11717, Brentwood, New York Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 11717, Brentwood, New York is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Heart of Long Island: A Scorecard for ZIP Code 11717

Finding the best breast cancer care is a deeply personal journey, and location is often a critical factor. For residents of ZIP code 11717 (Bayport, Blue Point, and surrounding areas on Long Island), several hospitals offer comprehensive services. This review provides a fact-rich overview, focusing on key metrics and resources to help you make informed decisions.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

Two major hospital systems dominate the healthcare landscape near 11717: Northwell Health and Catholic Health. Both offer extensive breast cancer services, but performance varies.

**Northwell Health:**

Northwell Health's flagship hospital, **South Shore University Hospital** in Bay Shore (a short drive from 11717), is a primary contender. South Shore University Hospital holds a respectable 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not the highest, indicates average performance across various quality measures. Examining specific metrics is crucial.

* **Breast Cancer Surgery:** South Shore University Hospital performs a significant volume of breast cancer surgeries. While specific numbers are not publicly available, the hospital’s website highlights a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. This suggests a comprehensive care model.
* **Accreditation:** South Shore University Hospital holds accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). This accreditation signifies a commitment to providing high-quality cancer care, adhering to specific standards for diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are a key indicator of overall hospital efficiency. While precise real-time data fluctuates, recent reports suggest average wait times at South Shore University Hospital's ER are often in line with, or slightly above, the national average. This is a factor to consider, especially in urgent situations.
* **Telehealth:** Northwell Health has significantly invested in telehealth services. Patients can access virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. Specific telehealth statistics for breast cancer patients are not publicly available, but Northwell's overall telehealth utilization is high.
* **Specialty Centers:** South Shore University Hospital boasts a dedicated cancer center, offering a range of services from screening and diagnosis to treatment and support. The center's structure and staffing are key factors to assess.

**Catholic Health:**

Catholic Health's flagship hospital, **St. Joseph Hospital** in Bethpage (a longer drive from 11717), also offers breast cancer services. St. Joseph Hospital also holds a 3-star CMS rating.

* **Breast Cancer Surgery:** St. Joseph Hospital has a dedicated breast center and performs a substantial number of breast cancer surgeries annually. The hospital emphasizes its team of breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Accreditation:** St. Joseph Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC), demonstrating its commitment to quality cancer care.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at St. Joseph Hospital are generally comparable to those at South Shore University Hospital, fluctuating depending on the time of day and patient volume.
* **Telehealth:** Catholic Health has expanded its telehealth offerings. Patients can access virtual appointments and remote monitoring services. Specific data on breast cancer telehealth utilization is not readily available.
* **Specialty Centers:** St. Joseph Hospital features a comprehensive cancer institute, providing a range of services tailored to breast cancer patients. The institute's resources and support programs are important considerations.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors influence breast cancer care quality.

* **Proximity to Specialists:** The availability of specialized breast cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists in the immediate vicinity is crucial. Both South Shore University Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital have robust teams.
* **Access to Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with cutting-edge treatment options. Both hospitals participate in clinical trials, offering patients the potential for innovative therapies.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and rehabilitation programs, is essential for comprehensive care. Both hospitals offer these services.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirming that the hospital and its physicians accept your insurance plan is a critical step.
* **Patient Reviews:** While subjective, patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient experience. Online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient reviews.

**Digging Deeper: Specific Services and Technologies**

Beyond the basics, understanding the specific services and technologies offered by each hospital is essential.

* **Imaging Technology:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), MRI, and ultrasound, is critical for early detection and accurate diagnosis. Both South Shore University Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital utilize these technologies.
* **Surgical Techniques:** The availability of advanced surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery (lumpectomy and mastectomy) and sentinel node biopsy, is important. Both hospitals offer these techniques.
* **Radiation Therapy:** The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), can improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects. Both hospitals offer these advanced radiation therapy options.
* **Medical Oncology:** Access to experienced medical oncologists who specialize in breast cancer treatment is crucial. Both hospitals have dedicated medical oncology teams.
* **Genetic Counseling:** Genetic counseling and testing are important for patients with a family history of breast cancer. Both hospitals offer genetic counseling services.
* **Reconstructive Surgery:** For patients undergoing mastectomy, access to reconstructive surgery options is important. Both hospitals have plastic surgeons who specialize in breast reconstruction.

**Comparing the Options: A Quick Glance**

| Feature | South Shore University Hospital | St. Joseph Hospital |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| CMS Rating | 3 Stars | 3 Stars |
| CoC Accreditation | Yes | Yes |
| ER Wait Times | Average (variable) | Average (variable) |
| Telehealth | Extensive Northwell Health platform | Expanding Catholic Health platform |
| Specialty Center | Dedicated Cancer Center | Comprehensive Cancer Institute |
| Proximity to 11717 | Close | Further Drive |

**The Bottom Line:**

For residents of 11717, both South Shore University Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital offer comprehensive breast cancer services. Both hospitals are accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC), indicating a commitment to quality care. Both hospitals have similar CMS star ratings. Choosing the "best" hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. Factors to consider include proximity, specific services offered, access to specialists, and patient experience. Further research, including consultations with physicians and exploring patient reviews, is highly recommended. The best approach is to gather information, ask questions, and make an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and priorities.