13803, Marathon, New York Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13803, Marathon, New York is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Binghamton Area: A Scorecard for Patients Near 13803

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical first step. This review provides a fact-based assessment of breast cancer care options near ZIP code 13803 (Binghamton, NY), focusing on key metrics like hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility. This information is designed to empower patients to make informed decisions in consultation with their physicians.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Players and General Considerations**

The primary hospitals serving the Binghamton area are United Health Services (UHS) and Lourdes Hospital, a member of Ascension. Both offer comprehensive cancer care, but their approaches and resources differ. Patients in the 13803 area also have access to facilities in surrounding regions, though travel time and access to support networks must be considered.

**United Health Services (UHS): A Regional Powerhouse**

UHS is a dominant healthcare provider in the region, encompassing multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities. Its flagship hospital, UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, is a central hub for cancer care. While UHS does not release specific data on its breast cancer program, it is important to consider the hospital's overall performance.

**UHS Wilson Medical Center: Quality and Performance**

UHS Wilson Medical Center holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, and readmission rates. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care. CMS ratings are based on publicly available data and are a useful starting point for assessing hospital quality.

**UHS Cancer Care: Comprehensive Services**

UHS offers a broad spectrum of cancer services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. The hospital has dedicated cancer centers equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. They also offer genetic counseling and testing, which is crucial for identifying patients at high risk or those who may benefit from targeted therapies.

**UHS: ER Wait Times and Access**

ER wait times at UHS Wilson Medical Center can fluctuate. According to recent data, the average wait time is approximately 30-60 minutes. While this is a general metric, it is important to remember that wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the patient's condition. Patients should always seek immediate medical attention for urgent symptoms.

**Telehealth at UHS**

UHS has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. Telehealth can be particularly valuable for cancer patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require frequent monitoring. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specific specialty and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Lourdes Hospital: A Member of Ascension**

Lourdes Hospital, part of the Ascension health system, is another major provider of healthcare in the Binghamton area. Lourdes offers a comprehensive cancer program, including breast cancer services.

**Lourdes Hospital: CMS Rating and General Performance**

Lourdes Hospital also holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This indicates a similar level of overall quality compared to UHS Wilson Medical Center. Patients should research the hospital's performance on specific measures that are important to them, such as patient satisfaction scores and infection rates.

**Lourdes Cancer Care: Specialization and Support**

Lourdes Hospital has a dedicated cancer center that provides a range of services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation therapy. The hospital emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists from various fields to develop individualized treatment plans. Lourdes also offers support groups, counseling services, and other resources to help patients and their families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

**Lourdes: ER Wait Times and Accessibility**

ER wait times at Lourdes Hospital are generally comparable to those at UHS Wilson Medical Center. Patients should be aware that wait times can be longer during peak hours or during periods of high patient volume.

**Telehealth at Lourdes**

Ascension has invested in telehealth capabilities across its network. Lourdes Hospital offers virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. The availability of these services may depend on the specific needs of the patient and the type of care they require.

**Comparing the Options: Key Considerations**

When choosing a hospital for breast cancer treatment, patients should consider several factors. These include the hospital's experience and expertise in treating breast cancer, the availability of specialized services such as genetic testing and reconstructive surgery, and the patient's personal preferences.

**Specialized Centers and Programs**

Both UHS and Lourdes Hospital have dedicated cancer centers that provide comprehensive care. Patients should inquire about the specific programs and services offered by each hospital, such as breast cancer screening programs, clinical trials, and survivorship programs.

**Surgical Options and Expertise**

The surgical expertise available at each hospital is a critical factor. Patients should discuss their surgical options with their surgeons and ask about the hospital's experience with different surgical techniques, such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

**Radiation Oncology**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Patients should inquire about the types of radiation therapy offered by each hospital, such as external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

Medical oncologists specialize in the use of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy to treat cancer. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their medical oncologists and ask about the hospital's experience with different chemotherapy regimens and clinical trials.

**Supportive Care Services**

Cancer treatment can have significant side effects. Patients should inquire about the supportive care services offered by each hospital, such as pain management, nutrition counseling, and psychological support.

**Accessibility and Convenience**

The location of the hospital and the ease of access are important considerations. Patients should consider the distance they need to travel for appointments, the availability of parking, and the hospital's hours of operation.

**Insurance Coverage**

Patients should verify that their insurance plan covers the services offered by each hospital. They should also inquire about any out-of-pocket costs they may be responsible for.

**Patient Satisfaction and Reviews**

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by each hospital. Patients can find reviews on websites such as Healthgrades and Vitals.

**Beyond Binghamton: Regional Options**

While UHS and Lourdes are the primary providers in the immediate area, patients may choose to seek care at hospitals in larger cities, such as Syracuse or Rochester, which may offer specialized services or access to clinical trials. However, this would involve longer travel times and potential disruption to the patient's support network.

**The Importance of a Second Opinion**

Patients should always seek a second opinion from another oncologist or surgeon to confirm their diagnosis and treatment plan. This can help ensure that they are receiving the best possible care.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer treatment is a personal decision. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences and consult with their physicians to determine the best option for them. This review provides a starting point for that research, but ultimately, the decision rests on a thorough evaluation of the available resources and a clear understanding of the patient's own circumstances.