13668, Norwood, New York Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13668, Norwood, New York is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13668

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to high-quality medical care. For residents near ZIP code 13668 (Watertown, New York), understanding the capabilities of nearby hospitals is crucial. This review examines key institutions, focusing on breast cancer-specific resources, overall quality indicators, and accessibility factors.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

Watertown, NY, is served by a limited number of hospitals. The primary healthcare provider in the immediate vicinity is Samaritan Medical Center. While other hospitals may be accessible within a reasonable driving distance, this review will focus on Samaritan Medical Center and its offerings for breast cancer patients.

**Samaritan Medical Center: The Local Hub**

Samaritan Medical Center is the primary hospital serving the Watertown area. It's important to note that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality metrics. Publicly available data on CMS star ratings for Samaritan Medical Center should be consulted. These ratings offer a snapshot of overall hospital performance, encompassing areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**Breast Cancer Services at Samaritan:**

Samaritan Medical Center likely offers a range of services for breast cancer patients. Key components to investigate include:

* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Access to advanced imaging technologies is critical for early detection and accurate diagnosis. Look for information on mammography (including 3D mammography or tomosynthesis), ultrasound, and MRI capabilities.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Effective breast cancer care often involves a team of specialists. Inquire about the availability of a multidisciplinary team, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and oncology nurses.
* **Surgical Options:** Investigate the types of breast cancer surgeries offered, such as lumpectomy, mastectomy (including different types of mastectomies and reconstruction options), and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
* **Medical Oncology:** The hospital should have a dedicated medical oncology department providing chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy is often a crucial part of treatment. Confirm the availability of radiation oncology services, including the types of radiation therapy offered (e.g., external beam radiation, brachytherapy).
* **Support Services:** Breast cancer treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. Look for support services such as patient navigators, support groups, counseling, and rehabilitation services.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a strong indicator of quality.

**Emergency Room Considerations:**

While not directly related to breast cancer treatment, emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial factor in overall healthcare accessibility. Long wait times can be a significant source of stress, especially during a medical crisis. Publicly available data on ER wait times at Samaritan Medical Center should be researched. This information can often be found on hospital websites, government health websites, or third-party healthcare comparison sites.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. Investigate whether Samaritan Medical Center offers telehealth options for breast cancer patients. This could include virtual consultations with oncologists, nurses, or other members of the care team. Remote monitoring programs, where patients can track their symptoms and vital signs at home, may also be available.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

While Samaritan Medical Center may be the primary provider, it's worth investigating if any specialized breast cancer centers or programs exist within the hospital or its network. These centers often offer a more focused and coordinated approach to care, potentially including access to clinical trials, genetic counseling, and specialized support services.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience:**

Beyond clinical services, consider factors related to accessibility and patient experience:

* **Location and Transportation:** Assess the hospital's location and ease of access for patients in the 13668 ZIP code. Consider public transportation options, parking availability, and the distance from your home.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your health insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Research patient reviews and satisfaction scores, which can provide insights into the quality of care, communication with healthcare providers, and overall patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and the hospital's own website may provide this information.
* **Language Services:** If you or a family member requires language assistance, confirm the availability of interpreters or translation services.

**Beyond Watertown: Exploring Regional Options:**

While Samaritan Medical Center is the local hub, it's important to consider regional options, especially if specialized care or clinical trials are needed.

* **Syracuse Area Hospitals:** Syracuse, NY, is within a reasonable driving distance and offers access to larger hospitals with potentially more specialized services. Consider researching hospitals like Upstate University Hospital and Crouse Hospital. These hospitals may have comprehensive cancer centers with advanced technologies and a wider range of specialists.
* **Rochester Area Hospitals:** Rochester, NY, is another regional hub with major hospitals like the University of Rochester Medical Center (Strong Memorial Hospital). This hospital system often offers cutting-edge cancer care and research.

**Researching Regional Options:**

When researching regional hospitals, follow the same process:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Check CMS star ratings to assess overall hospital quality.
* **Cancer Center Accreditation:** Look for accreditation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) or other reputable organizations.
* **Specialized Services:** Identify specific breast cancer services, such as advanced imaging, surgical options, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support services.
* **Clinical Trials:** Inquire about the availability of clinical trials, which can provide access to innovative treatments.
* **Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:** Investigate telehealth options.
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Research patient reviews and satisfaction scores.
* **Accessibility:** Consider location, transportation, and insurance coverage.

**Key Questions to Ask:**

When contacting hospitals, prepare a list of questions:

* What types of breast cancer services do you offer?
* Do you have a multidisciplinary team of specialists?
* What imaging technologies are available?
* What surgical options are available?
* What types of medical oncology treatments do you provide?
* What radiation therapy options do you offer?
* What support services are available (e.g., patient navigators, support groups)?
* Do you participate in clinical trials?
* Do you offer telehealth services?
* What is your average ER wait time?
* Do you accept my insurance?
* What is your accreditation status?

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a significant decision. For residents near ZIP code 13668, Samaritan Medical Center is the primary local provider. However, a thorough investigation of its services, coupled with a consideration of regional options, is essential. By researching available services, assessing quality indicators, and considering accessibility factors, patients can make informed decisions and ensure they receive the best possible care. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and, if possible, a breast cancer specialist to discuss your individual needs and preferences. This review is intended to provide information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.