08075, Riverside, New Jersey Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 08075, Riverside, New Jersey is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 08075 Vicinity: A Critical Review

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a crucial first step. This review focuses on hospitals near the ZIP code 08075 (Voorhees, New Jersey) to provide a fact-rich assessment, focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, wait times, and specialized services.

**Defining the Landscape: Proximity and Scope**

The 08075 ZIP code sits in a suburban area, offering access to a mix of community hospitals and larger, regional medical centers. Proximity is a significant factor for patients, impacting ease of access for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging that “near” can vary based on individual circumstances.

**Flagship Hospitals: Benchmarking Quality and Performance**

Several prominent hospitals serve the South Jersey region, and their performance in breast cancer care warrants close examination.

**Virtua Voorhees Hospital:** Located directly within the 08075 ZIP code, Virtua Voorhees Hospital is a major player. It is a large, acute-care facility. Virtua Health System, which operates the hospital, has a strong regional presence. The hospital has a dedicated breast care program. It offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, and medical oncology. It is important to note that CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings are not available for individual hospitals within a health system. Therefore, Virtua Voorhees' specific rating isn't available. However, the health system's overall performance and reputation should be considered.

**Cooper University Health Care (Camden):** A regional referral center, Cooper University Health Care in Camden is a significant provider of cancer services. Cooper's MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is a comprehensive cancer center. It offers advanced treatment options, including clinical trials. Cooper is a large teaching hospital, which often translates to access to cutting-edge research and specialized expertise. CMS star ratings are unavailable for Cooper University Hospital.

**Jefferson Health (Stratford and Washington Township):** Jefferson Health has a significant presence in the area, with hospitals in Stratford and Washington Township. These hospitals offer a range of cancer services, including breast cancer care. Jefferson Health is a large health system with a strong reputation. The Stratford hospital is a community hospital. Jefferson Washington Township Hospital is another option. CMS star ratings are unavailable for individual Jefferson Health hospitals.

**Assessing Key Metrics: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond hospital names, several key metrics provide insight into the quality of breast cancer care.

**CMS Star Ratings:** The CMS star rating system is a publicly available tool that evaluates hospitals on various quality measures. While not all hospitals in the area have individual ratings, the overall performance of the health systems they belong to is important. The ratings consider factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times can be a critical indicator of hospital efficiency. Long wait times can be stressful and delay access to care, especially in urgent situations. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, it is important to check the hospital's website.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:** Dedicated breast cancer centers often offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. These centers may offer specialized services like genetic counseling, survivorship programs, and access to clinical trials. The presence of a dedicated center is a strong indicator of a hospital's commitment to breast cancer care.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:** Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring. Hospitals that offer robust telehealth services can provide convenient access to care for patients, particularly those who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues.

**Diagnostic Imaging and Technology:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), is crucial for early detection and accurate diagnosis. Hospitals should offer a full range of imaging services, including MRI and ultrasound, to provide comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.

**Surgical Options and Expertise:** The range of surgical options available, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery, is an important consideration. Hospitals should have experienced surgeons who are proficient in various surgical techniques.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy:** The availability of medical oncology services, including chemotherapy and targeted therapies, is essential for patients undergoing treatment. Hospitals should have experienced oncologists and a dedicated chemotherapy infusion center.

**Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Hospitals should offer access to advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Look for hospitals with positive ratings and a reputation for providing compassionate care.

**Specific Hospital Analysis: A Deeper Dive**

**Virtua Voorhees Hospital:** Virtua Voorhees has a dedicated breast care program, offering comprehensive services. The hospital likely has experienced breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The hospital’s website provides information about its breast cancer services. It is important to check the website for the most current information on services and wait times.

**Cooper University Health Care (Camden):** Cooper's MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is a major regional resource. It offers a full range of breast cancer services, including advanced treatment options and clinical trials. The center likely has a multidisciplinary team of specialists. The hospital’s website provides detailed information about its cancer services.

**Jefferson Health (Stratford and Washington Township):** Jefferson Health offers breast cancer services at its hospitals in Stratford and Washington Township. The hospitals likely have experienced breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The Jefferson Health website provides information about its cancer services.

**Access to Clinical Trials:** For some patients, participation in clinical trials can offer access to innovative treatments. Hospitals with strong research programs are more likely to offer clinical trials. Cooper University Health Care, as a major teaching hospital, is likely to have a robust clinical trial program.

**Financial Considerations: Insurance and Costs**

The cost of breast cancer treatment can be substantial. It is essential to understand your insurance coverage and the hospital's billing practices. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage for specific services and treatments. Inquire about financial assistance programs offered by the hospital.

**Making an Informed Decision: A Patient-Centered Approach**

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

* **Proximity:** How close is the hospital to your home?
* **Specialty Services:** Does the hospital offer the specific services you need?
* **Physician Expertise:** What is the experience and reputation of the doctors?
* **Patient Experience:** What are the patient reviews and satisfaction ratings?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Does the hospital accept your insurance?
* **Financial Considerations:** What are the costs of treatment?

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The hospitals near the 08075 ZIP code offer a range of breast cancer services. This review provides a starting point for your research. Contact the hospitals directly to gather more information. Schedule consultations with doctors to discuss your individual needs and preferences. Remember, the best hospital for you is the one that provides the highest quality of care and meets your specific needs.