27828, Farmville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27828, Farmville, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Eastern North Carolina: A Review for ZIP Code 27828

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals near the 27828 ZIP code (Greenville, NC) and provides a fact-rich overview of their services, performance metrics, and resources. The information is current as of late October 2024, but hospital services and data are constantly evolving. Always verify information directly with the hospitals.

**Vidant Medical Center: The Flagship and Its Challenges**

Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC, is the flagship hospital serving the 27828 area. As a Level I Trauma Center, it offers a comprehensive range of services, including a dedicated cancer center. Vidant's breast cancer program provides diagnostic imaging, surgical options, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

Vidant’s CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating, a key indicator of overall hospital quality, fluctuates. As of this review, the rating is three stars. This rating considers factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

ER wait times at Vidant are a significant factor for consideration. While specific wait times vary depending on the time of day and patient volume, the average wait time can sometimes exceed the national average. Patients seeking immediate care should factor this into their decision-making.

Vidant's cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans. They offer advanced imaging technologies, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.

Telehealth services are increasingly important. Vidant provides telehealth options for some oncology appointments, offering convenience for follow-up consultations and support services. The availability and scope of these services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Other Hospitals in the Region: Expanding the Options**

Beyond Vidant, patients in the 27828 area have other options for breast cancer care, though the breadth of services may differ.

**CarolinaEast Medical Center (New Bern, NC):** Located approximately an hour's drive from Greenville, CarolinaEast Medical Center provides a regional option. They offer a cancer center with breast cancer services, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Their CMS star rating is generally in the three- to four-star range. ER wait times at CarolinaEast are typically shorter than those at Vidant, but this can fluctuate.

**Duke Health (Durham, NC):** While further afield (approximately a 1.5-hour drive), Duke Health in Durham offers a highly specialized cancer center with advanced breast cancer treatment options. Duke is known for its research and clinical trials, providing access to cutting-edge therapies. Their CMS star rating is consistently high, often in the four- to five-star range. However, access to appointments and the travel distance are factors to consider. ER wait times at Duke vary depending on the specific hospital within the system.

**UNC Health (Chapel Hill, NC):** Similar to Duke, UNC Health in Chapel Hill is a major academic medical center offering comprehensive cancer care, including breast cancer treatment. UNC also has a strong research component and offers access to clinical trials. Their CMS star rating is generally high, and ER wait times vary. The drive time from Greenville is similar to Duke.

**Key Considerations: Specialty Centers and Expertise**

The presence of specialized breast cancer centers is a crucial factor. These centers often have dedicated teams of specialists, including breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and reconstructive surgeons. They may also offer advanced technologies and access to clinical trials.

**Surgical Options:** Hospitals offer varying surgical options, including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast). Some hospitals offer nipple-sparing mastectomies, which can preserve the nipple and areola. The availability of these options should be confirmed with each hospital.

**Radiation Therapy:** Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Hospitals may offer external beam radiation therapy, which delivers radiation from outside the body. Some hospitals may offer advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which can target the tumor more precisely.

**Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists specialize in chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies. They work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans based on the stage and type of cancer.

**Reconstructive Surgery:** Hospitals may offer reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. This can involve using implants or the patient's own tissue to rebuild the breast. The availability of different reconstructive options should be confirmed.

**Diagnostic Imaging:** Access to advanced imaging technologies is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. Hospitals should offer mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. Some may also offer breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), which can improve the detection of small cancers.

**Telehealth and Supportive Services: Enhancing the Patient Experience**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for cancer patients. These services can provide convenient access to follow-up appointments, consultations, and support groups. Hospitals may offer telehealth options for oncology appointments, survivorship programs, and mental health services.

Supportive services, such as patient navigation, genetic counseling, and psychosocial support, are also crucial for patients. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and access resources. Genetic counseling can help patients understand their risk of developing breast cancer and make informed decisions about screening and treatment. Psychosocial support can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor for Urgent Needs**

ER wait times are a significant factor for patients needing immediate care. Longer wait times can delay diagnosis and treatment. Patients should inquire about average ER wait times at each hospital and consider this factor when choosing a healthcare provider.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

For some patients, participation in clinical trials can offer access to cutting-edge therapies. Hospitals with strong research programs may offer clinical trials for breast cancer. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials and discuss their eligibility with their oncologist.

**Insurance and Cost:**

The cost of breast cancer treatment can vary significantly depending on the hospital, the type of treatment, and the patient's insurance coverage. Patients should contact their insurance provider to understand their coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Hospitals should provide cost estimates and financial assistance options.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is an important indicator of hospital quality. Patients should research patient reviews and ratings to get a sense of the hospital's reputation and the quality of care they provide. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey is a standardized tool used to measure patient experience.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and priorities. This review provides a starting point for research, but patients should always consult with their primary care physician and other healthcare providers to make an informed decision. Factors to consider include the hospital's location, the expertise of the medical team, the availability of advanced technologies, the patient experience, and the cost of care. Always verify information directly with the hospitals and healthcare providers.