01337, Bernardston, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 01337, Bernardston, Massachusetts is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in the 01337 Vicinity: A Detailed Hospital Review**

The ZIP code 01337, encompassing the town of Greenfield, Massachusetts, sits in a region with a diverse healthcare landscape. Navigating the options for breast cancer care requires a nuanced understanding of available resources, from early detection to advanced treatment. This review provides a detailed look at hospitals in and around 01337, focusing on their breast cancer services, accessibility, and overall quality of care.

**Understanding the Landscape: Key Considerations**

When evaluating hospitals for breast cancer care, several factors are crucial. These include the availability of comprehensive services (imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation), the expertise of the medical staff, patient outcomes, and the overall patient experience. Proximity to the patient's home, insurance coverage, and personal preferences also play significant roles in the decision-making process.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Breast Cancer Programs**

The region is served by several prominent hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These institutions offer varying levels of breast cancer care, and understanding their specific capabilities is essential.

**Baystate Franklin Medical Center (Greenfield, MA)**

Located directly within the 01337 ZIP code, Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC) is a primary care provider for the Greenfield community. While BFMC may not have the same breadth of services as larger regional hospitals, it provides essential care. It offers diagnostic imaging services, including mammography, and can perform breast biopsies. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer at BFMC are often referred to other facilities within the Baystate Health system for more specialized treatment.

BFMC has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. The hospital's emergency room wait times can fluctuate, but generally, patients can expect to be seen by a provider within a reasonable timeframe.

**Cooley Dickinson Hospital (Northampton, MA)**

Located approximately 25 miles south of Greenfield, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham system, offers a more comprehensive breast cancer program. It has a breast health center that provides a range of services, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, and breast biopsy. They also offer surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital generally has good patient satisfaction scores, and its staff is known for providing compassionate care. Its CMS star rating is unavailable. Emergency room wait times can vary, but the hospital strives to minimize wait times for patients with urgent needs.

**UMass Memorial Medical Center (Worcester, MA)**

Located approximately 75 miles east of Greenfield, UMass Memorial Medical Center is a major tertiary care center and offers a comprehensive breast cancer program. It has a dedicated breast center with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. The hospital offers advanced imaging techniques, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and provides a full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.

UMass Memorial Medical Center is a teaching hospital, which means it is involved in medical education and research. It has a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital’s emergency room wait times can be longer than those of smaller community hospitals, especially during peak hours.

**Other Hospitals to Consider**

Several other hospitals in the region offer breast cancer services, though their programs may be less extensive than those of the flagship institutions. These hospitals may be suitable for specific needs or preferences.

**Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY)**

Located approximately 100 miles west of Greenfield, Albany Medical Center is a major referral center for the region. It has a comprehensive cancer center that offers a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and clinical trials. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Specialty Centers and Their Role**

In addition to general hospitals, specialized cancer centers play a vital role in breast cancer care. These centers often offer cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a high level of expertise.

**Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA)**

While located approximately 90 miles east of Greenfield, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a world-renowned cancer center. It offers comprehensive breast cancer care, including access to clinical trials, innovative therapies, and a multidisciplinary team of experts. Dana-Farber is known for its research and its commitment to providing patient-centered care.

**Access and Accessibility: Telehealth and Beyond**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, particularly for patients in rural areas. Many hospitals in the region offer telehealth services for breast cancer patients, including virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and support groups.

**Telehealth Stats**

* **Baystate Health:** Offers telehealth services for oncology patients, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring.
* **Cooley Dickinson Hospital:** Provides telehealth options for some breast cancer-related appointments.
* **UMass Memorial Medical Center:** Offers telehealth services for oncology patients, including virtual consultations and follow-up care.
* **Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:** Provides telehealth services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and support groups.

**ER Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant factor for patients needing immediate care. The following is a general overview of ER wait times for the hospitals mentioned. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the number of patients seeking care.

* **Baystate Franklin Medical Center:** Moderate wait times.
* **Cooley Dickinson Hospital:** Moderate wait times.
* **UMass Memorial Medical Center:** Longer wait times, especially during peak hours.
* **Albany Medical Center:** Longer wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

The patient experience is a critical aspect of breast cancer care. Hospitals strive to provide a supportive environment, including access to support groups, counseling services, and patient navigators.

* **Baystate Health:** Offers patient navigators and support groups.
* **Cooley Dickinson Hospital:** Provides patient navigators and support services.
* **UMass Memorial Medical Center:** Offers a comprehensive range of support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and counseling.
* **Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:** Provides extensive support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and counseling.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. Consulting with their primary care physician, seeking second opinions, and researching the specific services offered by each hospital are essential steps in making an informed decision.

**Conclusion**

The 01337 vicinity offers a range of options for breast cancer care, from local community hospitals to major regional centers. Patients in the Greenfield area have access to diagnostic services, surgical interventions, medical oncology, and radiation therapy. By carefully evaluating the available resources, understanding the strengths of each hospital, and considering their individual needs, patients can find the best possible care for their breast cancer journey.