27967, Powellsville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27967, Powellsville, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Outer Banks: A Review for ZIP Code 27967

Finding the best breast cancer care near ZIP code 27967, encompassing the Outer Banks of North Carolina, requires a nuanced understanding of available resources. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like proximity, specialized services, CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, telehealth capabilities, and the presence of dedicated breast cancer centers. The goal is to provide residents with actionable information to make informed decisions about their care.

**Limited Options, Strategic Choices:**

The Outer Banks, while offering stunning coastal beauty, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access. The immediate vicinity of ZIP code 27967 doesn't boast a large concentration of major medical centers. This necessitates a broader search radius, typically involving travel to the mainland. The primary hospitals to consider are located in Elizabeth City, Greenville, and Norfolk, Virginia.

**Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, Elizabeth City, NC:**

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (SAMC) in Elizabeth City is the closest hospital to the Outer Banks, roughly a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from ZIP code 27967. While not a flagship cancer center, SAMC offers essential services for breast cancer patients. They provide diagnostic imaging, including mammography and ultrasound, and perform breast biopsies. They also have a surgical oncology program.

SAMC's CMS star rating fluctuates, but typically hovers around 3 stars. This rating reflects overall hospital quality based on patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care. It's important to note that these ratings are broad and don't specifically reflect cancer care quality.

Emergency room wait times at SAMC are generally reported to be within the national average. However, it's crucial to remember that wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. For the most up-to-date information, it's always best to check the hospital's website or call directly.

SAMC is expanding its telehealth capabilities, which can be beneficial for follow-up appointments and consultations, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for Outer Banks residents. However, the extent of telehealth services for breast cancer specifically may be limited.

**Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC:**

Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, approximately a 2-hour drive from ZIP code 27967, is a significantly larger facility than SAMC and offers a more comprehensive approach to cancer care. It is the flagship hospital of Vidant Health, a regional health system.

Vidant Medical Center is home to the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center, a dedicated cancer center providing a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. This center offers a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care services. They have a breast cancer program that includes a dedicated team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nurses.

Vidant Medical Center's CMS star rating is generally around 3 stars. They are a teaching hospital, which often means access to the latest research and clinical trials.

Emergency room wait times at Vidant Medical Center can be longer than those at SAMC, given its larger size and higher patient volume. It's advisable to check the hospital's website or call for the most current estimates.

Vidant Health has a robust telehealth program, including virtual visits for oncology patients. This is a significant advantage for Outer Banks residents, potentially allowing for consultations with specialists without the long drive. They offer remote monitoring and virtual support groups as well.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, VA:**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH), about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from ZIP code 27967, is a major medical center and the flagship hospital of the Sentara Healthcare system. It's a Level I trauma center and a regional referral center.

SNGH is home to the Sentara Cancer Center, which provides a comprehensive range of cancer services. They have a dedicated breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary team of specialists. This includes access to advanced imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital typically receives a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting a high level of overall quality.

Emergency room wait times at SNGH can vary. Given its size and the complexity of cases it handles, it's prudent to check current wait times online or by phone.

Sentara Healthcare has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual appointments for oncology patients. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up care and consultations.

**Specialized Breast Cancer Centers and Services:**

The presence of a dedicated breast cancer center is a crucial factor in evaluating care. Vidant Medical Center's Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital's Sentara Cancer Center both offer comprehensive breast cancer programs. These centers provide a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring patients have access to a team of specialists who work together to develop individualized treatment plans.

These centers typically offer advanced imaging technologies, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast MRI, and ultrasound. They also provide access to genetic counseling and testing, which can be crucial for patients with a family history of breast cancer.

Surgical options at these centers include lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. They also offer access to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often with the latest technologies and techniques.

**Telehealth's Role in Outer Banks Breast Cancer Care:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for patients in geographically isolated areas like the Outer Banks. It can reduce the need for frequent travel to the mainland, saving time and expense.

Both Vidant Health and Sentara Healthcare have invested in telehealth programs, offering virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Patients should inquire about the specific telehealth services available for breast cancer care, including access to specialists, virtual support groups, and remote monitoring of symptoms.

**Factors to Consider Beyond the Hospitals:**

Beyond the hospitals themselves, several other factors are crucial when making decisions about breast cancer care.

* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the chosen hospital and its affiliated physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the qualifications and experience of the physicians involved in your care, including surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the quality of care and the patient experience at each facility.
* **Support Services:** Inquire about the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and survivorship programs.
* **Clinical Trials:** If appropriate, consider whether the hospital offers access to clinical trials, which can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Making the Right Choice:**

Choosing the best breast cancer care near ZIP code 27967 requires careful consideration of all the factors mentioned above. While Sentara Albemarle Medical Center offers convenient access, Vidant Medical Center and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital provide more comprehensive services and specialized breast cancer programs.

Patients should schedule consultations with specialists at the hospitals they are considering to discuss their individual needs and preferences. Telehealth options can be a valuable tool for managing care and reducing travel burdens. By carefully evaluating the available resources and making informed decisions, Outer Banks residents can access the best possible breast cancer care.