21722, Clear Spring, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 21722, Clear Spring, Maryland is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Care Near Frederick, MD (ZIP Code 21722)

Finding the best breast cancer care is a complex undertaking. Proximity to your home is often a key factor, but the quality of care, the expertise of the medical team, and the availability of cutting-edge treatments are paramount. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Frederick, Maryland (ZIP code 21722), providing a "Breast Cancer Score" based on publicly available data, expert opinions, and real-world patient experiences. This is not a ranking, but rather a guide to help you make informed decisions about your breast cancer journey.

**Understanding the Score:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" is a composite assessment. It considers factors such as:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, offer a general overview of hospital quality based on various metrics.
* **National Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) signifies adherence to rigorous standards of care.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence of dedicated breast centers, offering multidisciplinary care, is highly valued.
* **Physician Expertise:** The experience and qualifications of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists are crucial.
* **Treatment Options:** Availability of advanced treatments, including clinical trials, is assessed.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and feedback are considered.
* **Accessibility:** This includes factors like ER wait times, telehealth options, and ease of access to appointments.

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

**1. Frederick Health Hospital (Frederick, MD):**

Frederick Health Hospital is the closest major hospital to ZIP code 21722. It is a community hospital with a comprehensive cancer program.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Frederick Health Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
* **Breast Center:** Frederick Health offers a dedicated breast center.
* **Specialty Services:** Offers a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services.
* **Treatment Options:** Provides a range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options are available for some follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are generally in line with the national average.
* **Patient Feedback:** Patient reviews are generally positive, highlighting the compassionate care provided by the staff.

**2. Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):**

Johns Hopkins Hospital is a renowned academic medical center located further afield, but often considered a top-tier option for complex cases.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Johns Hopkins has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **Accreditation:** Fully accredited and recognized for its excellence in cancer care.
* **Breast Center:** The Johns Hopkins Breast Center is a leading center for breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research.
* **Specialty Services:** Offers a full spectrum of services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, reconstructive surgery, and genetic counseling.
* **Treatment Options:** Provides access to cutting-edge treatments, including clinical trials, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Telehealth:** Extensive telehealth programs are available, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be longer than at community hospitals due to the high volume of patients.
* **Patient Feedback:** Patient reviews consistently praise the expertise of the physicians and the comprehensive care provided.

**3. University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore, MD):**

The University of Maryland Medical Center is another major medical center in the Baltimore area.

* **CMS Star Rating:** The University of Maryland Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
* **Breast Center:** Offers a dedicated breast center.
* **Specialty Services:** Provides a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services.
* **Treatment Options:** Provides a range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options are available for some follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary.
* **Patient Feedback:** Patient reviews are mixed, with some patients praising the care and others expressing concerns about wait times.

**4. Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD):**

Suburban Hospital, part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, is located in Bethesda, MD, which is a further drive, but a possible option for those seeking care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Suburban Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **Accreditation:** Part of the Johns Hopkins network, with strong cancer care programs.
* **Breast Center:** Offers a comprehensive breast center.
* **Specialty Services:** Provides a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services.
* **Treatment Options:** Provides a range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options are available.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be variable.
* **Patient Feedback:** Patient reviews are generally positive.

**5. Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, VA):**

Inova Fairfax Hospital, located in Northern Virginia, is another option, though further away.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Inova Fairfax Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
* **Breast Center:** Offers a dedicated breast center.
* **Specialty Services:** Provides a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services.
* **Treatment Options:** Provides a range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options are available.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be variable.
* **Patient Feedback:** Patient reviews are generally positive.

**Key Considerations for Breast Cancer Care Near 21722:**

* **Proximity vs. Expertise:** While Frederick Health Hospital offers convenient access, consider whether a longer drive to a specialized center like Johns Hopkins or Inova Fairfax is warranted, especially if you have a complex diagnosis or require advanced treatments.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Look for hospitals that offer a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and support staff.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by the ACS CoC or NAPBC is a good indicator of quality.
* **Clinical Trials:** If appropriate, inquire about the availability of clinical trials, which can provide access to innovative treatments.
* **Telehealth Options:** Telehealth can be a valuable tool for follow-up appointments and consultations, especially if you live far from the hospital.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews online to get insights into the experiences of others.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.

**Specifics to Inquire About:**

When researching hospitals, ask specific questions, such as:

* What is the experience of the breast surgeons?
* What types of breast reconstruction options are available?
* What are the hospital's infection rates?
* What supportive services are offered (e.g., counseling, support groups, physical therapy)?
* What is the hospital's policy on patient navigation?

**The Bottom Line:**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. This "Breast Cancer Score" review provides a starting point for your research, but you should always consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for your individual needs. Consider your diagnosis, treatment preferences, and personal circumstances when making your decision. Do not hesitate to seek second opinions and ask questions. The best care is informed care.