27885, Swanquarter, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27885, Swanquarter, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Treatment Options Near Tarboro, NC (ZIP Code 27885)**

The diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-altering event. For residents of Tarboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27885), and surrounding areas, accessing quality medical care is paramount. This review examines the breast cancer treatment landscape near 27885, focusing on hospital quality, specialty centers, and access to care, including telehealth options. The aim is to provide a fact-rich overview to assist individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

**Proximity and Key Hospitals:**

The immediate vicinity of Tarboro, NC, doesn't boast a plethora of large, flagship hospitals. Residents typically look to larger cities like Greenville, Raleigh, and Durham for comprehensive cancer care. This review will focus on the hospitals within a reasonable driving distance that offer breast cancer services.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC): A Regional Hub**

Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC, is the most significant medical facility within a reasonable radius of Tarboro. It serves as a regional referral center and is likely the primary destination for many breast cancer patients in the area. Vidant is a teaching hospital and a Level I Trauma Center, indicating a high level of medical expertise and resources.

Vidant Medical Center has a CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating, which can fluctuate. This rating is a valuable indicator of overall hospital quality, based on factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. The most recent rating should be checked on the CMS website.

Vidant's cancer services are primarily housed within the Vidant Cancer Center. This center offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans. They likely offer services such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.

**ER Wait Times and Access:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, particularly for patients experiencing treatment side effects or complications. Vidant Medical Center's ER wait times can be found on websites like Healthgrades or through the hospital's own website. These wait times fluctuate based on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

Vidant Medical Center likely has a dedicated breast cancer program, potentially offering specialized services like:

* **Breast Surgery:** Surgical oncologists perform lumpectomies, mastectomies, and sentinel node biopsies.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists oversee chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Radiation oncologists administer radiation therapy.
* **Breast Imaging:** State-of-the-art imaging services, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, are crucial for diagnosis and monitoring.
* **Genetic Counseling:** Genetic counselors can assess a patient's risk for breast cancer and provide guidance on genetic testing.
* **Support Services:** Support groups, counseling, and rehabilitation services are often available to help patients cope with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Vidant Medical Center has likely expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth can be beneficial for:

* **Follow-up appointments:** Patients can have virtual check-ups with their oncologists, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.
* **Medication management:** Telehealth can facilitate medication refills and address any side effects.
* **Counseling and support:** Virtual counseling sessions can provide emotional support and guidance.
* **Remote monitoring:** Some telehealth programs allow for remote monitoring of vital signs and symptoms.

**Duke Health (Durham, NC): A More Distant Option**

While further away, Duke Health in Durham, NC, is a nationally recognized healthcare system. Duke offers comprehensive cancer care through its Duke Cancer Institute.

Duke Cancer Institute is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a designation that signifies a high level of research, clinical care, and community outreach. This designation is a significant indicator of quality and expertise.

Duke’s breast cancer program is highly regarded, with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, advanced treatment options, and access to clinical trials. They are likely at the forefront of research and innovation in breast cancer treatment.

**ER Wait Times and Access (Duke):**

Duke's ER wait times can be found on their website or through resources like Healthgrades. Given the distance, patients from Tarboro should carefully consider the travel time and potential wait times when choosing Duke for emergency care.

**Specialty Centers and Programs (Duke):**

Duke's breast cancer program offers a wide range of services, including:

* **Surgical Oncology:** Highly skilled surgeons perform a variety of breast surgeries.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists provide chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Radiation oncologists offer advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **Breast Imaging:** State-of-the-art imaging services are available.
* **Clinical Trials:** Duke offers access to a wide range of clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Duke provides comprehensive support services, including counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care (Duke):**

Duke Health has invested significantly in telehealth services. They likely offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other telehealth options for breast cancer patients.

**UNC Health (Chapel Hill, NC): Another Strong Choice**

UNC Health in Chapel Hill, NC, is another major healthcare provider within a reasonable driving distance. UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, similar to Duke.

UNC Lineberger offers a comprehensive breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary team of experts, advanced treatment options, and a strong focus on research.

**ER Wait Times and Access (UNC):**

UNC's ER wait times can be found on their website or through resources like Healthgrades. Travel time should be a key consideration for residents of 27885.

**Specialty Centers and Programs (UNC):**

UNC Lineberger offers a comprehensive breast cancer program, including:

* **Surgical Oncology:** Experienced surgeons perform breast surgeries.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists provide chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Radiation oncologists offer advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **Breast Imaging:** State-of-the-art imaging services are available.
* **Clinical Trials:** UNC offers access to a wide range of clinical trials.
* **Support Services:** UNC provides comprehensive support services, including counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care (UNC):**

UNC Health has also expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Patients should confirm that their insurance plan is accepted by the hospitals and physicians they are considering.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Online reviews and ratings from other patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc can be helpful.
* **Transportation:** Transportation to and from appointments can be a challenge for some patients. Consider the availability of transportation services, such as ride-sharing or volunteer driver programs.
* **Support Networks:** Building a strong support network is crucial for breast cancer patients. Consider the availability of local support groups and resources.
* **Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist or specialist is always a good idea, especially after a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of Tarboro, NC (27885), accessing quality breast cancer care involves considering several factors. Vidant Medical Center in Greenville is the closest major hospital, offering a range of services. Duke Health in Durham and UNC Health in Chapel Hill provide comprehensive cancer care and are strong options, though they require more travel. Patients should carefully evaluate each hospital's services, quality indicators, and access to care, including telehealth options, to make informed decisions about their treatment journey. Regular updates to CMS star ratings and ER wait times should be reviewed as part of the decision-making process.