12935, Ellenburg Depot, New York Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 12935, Ellenburg Depot, New York is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Adirondacks: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 12935

Finding the right care for breast cancer is a deeply personal and critical journey. For residents of ZIP code 12935 (Plattsburgh, NY, and surrounding areas), access to quality medical facilities is paramount. This review examines the hospitals closest to this area, focusing on their capabilities in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support services, along with relevant data points like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The Adirondack region, while offering stunning natural beauty, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. Proximity to larger medical centers is a key consideration for specialized care, especially in a field as complex as breast cancer. This review prioritizes hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Plattsburgh, considering both their primary services and referral networks.

**University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH)**

Located directly in Plattsburgh, CVPH serves as the primary hospital for the region. Its Breast Care Center is a critical resource for local residents. CVPH offers a range of services, including mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast biopsies. They have a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists, working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.

CVPH's CMS star rating is a crucial indicator of overall quality. As of October 2024, CVPH holds a [Insert Current CMS Star Rating for CVPH]. This rating reflects performance across various areas, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its ongoing investments in technology and staff training.

ER wait times are a significant factor for anyone needing immediate care. Data on CVPH’s ER wait times is available on the hospital’s website and through platforms like ProPublica’s Hospital Compare. [Insert Specific Data on ER Wait Times for CVPH, if available]. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient emergency department, which is vital for timely diagnosis and treatment of potential complications.

CVPH has also expanded its telehealth capabilities. Telehealth appointments are becoming increasingly common for follow-up consultations, medication management, and even some initial consultations. [Insert Specific Data on CVPH’s Telehealth offerings for Breast Cancer, if available]. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges.

**Alice Hyde Medical Center (Malone, NY)**

Approximately an hour's drive from Plattsburgh, Alice Hyde Medical Center offers another option for residents. While a smaller hospital, Alice Hyde provides essential services, including mammography and breast health screenings. They often collaborate with larger hospitals for more complex cases, facilitating referrals to specialists when necessary.

Alice Hyde’s CMS star rating is [Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Alice Hyde]. While the hospital is smaller than CVPH, it still provides a valuable service to the surrounding community.

Alice Hyde's ER wait times are [Insert Specific Data on ER Wait Times for Alice Hyde, if available]. Patients should consider this when choosing a hospital for emergency care.

Telehealth is also available at Alice Hyde. [Insert Specific Data on Alice Hyde’s Telehealth offerings for Breast Cancer, if available]. This service is particularly useful for patients who live in rural areas and have difficulty traveling.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital (Elizabethtown, NY)**

Located south of Plattsburgh, Elizabethtown Community Hospital offers primary care services and some specialized care. While not a dedicated cancer center, it provides access to essential screenings and can facilitate referrals to larger facilities for more specialized treatment.

Elizabethtown Community Hospital's CMS star rating is [Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Elizabethtown Community Hospital].

ER wait times are [Insert Specific Data on ER Wait Times for Elizabethtown Community Hospital, if available].

Telehealth offerings are also available at Elizabethtown Community Hospital. [Insert Specific Data on Elizabethtown Community Hospital’s Telehealth offerings for Breast Cancer, if available].

**Additional Considerations: Specialty Centers and Referral Networks**

While the hospitals listed above are the closest options, the complexity of breast cancer treatment often necessitates access to specialized centers. Patients in the Plattsburgh area may be referred to larger facilities, such as those in Burlington, Vermont, or Albany, New York, for advanced treatments like radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures.

The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT, is a major referral center. It offers a comprehensive cancer center with advanced technology and a wide range of specialists. This facility is approximately a two-hour drive from Plattsburgh.

Albany Medical Center, in Albany, NY, is another option, also offering a comprehensive cancer center. The drive time is approximately three hours. Both of these hospitals have established referral networks with the hospitals in the Plattsburgh area.

**The Importance of Support Services**

Beyond medical treatment, support services are crucial for breast cancer patients. These services include support groups, counseling, nutritional guidance, and physical therapy. CVPH and the other hospitals in the area often offer these services or can provide referrals to local organizations that do.

**Navigating the System: Key Questions to Ask**

When choosing a hospital for breast cancer care, patients should ask several key questions:

* **What types of breast cancer screenings are offered?** Ensure the hospital provides mammography, ultrasound, and other necessary diagnostic tools.
* **What is the expertise of the medical team?** Inquire about the experience and qualifications of the surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists.
* **What treatment options are available?** Understand the range of treatments offered, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy.
* **What support services are available?** Ask about support groups, counseling, and other resources to help patients cope with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer.
* **What is the hospital's referral network?** Determine which larger hospitals the facility partners with for specialized care.
* **What is the hospital's experience with telehealth?** Inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments for follow-up consultations and other services.
* **What are the ER wait times?** Understand how long you may need to wait in the ER for treatment.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision. Residents of ZIP code 12935 have several options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. CVPH, as the primary hospital in Plattsburgh, offers a comprehensive breast care center and a range of services. Alice Hyde Medical Center and Elizabethtown Community Hospital provide essential screenings and can facilitate referrals. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, the available resources, and the hospital’s referral network when making their decision. By asking the right questions and gathering the necessary information, patients can make an informed choice that best supports their journey through breast cancer treatment and recovery. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.