11766, Mount Sinai, New York Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 11766, Mount Sinai, New York is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 11766 Area: A Deep Dive

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, and choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. This review examines breast cancer care options near the 11766 ZIP code, focusing on key factors like hospital quality, specialized services, accessibility, and patient experience. While "best" is subjective, this analysis prioritizes objective data to inform your decision-making process.

**Proximity and Major Players:**

The 11766 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Miller Place, New York, benefits from proximity to several major healthcare systems. These systems often offer comprehensive cancer care, including breast cancer services. Key players in the region include Northwell Health, Catholic Health, and Stony Brook Medicine. Assessing their offerings is paramount.

**Northwell Health's Strong Presence:**

Northwell Health dominates the healthcare landscape in the region. Their flagship hospital, **North Shore University Hospital (Manhasset)**, is a significant draw. Located approximately 25 miles west of Miller Place, it's a major referral center. While not directly in the 11766 area, its comprehensive services make it a viable option. North Shore University Hospital holds a **4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**, indicating a generally good level of quality and patient outcomes. This rating is based on various factors, including mortality rates, safety of care, and patient experience.

Northwell Health's **Cancer Institute** is a key component of their breast cancer care. It provides multidisciplinary care, bringing together medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans. Northwell also has a strong focus on clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge research and innovative therapies.

**Catholic Health's Network:**

Catholic Health operates a network of hospitals in the area, including **St. Charles Hospital (Port Jefferson)**, which is located within a few miles of the 11766 ZIP code. While St. Charles is a smaller hospital compared to North Shore, it offers a range of breast cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, and chemotherapy. CMS data indicates a **3-star rating** for St. Charles Hospital.

Catholic Health's **Cancer Institute** provides comprehensive cancer care throughout its network. They often collaborate with other hospitals within the system to offer a coordinated approach to treatment. The proximity of St. Charles Hospital to Miller Place makes it a convenient option for residents seeking local care.

**Stony Brook Medicine's Academic Advantage:**

Stony Brook University Hospital, part of Stony Brook Medicine, is a major academic medical center, located approximately 10 miles from Miller Place. As a teaching hospital, it often has access to the latest technologies and research. Stony Brook University Hospital has a **4-star CMS rating**.

Stony Brook's **Cancer Center** is a comprehensive cancer center, offering a wide array of services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. Their affiliation with the university allows for a robust clinical trials program, providing patients with access to innovative treatments. The hospital's proximity to Miller Place makes it a convenient option, and its academic focus is a significant advantage for patients seeking cutting-edge care.

**ER Wait Times: A Crucial Consideration:**

Emergency room wait times are an important factor, especially in urgent situations. While specific wait times fluctuate, it's important to consider the average wait times for each hospital. Websites like ProPublica and Healthgrades often provide data on ER wait times, allowing you to compare hospitals in the area. Generally, larger hospitals with more resources, like North Shore University Hospital and Stony Brook University Hospital, may experience longer wait times than smaller hospitals. However, this can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the severity of the patient's condition. Check recent data.

**Specialty Centers and Breast Cancer Expertise:**

Beyond general hospital ratings, it's crucial to assess the specific expertise in breast cancer care. Look for hospitals with dedicated breast cancer centers or programs. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists from various fields to collaborate on patient care.

Northwell Health's **Cancer Institute** and Stony Brook's **Cancer Center** are examples of such centers. They often have dedicated breast cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff, such as nurse navigators and social workers. These centers frequently offer specialized services like genetic counseling, breast reconstruction, and survivorship programs.

Catholic Health's network, while smaller, also provides breast cancer services through its cancer institutes. Inquire about the specific expertise and resources available at St. Charles Hospital.

**Telehealth and Accessibility:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support services. Check which hospitals offer telehealth options for breast cancer patients. This can improve accessibility, especially for those with mobility issues or who live far from the hospital.

Northwell Health, Stony Brook Medicine, and Catholic Health all have expanded their telehealth capabilities in recent years. Inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists. Also, check for telehealth options for support groups, counseling, and educational programs.

**Patient Experience and Reviews:**

Patient experience is a crucial factor in choosing a hospital. Review patient testimonials and online reviews on websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and the hospital's own website. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, the communication skills of the medical staff, and the overall patient experience.

Pay attention to comments about the responsiveness of the staff, the clarity of information provided, and the emotional support offered. Consider the hospital's patient satisfaction scores, which are often available on the CMS website.

**Diagnostic Imaging and Technology:**

Access to advanced diagnostic imaging is critical for breast cancer detection and staging. Ensure the hospital offers state-of-the-art imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast MRI, and ultrasound. These technologies can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

Northwell Health, Stony Brook Medicine, and Catholic Health all invest in advanced imaging technologies. Inquire about the specific imaging equipment available at each hospital and the qualifications of the radiologists and technicians.

**Surgical Options and Reconstruction:**

The availability of experienced breast surgeons and a range of surgical options is essential. Look for hospitals that offer both lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures, as well as breast reconstruction options.

Northwell Health and Stony Brook Medicine offer a wide range of surgical options and reconstruction services. Catholic Health also provides surgical care, but inquire about the specific expertise and options available at St. Charles Hospital.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance:**

Before choosing a hospital, verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm the hospital's network status and understand your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance.

Inquire about the hospital's financial assistance programs if you have difficulty paying for care. The hospital's billing department can provide information about payment options and financial counseling.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative treatments. Check if the hospital has a robust clinical trials program for breast cancer. Northwell Health and Stony Brook Medicine, as major academic medical centers, often have a wide range of clinical trials available.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a complex decision. The hospitals near the 11766 ZIP code offer a range of options, from large academic medical centers to smaller community hospitals. North Shore University Hospital and Stony Brook University Hospital, with their 4-star CMS ratings, offer comprehensive services and access to cutting-edge research. St. Charles Hospital, within the Catholic Health system, provides a more localized option. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when making your decision. Thorough research, consultation with your physician, and careful consideration of the factors outlined in this review will help you make an informed choice and navigate the complexities of breast cancer care. Remember to verify all information, as hospital services and ratings can change.