21755, Jefferson, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 21755, Jefferson, Maryland is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Heart of Maryland: A Scorecard for ZIP Code 21755

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision. For residents of Frederick, Maryland (ZIP code 21755), several options are within reach, each offering a unique blend of services, expertise, and accessibility. This review provides a fact-rich overview of the leading contenders, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, to help you navigate this complex landscape.

**Frederick Health Hospital: The Local Anchor**

Frederick Health Hospital, formerly Frederick Memorial Hospital, serves as the primary healthcare provider for the city of Frederick. It's a familiar name and a central point of access for many residents of 21755. While it doesn't have a dedicated "flagship" breast cancer center with its own name, the hospital offers comprehensive services within its larger structure.

Frederick Health Hospital has a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects overall quality, including factors like patient safety, mortality rates, and readmission rates. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it’s crucial to understand that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle. The hospital’s breast cancer services include diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

**ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at Frederick Health Hospital are a key consideration for many patients. Data from the CMS indicates that the average ER wait time can fluctuate, but it's generally in line with or slightly above the national average. It's important to note that these are averages and can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the patient's condition. Patients should expect to wait, but the hospital is working to streamline processes.

**Specialty Centers:** Frederick Health Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including a dedicated cancer center that houses its breast cancer services. This center provides a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to collaborate on patient care. The hospital also offers support services like patient navigation, counseling, and support groups.

**Telehealth:** Frederick Health Hospital has been expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly in response to the growing demand for remote healthcare services. Telehealth options for breast cancer patients may include virtual consultations with oncologists, follow-up appointments, and support group meetings. The availability and specific types of telehealth services offered can vary, so it's best to check directly with the hospital for the most up-to-date information.

**Johns Hopkins Medicine: A Regional Powerhouse**

While not directly in Frederick, Johns Hopkins Medicine, with its flagship hospital, The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, is a significant regional resource for breast cancer care. This institution is renowned for its expertise and research in the field. Access from 21755 requires travel, but the potential benefits may outweigh the inconvenience for some patients.

**CMS Star Rating:** The Johns Hopkins Hospital consistently receives high ratings from CMS, often achieving a **5-star rating**, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality care. This rating is a testament to the hospital's overall performance, including its patient outcomes, safety measures, and patient experience.

**ER Wait Times:** The Johns Hopkins Hospital's ER wait times can vary depending on the volume of patients and the complexity of their conditions. Patients should be prepared for potentially longer wait times, especially during peak hours. However, the hospital is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies and offers specialized services for various medical conditions.

**Specialty Centers:** The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center is a nationally recognized center for cancer care, including breast cancer. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostics, cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and supportive care. The center's multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient.

**Telehealth:** Johns Hopkins Medicine has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services. For breast cancer patients, telehealth options may include virtual appointments with oncologists, genetic counseling, and support group meetings. The hospital's telehealth platform is designed to provide convenient and accessible care to patients, regardless of their location.

**University of Maryland Medical Center: A Major Academic Center**

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) in Baltimore is another major academic medical center within reach of 21755. UMMC is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and offers a broad spectrum of services, including comprehensive breast cancer care.

**CMS Star Rating:** UMMC typically receives a **4-star rating** from CMS. This rating indicates a strong performance in several key areas, including patient safety, clinical outcomes, and patient experience. While not a perfect score, it demonstrates a commitment to quality care.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UMMC can vary. As with any large, busy hospital, patients should anticipate some wait time. The hospital's emergency department is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies and provides specialized care for various conditions.

**Specialty Centers:** UMMC's Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a full range of breast cancer services, including advanced diagnostics, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. The center's multidisciplinary teams work together to provide personalized treatment plans for each patient.

**Telehealth:** UMMC has expanded its telehealth offerings to provide convenient access to care. Breast cancer patients may have access to virtual consultations with oncologists, follow-up appointments, and support group meetings. The hospital's telehealth platform aims to improve patient access and convenience.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors should be considered when choosing a breast cancer care provider.

* **Proximity:** The convenience of location is essential. Consider the distance to the hospital, traffic patterns, and ease of parking.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the experience and credentials of the physicians who will be involved in your care.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews and testimonials from other patients to get insights into their experiences.
* **Support Services:** Inquire about the availability of support services, such as patient navigation, counseling, and support groups.
* **Clinical Trials:** If you are interested in participating in clinical trials, find out which hospitals offer them.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of 21755, the decision of where to receive breast cancer care is complex. Frederick Health Hospital provides local access with a 3-star CMS rating and a growing telehealth presence. Johns Hopkins Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center, both in Baltimore, offer more specialized care and higher CMS ratings (5 and 4 stars, respectively) but require travel. Carefully weigh the factors outlined in this review, consider your individual needs and preferences, and consult with your primary care physician to make the most informed decision for your health.