04624, Corea, Maine Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04624, Corea, Maine is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 04624

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to high-quality medical care. For residents near ZIP code 04624, which encompasses Ellsworth, Maine, understanding the available resources is crucial. This review examines the leading hospitals in the region, focusing on their breast cancer services, quality metrics, and accessibility.

**The Landscape of Care:**

The immediate vicinity of Ellsworth, Maine, presents a landscape of healthcare options, primarily anchored by community hospitals and regional medical centers. The availability of specialized breast cancer centers and comprehensive cancer care can vary, necessitating a thorough examination of each facility’s capabilities. Residents may also consider facilities slightly further afield, particularly those in Bangor, for access to a broader spectrum of services.

**Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital (Ellsworth):**

Located directly within the 04624 ZIP code, Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital serves as a primary care provider for the area. While it may not have a dedicated, standalone breast cancer center, it offers essential services. The hospital is a critical access hospital, meaning it provides crucial services to a rural population. It's important to note that critical access hospitals often have a limited scope of specialized services compared to larger, urban hospitals.

**Key Considerations for Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital:**

* **Breast Cancer Screening:** The hospital likely provides mammography services, a crucial component of early detection. Patients should confirm the availability of screening mammograms and any associated wait times.
* **Diagnostic Services:** Further diagnostic procedures, such as biopsies, may be available on-site or require referral to a larger facility.
* **Treatment Options:** The hospital may offer limited treatment options, such as chemotherapy, but it likely relies on partnerships with larger facilities for surgical and radiation oncology services.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services could be available, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists.
* **CMS Star Rating:** As a critical access hospital, it may not have a CMS star rating, as these are typically reserved for larger acute care facilities.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor):**

Approximately 30 miles west of Ellsworth, Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), now known as Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, is a major regional medical center. It serves as a hub for specialized care, including comprehensive cancer services. EMMC offers a significantly broader range of resources than Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital.

**Key Features of Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center:**

* **Cancer Care Center:** EMMC likely has a dedicated cancer care center or a comprehensive cancer program. This center should offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists.
* **Breast Cancer Specialists:** The hospital should have breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists specializing in breast cancer treatment.
* **Advanced Diagnostics:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), MRI, and PET scans, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Treatment Options:** EMMC should provide a full spectrum of treatment options, including surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.
* **Clinical Trials:** The hospital may participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Comprehensive support services, such as oncology nurses, social workers, support groups, and rehabilitation programs, are essential components of a cancer care program.
* **ER Wait Times:** EMMC's ER wait times can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or use online resources to get an estimate of current wait times.
* **CMS Star Rating:** EMMC has a CMS star rating, which is an indicator of overall hospital quality. The rating can be found on the CMS Hospital Compare website. The rating reflects various factors, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

**St. Joseph Hospital (Bangor):**

Another option in Bangor is St. Joseph Hospital, also part of the Northern Light Health system. St. Joseph's offers a range of healthcare services, and its cancer care program should be evaluated.

**Key Considerations for St. Joseph Hospital:**

* **Cancer Services:** Investigate the scope of the cancer services offered, including breast cancer specific programs.
* **Specialist Availability:** Confirm the availability of breast cancer specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists.
* **Treatment Options:** Assess the range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
* **Support Services:** Evaluate the availability of support services, such as oncology nurses, social workers, and support groups.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check the hospital's website or online resources for ER wait time estimates.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Check the CMS Hospital Compare website for the hospital's star rating.

**Additional Factors to Consider:**

Beyond the specific services offered by each hospital, several other factors are important in evaluating breast cancer care:

* **Accreditation:** Look for hospitals accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC). Accreditation signifies adherence to high standards of care.
* **Patient Outcomes:** Inquire about the hospital's patient outcomes, such as survival rates and complication rates. This information can often be found on hospital websites or through public reporting agencies.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the patient experience, including communication, compassion, and overall satisfaction.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Transportation:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the availability of transportation, especially for frequent appointments.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services can be a valuable tool for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support. Inquire about the availability of telehealth options.

**Telehealth Statistics:**

The use of telehealth in healthcare has grown significantly, including in cancer care. While specific statistics for hospitals near 04624 may not be readily available, the national trend indicates increasing adoption of telehealth for oncology services. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and support groups. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services at each hospital.

**Making an Informed Decision:**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Residents near ZIP code 04624 should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences. This review provides a starting point for evaluating the available options. Patients should conduct thorough research, ask questions, and consult with their primary care physician to determine the best course of action.