02537, East Sandwich, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02537, East Sandwich, Massachusetts is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Buzzards Bay: A Scorecard for 02537

Finding the right breast cancer care is a deeply personal journey, and proximity to quality medical facilities is often a crucial factor. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near the 02537 ZIP code (Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts), focusing on their breast cancer services, performance metrics, and accessibility. This is not medical advice; consult with your physician for personalized recommendations.

**Proximity and Flagship Institutions:**

The 02537 area is strategically positioned with access to several hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. While no single hospital is immediately within the ZIP code, the major players in the region offer comprehensive care. These include facilities in Wareham, Fall River, and Providence, Rhode Island, all accessible via major roadways. The availability of these hospitals offers options for various treatment modalities and specialist expertise.

**St. Luke's Hospital (New Bedford, MA):**

St. Luke's Hospital, a major player in the Southcoast Health system, is a significant option. While not directly in Buzzards Bay, it's a relatively short drive. St. Luke's is a well-regarded community hospital, but it's crucial to note that CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings are not available for this specific facility. This means there is no publicly available, standardized measure of overall hospital quality based on federal data.

St. Luke's offers a comprehensive breast health program, including diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), surgical oncology, and medical oncology services. The hospital has a dedicated breast center, which is often a positive indicator of specialized care. They provide a multidisciplinary approach, with radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists working collaboratively. The hospital’s website should be consulted for specific details on their breast cancer services.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River, MA):**

Charlton Memorial Hospital, also part of the Southcoast Health system, is another option. Similar to St. Luke's, it offers a range of breast cancer services, including diagnostics, surgery, and medical oncology. The hospital’s website is the best source for specific details on the breast cancer services. Like St. Luke's, Charlton Memorial does not have a CMS star rating.

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI):**

Rhode Island Hospital, a flagship facility of Lifespan, offers a high level of specialized care. It is located in Providence, Rhode Island, which is a longer drive from Buzzards Bay than the Massachusetts hospitals. Rhode Island Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating. This rating, while not perfect, indicates a generally good performance across various quality metrics.

Rhode Island Hospital’s comprehensive cancer center provides a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical options (including reconstructive surgery), radiation therapy, and medical oncology. They are likely to offer clinical trials and access to cutting-edge treatments. Their affiliation with Brown University adds to their academic and research capabilities.

**The Miriam Hospital (Providence, RI):**

The Miriam Hospital, also part of the Lifespan system and located in Providence, RI, is another option. The Miriam Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a good level of overall quality. It is important to note that the CMS star rating is a general indicator and does not specifically reflect breast cancer care quality.

The Miriam Hospital's cancer center provides a full range of breast cancer services. The hospital’s website is the best source for specific details on the breast cancer services.

**ER Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times can be a critical factor, especially in urgent situations. Publicly available data on ER wait times can fluctuate. Check the hospital websites or third-party websites like Healthgrades or US News & World Report for the most current data. Keep in mind that these are averages and can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

Beyond general services, consider the presence of specialized centers. Look for hospitals with dedicated breast centers, which often provide a more focused and coordinated approach to care. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and nurses specializing in breast cancer care.

The presence of a genetics counseling program is also a significant factor, especially for patients with a family history of breast cancer. Genetic testing can help assess risk and guide preventative measures.

Consider the expertise of the surgeons and oncologists. Research their experience, training, and the types of procedures they perform. Look for surgeons who specialize in breast cancer surgery and medical oncologists with experience in treating breast cancer.

**Telehealth and Accessibility:**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support services. Check which hospitals offer telehealth options for breast cancer patients. This can improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues.

Accessibility is also a critical factor. Consider the distance to the hospital, traffic patterns, and parking availability. Ensure the hospital is accessible to patients with disabilities.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

For some patients, participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments. Research the hospitals' involvement in clinical trials and their affiliations with research institutions. This can be an important factor for patients seeking innovative therapies.

**Patient Satisfaction and Reviews:**

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of quality of care. Read patient reviews and testimonials on websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews. However, take these reviews with a grain of salt, as they are subjective and may not reflect the experiences of all patients.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations:**

Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan. Understand the costs of care, including co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. Contact the hospital's billing department to get an estimate of the costs of treatment.

**Making Your Decision:**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a complex decision. Consider all the factors discussed above, including proximity, services offered, expertise of the medical team, patient satisfaction, and insurance coverage. Consult with your primary care physician and other specialists to get personalized recommendations.

**Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Hospital ratings and data are subject to change. Verify all information directly with the hospitals.