20868, Spencerville, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 20868, Spencerville, Maryland is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in the Bethesda Area: A Scorecard for 2024**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. The choice of where to receive care is crucial. This review provides a fact-rich overview of breast cancer treatment options for residents near ZIP code 20868 (Bethesda, Maryland), focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. Information is drawn from publicly available data, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and reputable healthcare databases.

**The Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

The landscape of breast cancer care in the Bethesda area is dominated by several prominent hospitals. These institutions often serve as referral centers and offer a wide range of services.

**Suburban Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine):** Located in Bethesda, Suburban Hospital is a cornerstone of the community's healthcare system. Suburban Hospital boasts a four-star CMS rating, indicating above-average quality of care. While the CMS star rating is a general indicator, it's important to delve deeper into specific breast cancer metrics. Suburban Hospital is a comprehensive breast center, offering a full spectrum of services, from screening mammography to advanced surgical procedures. They have a dedicated breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and breast radiologists. Suburban Hospital’s breast cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The hospital also offers genetic counseling and testing services. ER wait times at Suburban Hospital typically fluctuate, but publicly available data suggests an average wait time of around 30-45 minutes. Telehealth options are available, but the specific availability and types of telehealth appointments for breast cancer patients should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital:** Situated in Washington, D.C., but serving the Bethesda area, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is a major academic medical center. MedStar Georgetown has a three-star CMS rating. The hospital's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, signifying a commitment to research and advanced cancer care. This designation is a significant marker of quality. The Lombardi Center offers a wide range of breast cancer treatment options, including clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies. They have a dedicated breast cancer team and a multidisciplinary approach. MedStar Georgetown also offers genetic counseling and high-risk screening programs. ER wait times at MedStar Georgetown tend to be longer than at Suburban Hospital, often averaging between 45 minutes to an hour or more. Telehealth options are available, including virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists.

**National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center:** The NIH Clinical Center, also in Bethesda, is a unique institution focused on research and clinical trials. While not a typical community hospital, it offers specialized care for patients participating in clinical trials. The NIH Clinical Center doesn't have a CMS star rating in the same way as other hospitals. The NIH Clinical Center is a research hospital, so its focus is on experimental treatments and clinical trials. The Clinical Center offers access to cutting-edge therapies and research protocols. Patients must meet specific eligibility criteria to participate in clinical trials. The NIH Clinical Center has a dedicated breast cancer research program. ER wait times at the NIH Clinical Center can vary. Telehealth options are available, primarily for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Specialty Centers and Outpatient Facilities**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several specialty centers and outpatient facilities provide breast cancer care in the Bethesda area. These facilities often offer specialized services or convenient access to care.

**Shady Grove Adventist Hospital (Adventist HealthCare):** Located in Rockville, MD, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is another option for breast cancer care. The hospital is a comprehensive cancer center offering a range of services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. Shady Grove Adventist Hospital also offers breast imaging services, including mammography and ultrasound. ER wait times at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital are typically in line with the regional average, often ranging from 30-60 minutes. Telehealth options are available, but the specific availability should be confirmed with the hospital.

**The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center:** While primarily serving military personnel and their families, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda also provides care to some civilian patients. Walter Reed offers a comprehensive breast cancer program, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The hospital has a multidisciplinary team of specialists and access to advanced technologies. ER wait times can vary. Telehealth options are available.

**Accessibility and Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Accessibility is a crucial factor in choosing a healthcare provider. Patients should consider factors such as location, transportation options, and appointment availability.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be a significant indicator of hospital efficiency and patient volume. Suburban Hospital generally has shorter ER wait times than MedStar Georgetown. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Appointment Availability:** Appointment availability for specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, can vary. Patients should inquire about appointment wait times when scheduling consultations.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. Both Suburban Hospital and MedStar Georgetown offer telehealth options for breast cancer patients. The availability of specific telehealth services, such as virtual chemotherapy consultations or remote monitoring, should be confirmed with each hospital.

**Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection**

Early detection is crucial for successful breast cancer treatment. Patients should adhere to recommended screening guidelines, including regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. Both Suburban Hospital and MedStar Georgetown offer comprehensive breast imaging services, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis).

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Patient experience is an important consideration. Hospitals often provide support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and educational resources. Suburban Hospital and MedStar Georgetown both offer patient support services.

**Factors Beyond the Numbers**

While data and statistics are important, patients should also consider factors such as the oncologist's experience, the hospital's reputation, and the patient's personal preferences. It's crucial to find a healthcare provider with whom the patient feels comfortable and confident.

**The Bottom Line**

For residents near ZIP code 20868, Suburban Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine) stands out as a strong choice, offering a combination of high-quality care, a comprehensive breast cancer program, and relatively shorter ER wait times. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, with its NCI designation, provides access to advanced therapies and clinical trials. The NIH Clinical Center offers a unique opportunity for patients interested in research-based treatments. Patients should research all options, consider their individual needs, and consult with their primary care physician to determine the best course of action.