27970, Roper, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27970, Roper, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Outer Banks: A Scorecard for 27970

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can be overwhelming, especially when considering the challenges of accessing quality healthcare in a geographically remote area like the Outer Banks, near ZIP code 27970. This review provides a fact-based assessment of the available resources, focusing on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance and highlighting key metrics relevant to breast cancer care.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The Outer Banks, encompassing communities like Manteo, Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents often rely on smaller, community-based facilities and face potential travel for specialized services. This review prioritizes hospitals offering comprehensive breast cancer care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, medical oncology, and supportive services. The proximity to these facilities, along with their performance metrics, is crucial for patients in the 27970 area.

**Key Considerations for Breast Cancer Care:**

Several factors are critical when evaluating hospitals for breast cancer treatment. These include:

* **Expertise and Specialization:** Does the hospital have dedicated breast cancer specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and radiologists?
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Are advanced imaging technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), MRI, and ultrasound readily available?
* **Treatment Options:** Does the hospital offer a full range of treatment options, including surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies?
* **Support Services:** Are there support services such as oncology nurses, social workers, patient navigators, and support groups available to assist patients throughout their treatment journey?
* **Accreditation and Recognition:** Does the hospital hold accreditation from organizations like the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC), indicating adherence to high standards of care?
* **Patient Outcomes:** While difficult to access specific data for all hospitals, examining survival rates, complication rates, and patient satisfaction can provide valuable insights.
* **Accessibility and Convenience:** Consider factors like driving distance, appointment availability, and ease of access to the facility.

**Hospital Analysis: Focusing on Proximity and Performance**

Given the Outer Banks' location, the primary focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. These include facilities in Elizabeth City, Greenville, and potentially Norfolk, VA, which may be accessible for some residents.

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

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center is the closest hospital to the 27970 area. While a smaller community hospital, it's a critical access point for residents.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Albemarle Medical Center has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality based on various measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Breast Cancer Services:** The hospital offers diagnostic imaging, including mammography. However, for more complex cases or specialized treatments like radiation therapy, patients may need to be referred to larger facilities.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary, but local reports and online resources provide real-time updates. Patients should check these resources before visiting the ER.
* **Telehealth:** Sentara Healthcare, the parent organization, offers telehealth services, which could be beneficial for follow-up appointments and consultations, reducing the need for travel.
* **Accreditation:** Confirm the hospital's accreditation status with the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC).

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

Vidant Medical Center, a larger regional referral center, is located approximately 1.5-2 hours west of the Outer Banks. It offers a more comprehensive range of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Breast Cancer Services:** Vidant Medical Center has a dedicated cancer center, offering a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including:
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Advanced imaging technologies, including 3D mammography, MRI, and ultrasound.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Experienced breast surgeons performing lumpectomies, mastectomies, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists providing chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.
* **Radiation Oncology:** State-of-the-art radiation therapy services.
* **Support Services:** Patient navigators, oncology nurses, social workers, and support groups.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center can be longer than at smaller facilities. Patients should check online resources for estimated wait times.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant Health offers telehealth services, which can be particularly useful for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Accreditation:** Verify Vidant Medical Center's accreditation status with the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC).

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

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is approximately a 2-hour drive north of the Outer Banks. It's a major tertiary care center and may be an option for some residents.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Breast Cancer Services:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital provides comprehensive breast cancer care.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Advanced imaging services, including 3D mammography, MRI, and ultrasound.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Experienced breast surgeons.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy services.
* **Support Services:** Patient navigators, oncology nurses, social workers, and support groups.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital can vary. Check online resources for estimated wait times.
* **Telehealth:** Sentara Healthcare offers telehealth services, which can be beneficial for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Accreditation:** Verify the hospital's accreditation status with the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC).

**Other Considerations:**

* **Community Oncology Practices:** Explore local oncology practices that may offer chemotherapy and supportive care closer to home, even if surgery or radiation therapy is performed at a larger facility.
* **Clinical Trials:** Inquire about clinical trial opportunities at the hospitals, as they may offer access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Patient Navigators:** Utilize patient navigators at the hospitals to help coordinate appointments, navigate insurance, and access support services.
* **Transportation:** Consider transportation options for appointments, especially if driving long distances is difficult.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify insurance coverage for breast cancer treatments at each hospital.

**Telehealth's Role:**

Telehealth is increasingly important in healthcare, especially in rural areas. It can reduce travel burdens for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support group meetings. Check with each hospital about its telehealth capabilities and how they can be used for breast cancer care.

**ER Wait Times and Access:**

ER wait times can be a significant concern, especially in emergency situations. Check online resources like the ER Wait Times website or hospital websites for real-time updates. Consider the potential for longer wait times at larger hospitals.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of the 27970 area, accessing high-quality breast cancer care requires careful consideration of proximity, services offered, and hospital performance metrics. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center provides local access, while Vidant Medical Center and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital offer more comprehensive services but require longer travel times. Patients should research each hospital's specific offerings, including diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and support services, and consider factors like ER wait times and telehealth availability. Consulting with a primary care physician or oncologist is crucial to determine the best treatment plan and navigate the healthcare system. Regularly check CMS star ratings and other performance indicators to stay informed about hospital quality.