28579, Smyrna, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28579, Smyrna, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Care Near ZIP Code 28579**

The diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-altering event, demanding not only immediate medical attention but also a comprehensive understanding of available treatment options and the quality of care provided by local healthcare facilities. For individuals residing near ZIP code 28579 (Jacksonville, North Carolina), this review offers a detailed assessment of hospitals and healthcare providers, considering factors crucial to breast cancer care, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Understanding the Landscape: Jacksonville and Beyond**

Jacksonville, North Carolina, situated in Onslow County, is primarily served by a network of hospitals and clinics, with proximity to larger medical centers in neighboring cities. This review focuses on facilities within a reasonable driving distance, evaluating their capacity to deliver high-quality breast cancer care. The analysis considers factors such as diagnostic capabilities, surgical expertise, radiation therapy options, chemotherapy services, and supportive care programs.

**Key Hospitals and Their Performance**

**1. Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL):**

As a military treatment facility, NMCCL is a primary healthcare provider for active-duty military personnel, their families, and retirees in the area. NMCCL is a significant healthcare provider in the region, offering a range of medical services. However, specific CMS star ratings are not applicable to military hospitals. Data regarding ER wait times and specialized cancer services are available through the hospital's public information channels.

**2. Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH):**

Located in Jacksonville, Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) is a key healthcare provider for the local community. OMH's CMS star rating is a valuable indicator of overall quality. The hospital's current CMS star rating can be found on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. OMH offers a range of cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and chemotherapy. ER wait times at OMH are accessible via online resources such as the hospital's website and third-party platforms like Google. The availability of a dedicated breast cancer center or specialized programs should be confirmed through the hospital's website or direct inquiry.

**3. New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) (Wilmington, NC):**

Approximately an hour's drive from Jacksonville, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a larger regional hospital with a more extensive range of specialized services. NHRMC's CMS star rating provides a comparative measure of its quality of care. The hospital's current CMS star rating can be found on the CMS website. NHRMC has a comprehensive cancer center, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. ER wait times at NHRMC are typically longer than those at smaller facilities, reflecting its role as a regional referral center. These wait times are available online. NHRMC’s cancer center likely has a multidisciplinary team, including breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff.

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

Vidant Medical Center, located in Greenville, North Carolina, is another regional referral center, approximately a two-hour drive from Jacksonville. Vidant Medical Center's CMS star rating reflects its overall quality of care. The hospital's current CMS star rating can be found on the CMS website. Vidant Medical Center has a comprehensive cancer center, offering a broad spectrum of cancer services. ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center can be longer than those at smaller facilities. These wait times are available online. Vidant's cancer center is likely equipped with advanced technology and a multidisciplinary team.

**Assessing Key Factors in Breast Cancer Care**

**Diagnostic Capabilities:**

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial in breast cancer treatment. Hospitals should offer a full range of diagnostic tools, including mammography, 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast ultrasound, and MRI. The availability of these technologies at each facility should be confirmed through hospital websites or direct inquiries.

**Surgical Expertise:**

Breast cancer surgery is a critical component of treatment. Hospitals should have experienced breast surgeons specializing in various surgical techniques, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. The hospital's website or the medical staff directory should provide information on surgeons' credentials and experience.

**Radiation Therapy:**

Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Hospitals should offer advanced radiation therapy options, such as external beam radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and potentially brachytherapy. The availability of these technologies should be confirmed.

**Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology:**

Medical oncologists manage chemotherapy and other systemic treatments. Hospitals should have dedicated chemotherapy infusion centers and experienced medical oncologists. The availability of chemotherapy services and the expertise of the medical oncology team should be confirmed.

**Supportive Care:**

Breast cancer treatment can have significant side effects. Hospitals should offer supportive care services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, psychological support, and support groups. The availability of these services should be confirmed.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Hospitals should offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and support services. The availability of telehealth services should be confirmed.

**ER Wait Times and Access to Care:**

ER wait times can be a significant factor in accessing timely care. Shorter wait times are generally preferred, especially in emergency situations. ER wait times are available through online resources.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

Hospitals with dedicated breast cancer centers or specialized programs often provide more comprehensive and coordinated care. The presence of such centers should be investigated.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right healthcare provider is a personal decision. Individuals should consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when making this choice. The information provided in this review is intended to assist in this decision-making process.

**Recommendations for Further Research**

* **Consult with your primary care physician:** Discuss your individual needs and preferences with your primary care physician, who can provide recommendations and referrals.
* **Contact hospitals directly:** Contact the hospitals you are considering to ask specific questions about their services, treatment options, and patient outcomes.
* **Review patient testimonials and online reviews:** Read patient testimonials and online reviews to gain insights into the experiences of other patients.
* **Consider your insurance coverage:** Ensure that the hospitals and providers you are considering are in your insurance network.
* **Visit the hospitals:** If possible, visit the hospitals you are considering to get a sense of the environment and meet with the healthcare providers.

**Conclusion**

Breast cancer care requires a multifaceted approach. By carefully evaluating the hospitals and healthcare providers near ZIP code 28579, individuals can make informed decisions and receive the best possible care. This review provides a starting point for this process, encouraging further investigation and personalized consultations to ensure optimal outcomes. Remember that healthcare is a dynamic field, and it is essential to stay updated on the latest advancements and treatment options. Regularly check for updates on hospital ratings, service offerings, and technological advancements.