding the typical wait times at local hospitals is important.

**UK Chandler Hospital:** As a Level I trauma center, UK Chandler Hospital's ER often handles a high volume of patients. Therefore, wait times can sometimes be longer. However, the hospital's resources and specialized staff are equipped to manage complex cases.

**Baptist Health Lexington:** Baptist Health Lexington's ER typically experiences varying wait times. Patients should check current wait times through online tools or by calling the hospital.

**Saint Joseph Hospital:** Saint Joseph Hospital's ER wait times can fluctuate. Patients should consider checking online resources or calling the hospital to assess current wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Breast Cancer Services**

The presence of specialized cancer centers and dedicated breast cancer programs is a significant advantage for patients. These centers often offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.

**Markey Cancer Center (UK HealthCare):** The Markey Cancer Center at UK Chandler Hospital is a major asset for patients in the region. Its NCI designation signifies a commitment to research, innovation, and advanced cancer care. The center offers a wide range of services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care services. It is equipped with advanced imaging technologies, including mammography, breast ultrasound, and MRI.

**Baptist Health Lexington:** Baptist Health Lexington has a dedicated cancer center or program that provides comprehensive breast cancer services. Patients should investigate the specific services offered, including screening programs, diagnostic imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support groups.

**Saint Joseph Hospital:** Saint Joseph Hospital offers breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Patients should inquire about the availability of specialized breast cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, offering patients convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services.

**UK HealthCare:** UK HealthCare has expanded its telehealth capabilities, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring options for cancer patients. This can be particularly helpful for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling to appointments.

**Baptist Health Lexington:** Baptist Health Lexington also offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments with oncologists and other specialists. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options for their specific needs.

**Saint Joseph Hospital:** Saint Joseph Hospital likely offers telehealth services to some extent. Patients should inquire about the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring options.

**Breast Imaging and Diagnostics**

Access to advanced breast imaging technologies is essential for early detection and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer.

**UK Chandler Hospital (Markey Cancer Center):** The Markey Cancer Center is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technologies, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast ultrasound, and MRI.

**Baptist Health Lexington:** Baptist Health Lexington offers a range of breast imaging services, including mammography, ultrasound, and potentially MRI.

**Saint Joseph Hospital:** Saint Joseph Hospital provides breast imaging services, including mammography.

**Surgical Options and Expertise**

The availability of skilled breast surgeons and a range of surgical options is crucial for patients.

**UK Chandler Hospital (Markey Cancer Center):** The Markey Cancer Center has a team of experienced breast surgeons who perform various procedures, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.

**Baptist Health Lexington:** Baptist Health Lexington offers breast surgery services, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and potentially reconstructive options.

**Saint Joseph Hospital:** Saint Joseph Hospital provides breast surgery services, including lumpectomy and mastectomy.

**Radiation Therapy**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques is an advantage.

**UK Chandler Hospital (Markey Cancer Center):** The Markey Cancer Center offers advanced radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy and potentially brachytherapy.

**Baptist Health Lexington:** Baptist Health Lexington provides radiation therapy services.

**Saint Joseph Hospital:** Saint Joseph Hospital likely offers radiation therapy services.

**Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology**

Access to experienced medical oncologists and chemotherapy services is essential for patients undergoing systemic therapy.

**UK Chandler Hospital (Markey Cancer Center):** The Markey Cancer Center has a team of medical oncologists who provide chemotherapy and other systemic therapies.

**Baptist Health Lexington:** Baptist Health Lexington offers chemotherapy services.

**Saint Joseph Hospital:** Saint Joseph Hospital provides chemotherapy services.

**Supportive Care Services**

Comprehensive breast cancer care extends beyond medical treatment. Supportive care services, such as counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation, are crucial for patients' overall well-being.

**UK Chandler Hospital (Markey Cancer Center):** The Markey Cancer Center offers a range of supportive care services, including counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**Baptist Health Lexington:** Baptist Health Lexington provides supportive care services, including support groups and potentially other resources.

**Saint Joseph Hospital:** Saint Joseph Hospital offers supportive care 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 and the CMS Hospital Compare website offer patient reviews and satisfaction data.

**Conclusion**

Residents near the 40385 ZIP code have access to a network of healthcare providers for breast cancer care. The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital (Markey Cancer Center) and Baptist Health Lexington stand out as major regional resources, offering comprehensive services and advanced technologies. Patients should research each hospital's specific services, consult with their primary care physicians, and consider their individual needs and preferences when making healthcare decisions. The information provided in this review is intended to be a starting point, and patients should always consult with their healthcare providers for personalized advice and treatment recommendations.