08034, Cherry Hill, New Jersey Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 08034, Cherry Hill, New Jersey is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 08034 Vicinity: A Scorecard

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan is a daunting task. Proximity to high-quality medical care is crucial. This review assesses hospitals near the 08034 ZIP code (Mount Holly, New Jersey) based on factors relevant to breast cancer patients, including hospital ratings, specialized services, and accessibility. This is not medical advice; always consult with your physician.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The 08034 area is primarily served by hospitals in Burlington County and the surrounding regions. Access to major medical centers in Philadelphia, a short drive away, significantly expands treatment options. This review considers both local and regional facilities, focusing on those most likely to be accessed by residents of Mount Holly and surrounding towns.

**Hospital Rating Systems: A Starting Point**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare program provides a star rating system, offering a general overview of hospital quality. While not solely focused on cancer care, these ratings reflect overall performance. Keep in mind that CMS ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Virtua Memorial Hospital of Burlington County (Mount Holly):**

Virtua Memorial Hospital of Burlington County, located directly within the 08034 ZIP code, is a critical access point. Unfortunately, its CMS star rating fluctuates, making it difficult to provide a definitive rating at this time. Patients should check the most recent CMS data directly. Virtua Memorial does have a dedicated cancer center, the Virtua Cancer Center, which is a significant advantage. The center offers comprehensive services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. It is important to note that specific breast cancer outcomes data, such as survival rates or complication rates, are not typically publicly available for individual hospitals.

**Virtua Voorhees Hospital (Voorhees, NJ):**

A short drive from Mount Holly, Virtua Voorhees Hospital is a flagship facility within the Virtua Health system. It generally scores higher on CMS star ratings than Virtua Memorial. Virtua Voorhees boasts a comprehensive cancer program, including a breast cancer center. This center offers a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery collaborating on patient care. The hospital is also known for its advanced imaging capabilities, critical for early detection and staging of breast cancer.

**Cooper University Health Care (Camden, NJ):**

Cooper University Health Care, a major academic medical center in nearby Camden, is another significant option. Cooper is a large, well-regarded hospital and often has higher CMS star ratings. Cooper's MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper offers a robust breast cancer program. This program benefits from the expertise of specialists in all areas of breast cancer treatment, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and plastic surgery. Cooper’s affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Center provides access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials.

**Jefferson Health (Philadelphia, PA):**

The proximity to Philadelphia opens doors to the Jefferson Health system. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, a flagship hospital within the system, is a leading academic medical center with a strong reputation for cancer care. Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center offers a dedicated breast cancer program. This program provides a full spectrum of services, including advanced imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. Jefferson's access to research and clinical trials can be a significant advantage for patients.

**Specialized Breast Cancer Services: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond general hospital ratings, specific services are crucial for breast cancer patients. These include:

* **Multidisciplinary Clinics:** These clinics bring together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to develop coordinated treatment plans. Look for hospitals that offer these clinics, as they promote collaboration and comprehensive care.
* **Genetic Counseling and Testing:** For patients with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing and counseling are essential. Ensure the hospital offers these services.
* **Breast Reconstruction Options:** Access to skilled plastic surgeons for breast reconstruction is vital for many patients. Inquire about the availability of different reconstruction techniques.
* **Support Services:** Cancer treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. Look for hospitals that offer support groups, counseling, and other supportive services.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to the latest treatments. Check if the hospital participates in breast cancer research and offers clinical trial options.

**Telehealth and Accessibility:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Inquire about the availability of telehealth services for breast cancer patients.

Accessibility is also a key consideration. Consider travel time, parking availability, and the hospital's overall ease of access.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

While not directly related to breast cancer treatment, ER wait times can be a factor in overall patient experience. Data on ER wait times is often available on hospital websites or through third-party sources. However, it's important to note that these times can fluctuate.

**Specific Considerations for Each Hospital:**

* **Virtua Memorial:** While its CMS rating may fluctuate, its on-site cancer center is a major convenience for residents of Mount Holly. Patients should inquire about the specific expertise of the breast cancer specialists.
* **Virtua Voorhees:** This hospital's higher CMS rating and comprehensive cancer program make it a strong contender. Patients should inquire about the specific technologies and treatment protocols used.
* **Cooper University Health Care:** Cooper's affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Center offers access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials. Patients should inquire about the availability of these trials and the hospital's experience with specific breast cancer subtypes.
* **Jefferson Health:** Jefferson's reputation for cancer care and access to advanced treatments make it a compelling option. Patients should inquire about the hospital's experience with specific breast cancer subtypes and its participation in clinical trials.

**Data Limitations and Recommendations:**

Publicly available data on breast cancer outcomes, such as survival rates, is often limited. This makes it difficult to definitively compare hospitals based on their success rates.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Consult with Your Physician:** The most important step is to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with your oncologist or primary care physician. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
2. **Research Hospitals:** Use the information in this review as a starting point for your research. Visit hospital websites, review their cancer program descriptions, and read patient testimonials.
3. **Ask Questions:** During your consultations with doctors, ask specific questions about their experience with breast cancer, the treatment options they offer, and the hospital's resources.
4. **Consider Travel Time:** While proximity is important, don't hesitate to travel a bit further for a hospital with a strong reputation and specialized services.
5. **Consider Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospitals you are considering are within your insurance network.
6. **Visit the Facilities:** If possible, visit the hospitals you are considering to get a feel for the environment and the level of care.

This review provides a snapshot of the breast cancer care landscape near the 08034 ZIP code. The best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. Remember to work closely with your healthcare team to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.