13637, Evans Mills, New York Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13637, Evans Mills, New York is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the North Country: A Review for ZIP Code 13637

Finding the right healthcare, especially when facing a diagnosis like breast cancer, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 13637 (Massena, New York), providing a factual overview of their breast cancer care capabilities. We'll examine key factors like hospital ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings to help residents make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The North Country, encompassing the area around Massena, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Access to specialized cancer care can be a challenge due to the region's rural nature. This review prioritizes readily available information to assist in navigating this complex system.

**Flagship Hospitals and Ratings:**

A cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is hospital quality. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system, offering a general overview of hospital performance. However, it's crucial to understand that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH):** Located approximately 30 miles from Massena, CPH is a primary care facility. While it may not have a dedicated, comprehensive cancer center, it offers basic oncology services and often serves as the initial point of contact for residents. CMS data for CPH is readily available, and its star rating should be consulted for an overall assessment of its quality.

**St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS):** SLHS is a larger system, with a presence in the region. SLHS operates several facilities, including Canton-Potsdam Hospital. It is important to check the CMS star rating for each specific facility within the SLHS system, as ratings can vary. SLHS is more likely to offer a broader range of cancer care services than smaller, independent hospitals.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general hospital ratings, the availability of specialized breast cancer services is critical. This includes dedicated breast cancer centers, surgical oncology expertise, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

**Breast Cancer Centers:** Hospitals with dedicated breast cancer centers often provide a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to coordinate patient care. Determining the presence of such a center within a reasonable distance from Massena is a key consideration.

**Surgical Oncology:** The availability of surgeons specializing in breast cancer surgery is a significant factor. Look for surgeons with specific training and experience in procedures like lumpectomies, mastectomies, and sentinel node biopsies.

**Radiation Therapy:** Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. The presence of a radiation oncology department, equipped with advanced technology like linear accelerators, is essential.

**Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists are responsible for chemotherapy and other systemic therapies. Access to experienced medical oncologists is vital for managing the disease.

**Diagnostic Imaging:** Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial. Hospitals should offer advanced imaging services, including mammography (both 2D and 3D tomosynthesis), ultrasound, and MRI.

**ER Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant concern, especially in rural areas. Long wait times can delay diagnosis and treatment.

**CPH and SLHS ER Wait Times:** Publicly available data on ER wait times for CPH and facilities within the SLHS system should be consulted. This information can often be found on hospital websites or through online resources like ProPublica's Hospital Compare.

**Telehealth and Remote Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in areas with limited access to specialists. Telehealth can provide remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to support groups.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Investigate the telehealth offerings of hospitals in the area. Do they offer virtual consultations with oncologists, surgeons, or other specialists? Are there telehealth options for support services like counseling or physical therapy?

**Specific Hospital Details (Based on Available Information):**

* **Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH):** As a primary care facility, CPH likely offers initial screening and diagnostic services, but may refer patients to larger facilities for advanced treatment. Investigate its referral pathways and partnerships with regional cancer centers.
* **St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS):** SLHS, as a larger system, is more likely to offer a broader range of services. Research the specific services available at SLHS facilities near Massena, including the presence of a breast cancer center, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

**Research and Due Diligence:**

This review provides a starting point. Residents of ZIP code 13637 should conduct thorough research, including:

* **Consulting with Primary Care Physicians:** Your primary care physician can provide referrals and recommendations based on your individual needs and medical history.
* **Contacting Hospitals Directly:** Call hospitals to inquire about their breast cancer services, including the types of specialists on staff, the technologies available, and the availability of support services.
* **Reviewing Hospital Websites:** Hospital websites often provide detailed information about their services, including physician profiles, treatment options, and patient resources.
* **Checking Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospitals and specialists you are considering are in your insurance network.
* **Seeking Second Opinions:** Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from another oncologist or surgeon to ensure you are receiving the best possible care.
* **Patient Reviews and Testimonials:** While not always definitive, patient reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the experiences of others.

**Important Considerations:**

* **Travel Distance:** Consider the distance to hospitals and cancer centers. Travel time can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and access to social workers.
* **Clinical Trials:** Inquire about the availability of clinical trials, which can offer access to innovative treatments.
* **Accreditation:** Check for accreditation from organizations like the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer, which indicates a commitment to quality cancer care.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare system, especially when facing a breast cancer diagnosis, can be challenging. This review provides a framework for understanding the breast cancer care landscape near ZIP code 13637. By combining this information with thorough research, consultation with healthcare providers, and a proactive approach, residents can make informed decisions and access the best possible care. The key is to be proactive, ask questions, and advocate for your own health. The available resources, while potentially limited in a rural setting, can still provide a path to quality breast cancer care.