04768, Portage, Maine Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04768, Portage, Maine is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in Aroostook County: A Review of Hospital Options Near Presque Isle, Maine (ZIP Code 04768)**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to high-quality medical care. For residents of Presque Isle, Maine, and the surrounding areas encompassed by the 04768 ZIP code, the options are somewhat limited, but understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility is crucial. This review examines the available hospitals, focusing on factors relevant to breast cancer care, including access to specialists, diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and patient experience.

**Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital (Presque Isle, ME)**

Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital, located directly in Presque Isle, is the primary healthcare provider for the region. As a community hospital, it offers a range of services, including cancer care. While it doesn’t have a dedicated, standalone cancer center, it provides oncology services through its medical staff.

A.R. Gould Hospital's breast cancer services include diagnostic imaging, such as mammograms and potentially breast ultrasound. They collaborate with specialists, including surgeons and oncologists, who may be based on-site or who travel to the hospital to see patients. The hospital also offers chemotherapy infusions.

The hospital's CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating is an important indicator of overall quality. It is important to check the most recent CMS data to understand the hospital's performance. The CMS star rating reflects a composite score based on patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care.

ER wait times are a key concern for any patient. While specific ER wait times can fluctuate, understanding the average wait time is crucial. Information on current wait times is often available on the hospital's website or through online platforms that track ER wait times.

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. A.R. Gould Hospital likely offers telehealth services for some specialties. Telehealth can provide access to consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and other services, reducing the need for travel. The availability of telehealth services for oncology and breast cancer patients is a significant factor.

**Specialty Centers and Cancer Care**

A.R. Gould Hospital may not have a dedicated breast cancer center, but it likely has affiliations with larger cancer centers or hospitals. These affiliations can provide access to specialized expertise, clinical trials, and advanced treatment options. Understanding the hospital's referral network is important.

**Other Considerations for A.R. Gould Hospital**

* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, available through surveys and online reviews, provide insights into the patient experience.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation from organizations like the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) indicates a commitment to quality cancer care.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as support groups, counseling, and patient navigation, can greatly impact the patient experience.

**Travel to Other Hospitals: Considerations**

For more specialized care or advanced treatment options, patients in the 04768 area may need to travel. This can involve significant distances, impacting access to care.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor, ME)**

Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), now known as Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, is a larger regional hospital located approximately 150 miles south of Presque Isle. EMMC is a flagship hospital within the Northern Light Health system and is likely to have a higher CMS star rating than A.R. Gould Hospital.

EMMC likely has a dedicated cancer center with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and breast cancer specialists. The center probably offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.

EMMC's breast cancer program is likely to be accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC), indicating adherence to quality standards.

EMMC’s ER wait times can vary, but the hospital generally has a larger capacity and resources than A.R. Gould Hospital.

EMMC is likely to have a robust telehealth program, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Travel Time and Logistics**

The significant distance to Bangor necessitates careful planning. Patients and their families need to consider travel time, lodging, and transportation costs.

**Other Hospitals to Consider (Beyond 04768)**

Given the distance to Bangor, it is important to consider other hospitals, even if they are further afield.

**The Role of Primary Care Physicians**

Regardless of where a patient receives treatment, the primary care physician plays a critical role in breast cancer care. They provide ongoing support, coordinate care, and monitor overall health.

**The Importance of Second Opinions**

Seeking a second opinion from a different oncologist or breast cancer specialist is often advisable. This can help confirm a diagnosis, explore alternative treatment options, and ensure the patient is receiving the best possible care.

**Conclusion**

For residents of the 04768 ZIP code, access to breast cancer care involves a combination of local resources and the need for travel to larger regional centers. Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital provides essential services and access to specialists. For more specialized care, EMMC in Bangor offers a comprehensive cancer program. Patients should carefully research each facility, considering factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and patient satisfaction. Seeking a second opinion and working closely with a primary care physician are also essential steps in navigating breast cancer treatment. While the limitations of rural healthcare are apparent, understanding the available options and planning accordingly can help ensure patients receive the best possible care.