19113, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 19113, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Decoding Breast Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near 19113

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. This review focuses on hospitals near Philadelphia's 19113 ZIP code, offering a fact-based assessment of their breast cancer care capabilities, including key metrics such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings. The information is intended to provide a clear picture of the options available, empowering patients to make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The 19113 ZIP code, encompassing the Fox Chase and Burholme neighborhoods, benefits from proximity to a diverse range of healthcare institutions, from large academic medical centers to community hospitals. This concentration provides patients with choices, but also necessitates careful evaluation to determine the best fit for individual needs. The following analysis focuses on the hospitals most readily accessible to residents of 19113, emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses in the realm of breast cancer treatment.

**Flagship Institutions: A Deep Dive**

**Fox Chase Cancer Center:** As a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fox Chase is a regional powerhouse. It's a dedicated cancer center, meaning its entire focus is on cancer care, from prevention and screening to treatment and research. Fox Chase excels in complex cases and offers a wide range of specialized services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. While a CMS star rating isn't applicable to specialty hospitals like Fox Chase, its reputation and research contributions are significant indicators of quality. The center's commitment to clinical trials provides patients with access to cutting-edge therapies. ER wait times are generally reported, but can fluctuate. For current wait times, checking the hospital's website or calling directly is advised. Fox Chase is also known for its robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be particularly convenient for patients undergoing treatment.

**Jefferson Health (Multiple Campuses):** Jefferson Health, a large integrated health system, operates several hospitals within reasonable proximity to 19113. These include the flagship Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, as well as hospitals like Methodist Hospital and Frankford Hospital. Jefferson's breast cancer program benefits from a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans. The CMS star ratings for the individual hospitals within the Jefferson system vary. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital consistently scores highly. ER wait times fluctuate, so checking the specific hospital's website or calling ahead is recommended. Jefferson has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties, including oncology. This allows patients to connect with their care teams remotely.

**Temple University Hospital:** Temple University Hospital is another major academic medical center serving the Philadelphia area. Its breast cancer program offers a comprehensive range of services, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. The hospital's affiliation with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University fosters a strong emphasis on research and innovation. CMS star ratings are available for Temple University Hospital, and it is worth noting the current rating. ER wait times can vary, so it's advisable to check current data. Temple has invested in telehealth, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, enhancing patient access to care.

**Community Hospitals: Providing Local Options**

**Jeanes Hospital (part of Temple Health):** Located relatively close to 19113, Jeanes Hospital, part of the Temple Health system, offers a community-based approach to breast cancer care. While it may not have the same level of specialization as a dedicated cancer center, Jeanes provides essential services like screening, diagnosis, and treatment. It benefits from its connection to the larger Temple Health system, allowing for seamless referrals to specialists and access to advanced treatments when needed. The CMS star rating for Jeanes Hospital should be considered. ER wait times are available on the hospital's website. Telehealth options are available, in line with the broader Temple Health system.

**Frankford Hospital (part of Jefferson Health):** Frankford Hospital, another community hospital within the Jefferson Health system, provides breast cancer services to the 19113 area. It offers screening, diagnostic services, and treatment options, with access to the broader resources of the Jefferson system. The CMS star rating for Frankford Hospital should be reviewed. ER wait times can vary, so checking the hospital's website is recommended. Frankford also offers telehealth services, connecting patients with their care teams remotely.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond the core services, some hospitals offer specialized programs and centers that can be particularly beneficial for breast cancer patients.

* **Breast Centers of Excellence:** Many hospitals have designated "Breast Centers of Excellence," which typically offer a multidisciplinary approach, integrating all aspects of breast care under one roof. These centers often provide services like genetic counseling, survivorship programs, and access to clinical trials.

* **High-Risk Screening Programs:** For individuals at increased risk of breast cancer, hospitals may offer specialized screening programs, including advanced imaging techniques like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and MRI.

* **Genetic Counseling and Testing:** Genetic testing can identify inherited mutations that increase breast cancer risk. Hospitals with genetic counseling programs can help patients understand their risk and make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.

* **Reconstructive Surgery:** Hospitals with plastic surgery departments offer reconstructive options after mastectomy, helping patients restore their appearance and quality of life.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in oncology. It allows patients to connect with their care teams remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

* **Virtual Consultations:** Patients can have virtual consultations with their oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists.

* **Remote Monitoring:** Some hospitals use remote monitoring tools to track patients' symptoms and vital signs, allowing for early intervention if needed.

* **Follow-up Appointments:** Telehealth is often used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times can be a significant factor in choosing a hospital, especially in an emergency. These times can vary significantly depending on the hospital and the time of day. Patients should check the hospital's website or call ahead to get the most up-to-date information on ER wait times.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance in various quality measures. These ratings provide a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality of care, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. However, it's important to note that CMS star ratings are not available for all hospitals, particularly specialty centers.

**Making the Right Choice: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Factors to consider include:

* **Stage and type of cancer:** The complexity of the cancer will influence the level of specialization needed.
* **Insurance coverage:** Ensure the hospital is in-network.
* **Proximity and convenience:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the ease of access.
* **Patient preferences:** Consider the hospital's reputation, the experience of the care team, and the availability of supportive services.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals near 19113 offer a range of options for breast cancer care, from comprehensive cancer centers to community hospitals. By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this review, patients can make informed decisions and choose the hospital that best meets their individual needs, ultimately leading to the best possible outcome. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and seek second opinions when necessary. This review provides a starting point, but the ultimate decision rests with the patient and their healthcare team.