28756, Mill Spring, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28756, Mill Spring, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Care Near ZIP Code 28756

Finding the best breast cancer care requires navigating a complex landscape of hospitals, specialists, and treatment options. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 28756 (Hendersonville, North Carolina) to provide a fact-rich assessment, helping patients make informed decisions. We'll examine key factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, providing a clear picture of the available resources.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Players and Their Strengths**

The primary contenders for breast cancer care near Hendersonville are Mission Hospital (Asheville) and Pardee UNC Health Care (Hendersonville). Both offer comprehensive services, but their strengths and areas of focus differ.

**Mission Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse**

Mission Hospital, located in Asheville, is the larger, more comprehensive facility. It's a regional referral center, drawing patients from a wide area. Mission is part of HCA Healthcare, a large for-profit hospital system. Mission Hospital has a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects overall quality, safety, and patient experience, although it's worth noting that CMS ratings can be subject to change and don't tell the whole story.

Mission’s breast cancer services are centered within its **Cancer Center**. The center offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to collaborate on patient care. They provide a full range of services, including diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), surgical options (lumpectomy, mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care services like genetic counseling and survivorship programs.

**ER Wait Times at Mission:** Data on ER wait times is dynamic and fluctuates. Patients should check the hospital's website or a reliable source like the CMS Hospital Compare tool for the most up-to-date information. Longer wait times can sometimes indicate higher patient volume, while shorter times may reflect efficiency.

**Telehealth at Mission:** Mission Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for follow-up appointments, consultations, and some supportive care services. Patients should inquire about telehealth options when scheduling appointments.

**Pardee UNC Health Care: Community-Focused Care**

Pardee UNC Health Care, located directly in Hendersonville, offers a more community-focused approach. It's a smaller hospital system than Mission, but it provides a full range of breast cancer services, tailored to the needs of the local population. Pardee is affiliated with the UNC Health Care system. Pardee's CMS star rating is also **3 stars**.

Pardee's breast cancer services are centered within their **Cancer Center**. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. Pardee emphasizes a patient-centered approach, with a focus on personalized care and building strong relationships between patients and their care teams.

**ER Wait Times at Pardee:** As with Mission, ER wait times at Pardee are subject to change. It's recommended to check the hospital's website or a reliable source for the most current information.

**Telehealth at Pardee:** Pardee has also increased its telehealth capabilities. Patients should ask about telehealth options when scheduling appointments.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: Delving Deeper**

Beyond general services, both hospitals offer specialized programs and centers that cater to specific needs.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital's Cancer Center often houses clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments. They also have specialized programs for breast reconstruction and genetic counseling.

**Pardee UNC Health Care:** Pardee focuses on a patient-centered approach, with a focus on personalized care and building strong relationships between patients and their care teams.

**Diagnostic Imaging: The Foundation of Early Detection**

Early detection is critical in breast cancer treatment. Both Mission and Pardee offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital utilizes advanced mammography equipment, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which can improve detection rates. They also offer breast MRI and ultrasound.

**Pardee UNC Health Care:** Pardee provides comprehensive diagnostic imaging services, including mammography, ultrasound, and breast MRI.

**Surgical Options: Tailoring Treatment to the Individual**

Surgical options vary based on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. Both hospitals offer a range of surgical procedures.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital surgeons perform lumpectomies, mastectomies (including skin-sparing and nipple-sparing options), and sentinel lymph node biopsies. They also offer breast reconstruction options, including immediate and delayed reconstruction.

**Pardee UNC Health Care:** Pardee surgeons perform similar procedures, including lumpectomies, mastectomies, and sentinel lymph node biopsies. They also offer breast reconstruction options.

**Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: Targeted Treatments**

Both hospitals provide chemotherapy and radiation therapy services.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital's Cancer Center offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy services. They have advanced radiation therapy equipment and a dedicated team of radiation oncologists and therapists.

**Pardee UNC Health Care:** Pardee provides chemotherapy and radiation therapy services.

**Supportive Care: Beyond the Medical Treatment**

Breast cancer treatment often requires supportive care services to address the physical and emotional challenges.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital offers a range of supportive care services, including support groups, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and palliative care.

**Pardee UNC Health Care:** Pardee provides supportive care services, including patient navigators, support groups, and other resources.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations**

Patients should verify that their insurance plan is accepted by the hospitals and physicians. Both Mission and Pardee accept a wide range of insurance plans. It's also essential to understand the potential out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment, including co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance. Financial assistance programs may be available to eligible patients.

**Patient Experience: Gauging Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a crucial factor in choosing a hospital. Patients can research patient satisfaction scores and read reviews on websites like the CMS Hospital Compare tool, Healthgrades, and other online platforms. These resources provide insights into patient experiences, including communication with doctors, nursing care, and overall satisfaction.

**Access to Specialists: Building Your Care Team**

Breast cancer care often requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Patients should consider the availability of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital has a large network of specialists, offering patients access to a wide range of expertise.

**Pardee UNC Health Care:** Pardee has a strong team of specialists, providing comprehensive care within the community.

**Research and Clinical Trials: Accessing Innovation**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and access new treatments.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital's Cancer Center often participates in clinical trials.

**Pardee UNC Health Care:** While Pardee may have fewer clinical trial options than Mission, they may offer access to trials through collaborations with other institutions.

**Making Your Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the best hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Consider the following factors:

* **Proximity:** How far are you willing to travel for appointments and treatment?
* **Specialty Needs:** Do you require specialized services, such as clinical trials or advanced reconstructive surgery?
* **Patient Experience:** Do you value a community-focused approach or a larger regional center?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Does the hospital accept your insurance plan?
* **Personal Preferences:** Do you have a preference for a particular hospital system or physician?

**Conclusion: A Comprehensive Choice**

Both Mission Hospital and Pardee UNC Health Care offer comprehensive breast cancer services near ZIP code 28756. Mission Hospital provides a larger, regional center with a wide range of specialists and access to clinical trials. Pardee UNC Health Care offers a community-focused approach with a focus on personalized care. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when making their decision. By researching the factors outlined in this review, patients can make an informed choice and find the best possible care.