13646, Hammond, New York Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13646, Hammond, New York is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Score: Evaluating Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13646**

This review provides a comprehensive assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 13646 (Massena, New York), focusing on their capabilities in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient care. The analysis incorporates publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and information on specialized centers and telehealth services. This review aims to empower patients in the Massena area with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**Overview of the Healthcare Landscape in and around Massena**

Massena, New York, is a rural community, and access to specialized medical care can be a significant consideration. The nearest major medical centers are located in cities such as Syracuse, Albany, and Montreal, Canada, which may necessitate travel for certain treatments. The availability of local resources, therefore, becomes even more critical.

**Key Hospitals and Their Breast Cancer Services**

**1. Massena Hospital (St. Lawrence Health System)**

Massena Hospital is the primary healthcare provider within the immediate vicinity of ZIP code 13646. As a community hospital, its services are crucial for local residents. However, it's essential to understand the scope of its breast cancer services.

* **Services:** Massena Hospital offers diagnostic imaging, including mammography and potentially ultrasound. They may also provide biopsy services. However, comprehensive cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, is likely not available on-site.
* **CMS Star Rating:** As of the latest available data, Massena Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. This absence doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it does mean that the hospital's performance has not been assessed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary significantly. Patients should check the hospital's website or call directly for current wait times.
* **Specialty Centers:** Massena Hospital is unlikely to have a dedicated, specialized breast cancer center. Patients requiring complex treatment may need to be referred to larger facilities.
* **Telehealth:** The hospital may offer telehealth services, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options.

**2. Canton-Potsdam Hospital (St. Lawrence Health System)**

Located within a reasonable driving distance of Massena, Canton-Potsdam Hospital is another important healthcare provider in the region. It is also part of the St. Lawrence Health System, which means it may share resources and protocols with Massena Hospital.

* **Services:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital likely offers a similar range of services to Massena Hospital, including diagnostic imaging. It may also have a slightly expanded scope of services, potentially including some outpatient cancer treatments.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital, as of the latest data, does not have a CMS star rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or call directly for current wait times.
* **Specialty Centers:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital might have a more developed oncology program than Massena Hospital, potentially including access to medical oncologists or surgical oncologists.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services may be available.

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

Alice Hyde Medical Center is another option for residents of the area, located in Malone, NY.

* **Services:** Alice Hyde Medical Center likely provides diagnostic services, including mammography and other imaging. It is unlikely to offer comprehensive cancer treatment on-site.
* **CMS Star Rating:** As of the latest data, Alice Hyde Medical Center does not have a CMS star rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times should be checked directly with the hospital.
* **Specialty Centers:** Alice Hyde Medical Center is unlikely to have a dedicated breast cancer center.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options may be available.

**4. University Hospital (Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY)**

For more advanced breast cancer care, patients in the Massena area may need to travel to Syracuse, approximately a two-hour drive. University Hospital, part of Upstate Medical University, is a major tertiary care center.

* **Services:** University Hospital offers a comprehensive range of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy), radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. It is likely to have a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
* **CMS Star Rating:** University Hospital has a CMS star rating, which can provide a general indication of its overall quality. Patients should check the most recent data for the current rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at a large hospital like University Hospital can vary considerably. Patients should check the hospital's website or call for current wait times.
* **Specialty Centers:** University Hospital is likely to have a dedicated breast cancer center or a comprehensive oncology program. These centers often offer specialized services, clinical trials, and support groups.
* **Telehealth:** University Hospital likely offers robust telehealth services, including virtual consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**5. Crouse Hospital (Syracuse, NY)**

Crouse Hospital in Syracuse is another option for advanced care.

* **Services:** Crouse Hospital offers a comprehensive range of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy), radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. It is likely to have a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Crouse Hospital has a CMS star rating, which can provide a general indication of its overall quality. Patients should check the most recent data for the current rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at a large hospital like Crouse Hospital can vary considerably. Patients should check the hospital's website or call for current wait times.
* **Specialty Centers:** Crouse Hospital is likely to have a dedicated breast cancer center or a comprehensive oncology program. These centers often offer specialized services, clinical trials, and support groups.
* **Telehealth:** Crouse Hospital likely offers robust telehealth services, including virtual consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**6. Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (Plattsburgh, NY)**

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, located in Plattsburgh, NY, is another option for patients in the Massena area, though it is further away than Syracuse.

* **Services:** Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital offers a range of breast cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital has a CMS star rating, which can provide a general indication of its overall quality. Patients should check the most recent data for the current rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or call directly for current wait times.
* **Specialty Centers:** Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital has a dedicated breast cancer center or a comprehensive oncology program.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services may be available.

**Evaluating Key Factors for Breast Cancer Care**

When evaluating hospitals for breast cancer care, several factors are crucial:

* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast MRI, and ultrasound, is essential for accurate diagnosis.
* **Surgical Expertise:** The availability of experienced breast surgeons, including those specializing in oncoplastic surgery and reconstructive procedures, is vital.
* **Medical Oncology:** Access to medical oncologists who can provide chemotherapy and other systemic therapies is critical.
* **Radiation Oncology:** The presence of a radiation oncology department with advanced technologies, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), is important.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** The best centers have a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and support staff who work together to develop a personalized treatment plan.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with opportunities to receive cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Support services, such as patient navigators, genetic counseling, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation services, are essential for comprehensive care.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the overall patient experience.

**Telehealth's Role in Breast Cancer Care**

Telehealth is increasingly important in breast cancer care, particularly for patients in rural areas. Telehealth can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Patients can consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel.
* **Follow-up Appointments:** Telehealth can be used for follow-up appointments after surgery or treatment.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Patients can use remote monitoring devices to track their health and share data with their care team.
* **Support Groups:** Virtual support groups can provide patients with emotional support and connect them with others who have similar experiences.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

For residents of ZIP code 13646, the choice of where to seek breast cancer care involves considering both local resources and the need for specialized expertise. Massena Hospital and Canton-Potsdam Hospital provide local access to diagnostic services, but patients requiring comprehensive treatment will likely need to travel to larger centers like University Hospital, Crouse Hospital, or Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. Patients should carefully evaluate the services offered by each hospital, consider factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialty centers and telehealth options, and discuss their options with their primary care physician to determine the best course of action for their individual needs.