04684, Surry, Maine Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04684, Surry, Maine is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Evaluating Hospitals Near ZIP Code 04684

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Access to quality care, particularly from hospitals specializing in breast cancer treatment, is paramount. This review analyzes hospitals near the ZIP code 04684 (Southwest Harbor, Maine), evaluating their breast cancer services, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. While the immediate vicinity of 04684 is relatively rural, this analysis will extend to hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, offering a comprehensive overview of available resources.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape in this region is characterized by a mix of community hospitals and larger, regional medical centers. Proximity to larger cities like Bangor and Portland expands the options for specialized care. The availability of specialized breast cancer centers, advanced imaging technologies, and multidisciplinary teams are crucial factors in determining the quality of care.

**Key Metrics and Their Significance:**

Several metrics are critical when assessing a hospital's breast cancer care. CMS star ratings, based on patient experience, safety, and effectiveness, provide a general indication of overall quality. Shorter ER wait times can be indicative of efficient operations, which can indirectly impact access to follow-up care. The presence of a dedicated breast cancer center, offering comprehensive services like diagnostic imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy under one roof, is a significant advantage. Telehealth capabilities are becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas, allowing patients to access consultations and follow-up appointments remotely.

**Hospital Analysis:**

**Maine Coast Memorial Hospital (Ellsworth, ME):** Located approximately 30 miles north of 04684, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is a community hospital serving the Hancock County region. While MCMH may not have a dedicated, stand-alone breast cancer center, it likely offers breast cancer services within its oncology department. Information on specific breast cancer program details, such as the number of breast cancer surgeries performed annually, the availability of specific treatment modalities (e.g., advanced radiation therapy), and the composition of the multidisciplinary team (surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, etc.) is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation. Publicly available data may be limited for MCMH, highlighting the need for direct inquiry to understand the scope of their breast cancer services. CMS data may be available.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor, ME):** Approximately 60 miles northwest of 04684, Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), now known as Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, is a larger regional medical center. EMMC likely offers a more comprehensive breast cancer program. The hospital's oncology department would likely have a dedicated breast cancer program or a comprehensive cancer center. This center would likely provide a full spectrum of services, including advanced imaging (mammography, MRI, ultrasound), surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy, targeted therapies), radiation oncology, and supportive care services (e.g., genetic counseling, survivorship programs). Assessing the specific expertise of the surgeons, the availability of advanced surgical techniques (e.g., sentinel lymph node biopsy, oncoplastic surgery), and the types of radiation therapy available (e.g., intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy) is essential. Check CMS star ratings. ER wait times should be available. Telehealth capabilities should be investigated.

**St. Joseph Hospital (Bangor, ME):** Also in Bangor, St. Joseph Hospital is another option. It is important to determine if St. Joseph Hospital has a dedicated breast cancer center or program. Like EMMC, St. Joseph likely offers comprehensive breast cancer services. The hospital's oncology department would likely provide diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. Evaluate the specific expertise of the surgeons, the availability of advanced surgical techniques, and the types of radiation therapy available. Check CMS star ratings. ER wait times should be available. Telehealth capabilities should be investigated.

**Mid Coast Hospital (Brunswick, ME):** Located approximately 80 miles southwest of 04684, Mid Coast Hospital is another potential option. The hospital likely offers breast cancer services within its oncology department. Information on specific breast cancer program details, such as the number of breast cancer surgeries performed annually, the availability of specific treatment modalities (e.g., advanced radiation therapy), and the composition of the multidisciplinary team (surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, etc.) is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation. Check CMS star ratings. ER wait times should be available. Telehealth capabilities should be investigated.

**Maine Medical Center (Portland, ME):** Approximately 160 miles southwest of 04684, Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland is the state's largest hospital and a tertiary referral center. MMC likely has a highly specialized and comprehensive breast cancer program, potentially within a dedicated cancer institute. The hospital would likely offer cutting-edge diagnostic imaging, advanced surgical techniques, a wide range of medical oncology treatments (including clinical trials), and advanced radiation therapy options. MMC may have specialized programs for high-risk patients, genetic testing and counseling, and survivorship care. The hospital's affiliation with a major cancer research institution could provide access to the latest clinical trials and innovative therapies. Due to its size and specialization, MMC is likely to have a multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and support staff. Check CMS star ratings. ER wait times should be available. Telehealth capabilities should be investigated.

**Other Considerations:**

**ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times are generally preferable, as they can indicate efficient operations and potentially faster access to care. While not directly related to breast cancer treatment, long wait times can be stressful for patients and may delay access to necessary follow-up care.

**Telehealth:** Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially for patients in rural areas. The availability of telehealth consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources can improve access to care and reduce travel burdens.

**Patient Experience:** CMS star ratings and other patient satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the overall patient experience at a hospital. Factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness to patient needs, and the cleanliness of the environment can significantly impact a patient's experience.

**Specialty Centers:** The presence of a dedicated breast cancer center, with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, is a significant advantage. These centers often offer comprehensive services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care.

**Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to the latest therapies and treatment options. Hospitals affiliated with major cancer research institutions are more likely to offer clinical trials.

**Insurance Coverage:** Confirming that the hospital accepts the patient's insurance plan is essential. Understanding the hospital's billing practices and the patient's out-of-pocket costs is also important.

**Making an Informed Decision:**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer treatment is a significant decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific characteristics of each hospital. Gathering information from multiple sources, including hospital websites, patient reviews, and consultations with healthcare providers, is crucial. Patients should also ask specific questions about the hospital's breast cancer program, including the experience of the surgeons, the availability of advanced treatment options, and the support services offered.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals near ZIP code 04684 offer varying levels of breast cancer care. While community hospitals like Maine Coast Memorial Hospital may provide basic services, larger regional medical centers like Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital, and Mid Coast Hospital likely offer more comprehensive programs. Maine Medical Center in Portland, with its specialized resources and affiliation with a major cancer research institution, likely provides the most advanced and comprehensive breast cancer care in the region. Patients should thoroughly research each hospital, considering the factors outlined in this review, to make an informed decision about their care. This review is a starting point; direct inquiries to the hospitals are essential for a full understanding of their services.