02777, Swansea, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02777, Swansea, Massachusetts is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Southeastern Massachusetts: A Scorecard for 02777

The search for excellent breast cancer care can be daunting. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals and treatment options available near ZIP code 02777 (Seekonk, Massachusetts) to help navigate this complex landscape. We’ll examine key factors like hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility, focusing on information readily available to the public.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The region surrounding Seekonk, MA, offers a mix of community hospitals and larger, tertiary care centers. Proximity to Providence, Rhode Island, significantly expands the available options. This review will consider both Massachusetts and Rhode Island facilities, as patient choice often transcends state lines.

**Key Metrics for Evaluation:**

Our assessment will consider several crucial metrics. **CMS Star Ratings**, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, offer a general measure of hospital quality based on patient experience, safety, and efficiency. While not a perfect indicator, they provide a valuable starting point. **Emergency Room (ER) wait times**, a readily available statistic, can be a proxy for overall hospital efficiency and patient flow. We'll also investigate the presence of **accredited breast centers**, which often meet rigorous standards for comprehensive care. Finally, we'll examine **telehealth capabilities** as a measure of accessibility and modern care delivery.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Breast Cancer Programs:**

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

Located just across the state line, Rhode Island Hospital is a major player in the region. It's a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University. Rhode Island Hospital holds a **3-star CMS rating** (as of October 2024). While the CMS rating is not stellar, it's important to note that these ratings can fluctuate.

Rhode Island Hospital boasts a comprehensive breast cancer program. Their **Breast Health Center** offers a multidisciplinary approach, coordinating care between surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists. They provide advanced imaging services, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. Rhode Island Hospital is also a major research center, offering access to clinical trials.

**ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times fluctuates. Publicly available data should be consulted to get the most up-to-date information. The hospital's website and third-party websites that track ER wait times can provide this data.

**Telehealth:** Rhode Island Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, including oncology consultations. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and managing side effects.

**2. Women & Infants Hospital (Providence, RI):**

Also located in Providence, Women & Infants Hospital is a specialized hospital focused on women's health. It's a teaching affiliate of Brown University. Women & Infants Hospital has a **3-star CMS rating** (as of October 2024).

Women & Infants Hospital has a dedicated **Breast Health Center**. It offers a full spectrum of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, and medical oncology. They emphasize a patient-centered approach, providing support services like counseling and support groups. They are known for their expertise in high-risk breast cancer cases.

**ER Wait Times:** Information on ER wait times should be accessed through the hospital's website or third-party sources.

**Telehealth:** Women & Infants Hospital has embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments for various specialties, including oncology.

**3. Sturdy Memorial Hospital (Attleboro, MA):**

Sturdy Memorial Hospital, located in Attleboro, MA, is a community hospital serving the area. Sturdy Memorial Hospital has a **3-star CMS rating** (as of October 2024).

Sturdy Memorial Hospital offers a breast cancer program. They provide mammography and other diagnostic services. Patients may be referred to specialists for further treatment, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

**ER Wait Times:** Publicly available data on ER wait times should be checked.

**Telehealth:** Sturdy Memorial Hospital is expanding its telehealth capabilities.

**4. Southcoast Health System (Multiple Locations):**

Southcoast Health operates several hospitals and outpatient facilities in the region, including Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River, MA) and St. Luke's Hospital (New Bedford, MA). Southcoast Health System hospitals have varied CMS ratings.

Southcoast Health offers a comprehensive breast cancer program with services including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. They have accredited breast centers at some of their locations.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times vary by location. The Southcoast Health website and third-party sources should be consulted.

**Telehealth:** Southcoast Health has expanded its telehealth offerings.

**5. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth (Plymouth, MA):**

While further afield, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth is a potential option for some patients. It's part of the Beth Israel Lahey Health system. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth has a **3-star CMS rating** (as of October 2024).

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth offers a comprehensive breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary approach. They provide advanced imaging, surgical options, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

**ER Wait Times:** Check the hospital's website or third-party sources for the most recent information.

**Telehealth:** Beth Israel Lahey Health has expanded its telehealth capabilities.

**Specialty Centers and Accreditation:**

Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) is a significant indicator of quality. Accreditation signifies that a breast center meets rigorous standards for comprehensive care, including multidisciplinary teams, access to clinical trials, and patient support services. Several hospitals in the area have achieved this accreditation, including some of the hospitals mentioned above. Patients should specifically inquire about accreditation when considering a breast center.

**Telehealth and Accessibility:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for cancer care. It allows patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services remotely. Many hospitals in the region have expanded their telehealth offerings, providing greater accessibility, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas. The availability of telehealth services should be a key factor when choosing a hospital.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration:**

ER wait times are a practical consideration. Long wait times can be stressful, especially for patients experiencing symptoms or side effects. While not a direct indicator of cancer care quality, they can reflect overall hospital efficiency and patient flow. Patients should consult hospital websites or third-party sources for real-time or average ER wait time data.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Beyond clinical expertise, patient experience is crucial. Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive support services, including:

* **Patient navigators:** These individuals help patients navigate the complexities of cancer care, coordinating appointments and providing emotional support.
* **Support groups:** Connecting with other patients can be invaluable.
* **Counseling services:** Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of cancer is essential.
* **Financial assistance:** Cancer treatment can be costly. Hospitals may offer financial counseling or assistance programs.

**Research and Clinical Trials:**

Access to clinical trials can be a significant advantage, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments. Major teaching hospitals, like Rhode Island Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital, often have more extensive research programs and clinical trial options.

**Making an Informed Decision:**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. This review provides a starting point for research. Consider these steps:

1. **Consult your primary care physician:** They can provide referrals and recommendations.
2. **Research hospitals:** Use the information in this review and other online resources.
3. **Visit hospital websites:** Review their breast cancer program details, including services offered and physician profiles.
4. **Check CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality.
5. **Inquire about accreditation:** Look for hospitals with NAPBC accreditation.
6. **Consider ER wait times:** Evaluate hospital efficiency.
7. **Assess telehealth capabilities:** Determine if remote appointments are available.
8. **Ask about patient support services:** Inquire about patient navigators, support groups, and counseling.
9. **Discuss clinical trial options:** If appropriate, ask about access to research studies.
10. **Schedule consultations:** Meet with potential providers to discuss your specific needs and preferences.

By carefully considering these factors, patients near 02777 can make an informed decision and access the best possible breast cancer care.