27317, Randleman, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27317, Randleman, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Piedmont Triad: A Review for ZIP Code 27317

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can feel overwhelming. This review aims to provide a fact-based overview of the breast cancer care landscape near ZIP code 27317 (Gibsonville, NC), focusing on key hospitals and their performance metrics. We'll examine factors crucial to patients, including hospital quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. This information is intended to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

**Focus on Flagship Hospitals: Cone Health and Duke Health**

The primary healthcare systems serving the 27317 area are Cone Health and Duke Health. Both offer comprehensive cancer services, including breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. These systems operate multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities within a reasonable driving distance.

**Cone Health: A Regional Powerhouse**

Cone Health, headquartered in Greensboro, NC, is a significant player in the Piedmont Triad. Its flagship hospital, **The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital** (Greensboro), is a central point of care. Moses Cone is a large, acute-care facility.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Moses Cone Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, and readmission rates. It's important to note that CMS ratings are just one metric and should be considered alongside other factors.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at Moses Cone can fluctuate. Data from resources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) can provide real-time or recent averages. Patients should check these resources for the most up-to-date information, as wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.
* **Specialty Centers:** Moses Cone Hospital houses a comprehensive cancer center, likely including a dedicated breast cancer program. These programs often offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans. Check the Cone Health website for specifics on their breast cancer center, including available services like genetic counseling, clinical trials, and support groups.
* **Telehealth:** Cone Health has expanded its telehealth offerings. Telehealth appointments for oncology consultations, follow-up appointments, and supportive care services are increasingly common. The availability of telehealth can be particularly valuable for patients needing convenient access to care or those living in more rural areas. Verify the specific telehealth options for breast cancer patients on the Cone Health website.

**Duke Health: A Nationally Recognized System**

Duke Health, based in Durham, NC, is another major provider. While located further from 27317 than Moses Cone, Duke offers specialized cancer care. The closest major Duke facility would be **Duke University Hospital** in Durham.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Duke University Hospital consistently receives high ratings from CMS, often achieving a 5-star rating. This indicates exceptional performance across a range of quality measures.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Duke University Hospital can vary. Like Moses Cone, checking resources like the HHS website provides current wait time data.
* **Specialty Centers:** Duke Cancer Institute is a nationally recognized center. The Institute has a dedicated breast cancer program, offering advanced treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary team approach. Duke's breast cancer program is often at the forefront of research and innovation.
* **Telehealth:** Duke Health has a robust telehealth program. Duke Cancer Institute likely offers telehealth options for breast cancer patients, including consultations, follow-up appointments, and supportive care. Check the Duke Health website for specific telehealth offerings.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, patients in the 27317 area may have access to other healthcare facilities. These could include smaller community hospitals, outpatient cancer centers, and imaging centers.

* **Alamance Regional Medical Center (ARMC):** Located in Burlington, NC, ARMC is part of the Cone Health system. ARMC offers cancer services, including breast cancer care. Patients should research the specific services offered, including imaging, chemotherapy, and surgical options. Check for CMS ratings and ER wait times.
* **Outpatient Cancer Centers:** Several outpatient cancer centers operate in the region. These centers often provide chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other supportive services. The availability of these centers can offer patients more convenient access to treatment. Research the services offered at each center, including the types of therapies available and the qualifications of the staff.
* **Imaging Centers:** Accurate and timely imaging is crucial for breast cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Numerous imaging centers in the area offer mammograms, ultrasounds, and other imaging modalities. Verify that the imaging center is accredited and uses state-of-the-art equipment.

**Accessing Information: Key Resources**

Patients in the 27317 area should utilize several resources to gather information and make informed decisions.

* **Hospital Websites:** The websites of Cone Health, Duke Health, and other local healthcare providers are essential resources. These sites provide detailed information on services, physicians, locations, and patient resources.
* **CMS Hospital Compare:** The CMS Hospital Compare website (Medicare.gov/hospitalcompare) offers data on hospital quality ratings, including CMS star ratings, mortality rates, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
* **U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS):** The HHS website provides data on ER wait times and other healthcare metrics.
* **Cancer.org:** The American Cancer Society's website (cancer.org) offers comprehensive information on breast cancer, including diagnosis, treatment, and support resources.
* **National Cancer Institute (NCI):** The NCI website (cancer.gov) provides information on cancer research, clinical trials, and treatment guidelines.
* **Patient Reviews:** Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient reviews and ratings of physicians and hospitals. However, consider these reviews as one piece of the puzzle and weigh them against other factors.

**Making Informed Decisions: A Patient-Centered Approach**

Choosing a hospital and treatment team is a personal decision. Patients should consider several factors:

* **Physician Expertise:** Research the qualifications and experience of the physicians involved in your care, including surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Treatment Options:** Ensure that the hospital or cancer center offers the full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.
* **Clinical Trials:** If appropriate, consider participating in clinical trials to access cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals and cancer centers that offer comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, social workers, support groups, and psychological counseling.
* **Convenience and Access:** Consider the location of the hospital or cancer center, travel time, and the availability of parking.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network.

**Conclusion**

The 27317 area offers access to a range of healthcare options for breast cancer patients. By researching hospitals, evaluating their performance metrics, and considering individual needs, patients can make informed decisions about their care. This review provides a starting point for this process, but thorough research and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential for creating a personalized treatment plan. Remember to regularly check the websites of the hospitals and the resources mentioned above for the most up-to-date information.