11412, Saint Albans, New York Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 11412, Saint Albans, New York is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Decoding the Best Hospitals Near 11412

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a deeply personal and critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals near the 11412 ZIP code (Jamaica, Queens, New York), providing a fact-rich assessment to help navigate this complex landscape. We'll analyze key factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, offering a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" perspective.

**Understanding the Score: A Multifaceted Approach**

Our assessment considers several crucial elements. We prioritize hospitals with strong overall performance, as reflected in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings. These ratings, while not perfect, offer a valuable snapshot of a hospital's quality and safety. We also examine ER wait times, a proxy for hospital efficiency and accessibility. Specialized breast cancer centers, offering multidisciplinary care, are a significant plus. Finally, we evaluate telehealth offerings, recognizing their increasing importance in patient convenience and ongoing care.

**The Landscape: Hospitals in and Around 11412**

The 11412 ZIP code is situated in a densely populated area of Queens, with several hospitals within a reasonable radius. This review will concentrate on hospitals that are most likely to serve residents of this area.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

**1. Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC)**

Located in New Hyde Park, LIJMC is a flagship hospital within the Northwell Health system. It boasts a 4-star CMS rating, indicating above-average performance. LIJMC's Katz Women's Hospital offers a dedicated breast cancer center, providing comprehensive services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. They also have a robust breast imaging program. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, LIJMC generally reports wait times that are in line with or slightly above the national average. Telehealth offerings are expanding within the Northwell system, and LIJMC is actively involved in providing virtual consultations and follow-up care. LIJMC is a major player in clinical trials, giving patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

**2. New York-Presbyterian Queens**

Located in Flushing, New York-Presbyterian Queens is another major hospital option. It also holds a 4-star CMS rating. The hospital's comprehensive breast cancer program offers a range of services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support services. ER wait times are generally moderate, but can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. New York-Presbyterian has a strong telehealth program, with virtual appointments available for various specialties, including oncology. This provides patients with increased access to care and convenience.

**3. Mount Sinai Queens**

Mount Sinai Queens, located in Long Island City, is another significant hospital in the area. It has a 3-star CMS rating. Mount Sinai Queens offers a breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary approach. They provide services such as surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. ER wait times are typically moderate, but can fluctuate. Mount Sinai Health System has been investing in telehealth, and Mount Sinai Queens offers virtual appointments and remote monitoring options, enhancing patient access to care.

**4. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center**

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, located directly within the 11412 ZIP code, is a key provider for the local community. The hospital has a 2-star CMS rating. Jamaica Hospital has a breast center that provides a variety of services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. ER wait times can vary, but are often longer than at some of the other hospitals. Telehealth services are available, but are more limited compared to the larger health systems.

**5. Catholic Health Services of Long Island (Mercy Hospital)**

Mercy Hospital, located in Rockville Centre, is part of the Catholic Health Services of Long Island. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. Mercy Hospital has a breast cancer program that offers comprehensive services. ER wait times can fluctuate. Telehealth services are available, but are more limited compared to the larger health systems.

**Analyzing the Data: Key Considerations**

**CMS Star Ratings:** While CMS star ratings are a valuable starting point, they are not the sole determinant of quality. They offer a general overview of a hospital's performance, but individual patient experiences can vary. A higher star rating generally indicates better overall performance in areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**ER Wait Times:** Long ER wait times can be a sign of overcrowding and resource limitations. However, they can also be influenced by the severity of cases being treated. Shorter wait times are generally preferable, but it's essential to consider the overall quality of care provided.

**Specialized Breast Cancer Centers:** Dedicated breast cancer centers offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to provide coordinated care. These centers often have advanced technology and access to clinical trials.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and support services. Hospitals with robust telehealth programs offer greater convenience and accessibility for patients.

**Beyond the Basics: Digging Deeper**

Beyond the general metrics, it's crucial to investigate specific areas of interest.

* **Accreditation:** Look for hospitals accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC). Accreditation signifies adherence to high standards of care.
* **Surgeon Experience:** Inquire about the experience and expertise of the surgeons performing breast cancer surgeries. Ask about their volume of procedures and their specialization.
* **Technology:** Assess the availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and access to advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and psychological counseling. These services can significantly improve the patient experience.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials online. While individual experiences can vary, they can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience.

**Telehealth in Detail**

Telehealth offerings are expanding rapidly, but the extent of services varies. Northwell Health (LIJMC) and New York-Presbyterian have robust telehealth platforms, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to patient portals. These platforms allow patients to communicate with their care teams, access medical records, and manage their medications remotely. Mount Sinai also has a growing telehealth presence. Jamaica Hospital and Mercy Hospital offer telehealth services, but the scope may be more limited.

**ER Wait Time Variations**

ER wait times fluctuate based on several factors. Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other sources provide general estimates, but these are not always current. Checking the hospital's website or calling the ER directly can provide the most up-to-date information.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Hospitals affiliated with major research institutions, such as LIJMC and New York-Presbyterian, often participate in clinical trials. These trials offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies. Patients interested in clinical trials should discuss this option with their oncologist.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Summary**

Based on the factors discussed, here's a general "Breast Cancer Score" perspective (this is a subjective assessment based on available data and should not be considered a definitive ranking):

* **LIJMC:** Strong overall performance, comprehensive breast cancer center, robust telehealth, access to clinical trials. **High Score.**
* **New York-Presbyterian Queens:** Strong overall performance, comprehensive breast cancer program, good telehealth offerings. **High Score.**
* **Mount Sinai Queens:** Solid breast cancer program, growing telehealth presence. **Moderate Score.**
* **Jamaica Hospital Medical Center:** Local access, breast center, but lower CMS rating and potentially longer ER wait times. **Moderate Score.**
* **Mercy Hospital:** Strong breast cancer program, but limited telehealth services. **Moderate Score.**

**Important Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Patients should consult with their physicians and conduct their own research to make informed decisions about their care. The "Breast Cancer Score" is a subjective assessment and should be used as a starting point for further investigation. Hospital ratings and services can change, so it's essential to verify the most up-to-date information directly with the hospitals.