02813, Charlestown, Rhode Island Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02813, Charlestown, Rhode Island is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in and Around Cranston, RI (ZIP Code 02813): A Detailed Review

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan is a daunting task. Choosing the right hospital and care team is paramount. This review provides a detailed look at the breast cancer care landscape in and around Cranston, Rhode Island (ZIP code 02813), focusing on key hospitals, their strengths, and relevant statistics to aid informed decision-making.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Ratings**

The healthcare landscape in the area is dominated by a few major players, with their performance often measured by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings. These ratings, while not perfect, offer a snapshot of overall hospital quality based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI):** Located a short drive from Cranston, Rhode Island Hospital is a flagship facility. As of late 2023, it holds a CMS star rating, which fluctuates over time. Rhode Island Hospital is a major referral center, often handling complex cases. It boasts comprehensive services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. The hospital is affiliated with Lifespan, a large healthcare system.

**Women & Infants Hospital (Providence, RI):** Also within easy reach of Cranston, Women & Infants Hospital is a specialized facility known for its focus on women's health. It is another Lifespan affiliate. While primarily known for obstetrics and gynecology, Women & Infants also has a dedicated breast health center. The hospital’s CMS star rating, as of late 2023, is available on the CMS website. Its breast center offers screening, diagnosis, and treatment options, including surgical and medical oncology, and often collaborates with Rhode Island Hospital for more complex cases.

**Kent Hospital (Warwick, RI):** Situated south of Cranston, Kent Hospital is part of the Care New England health system. It also has a CMS star rating. Kent Hospital has a breast center that offers a range of services, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and medical oncology. It is a significant option for residents in the southern parts of Cranston.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration, especially in situations where immediate care is needed. Real-time wait times can vary significantly depending on the day, time, and patient volume. The following information is a general overview, and it's always best to check directly with the hospital or use online tools for the most up-to-date information.

Rhode Island Hospital, being a Level I trauma center, often experiences higher ER volumes. Wait times can fluctuate, but it's generally advisable to prepare for a potential wait. Women & Infants Hospital, while not a trauma center, also has an ER that may experience varying wait times. Kent Hospital's ER wait times are also subject to fluctuation.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond general hospital services, specialized centers and programs can significantly impact the quality of breast cancer care.

Rhode Island Hospital has robust oncology programs, often featuring multidisciplinary teams that include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and supportive care specialists. The hospital’s affiliation with Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School further enhances its research and clinical capabilities.

Women & Infants Hospital's breast center focuses on women's health, offering specialized expertise in breast imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. It often collaborates with other specialists within the Lifespan system.

Kent Hospital's breast center provides a comprehensive approach, with a focus on early detection and patient-centered care. They often have support groups and patient navigators to assist patients through their treatment journey.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support services. The availability and utilization of telehealth services vary among hospitals.

Rhode Island Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital, both part of Lifespan, have expanded their telehealth capabilities. They offer virtual appointments for certain follow-up visits, consultations, and support services. Patients can often access these services through a dedicated patient portal or app. The specifics of telehealth availability, including the types of appointments offered and the technology used, are subject to change, so checking directly with the hospital is recommended.

Kent Hospital also provides telehealth options, with a focus on offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring for certain conditions. The extent of their telehealth services is continuously evolving.

**Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection**

Early detection is critical in breast cancer treatment. Access to screening mammography and other diagnostic imaging services is crucial.

All three hospitals – Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, and Kent Hospital – offer comprehensive breast cancer screening services, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis). They also provide diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound and MRI, when needed.

The American Cancer Society and other organizations recommend regular mammograms for women, starting at age 40, though guidelines can vary. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screenings.

**Surgical Oncology**

Surgical oncology is a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment. The hospitals in the area offer a range of surgical options.

Rhode Island Hospital's surgical oncology department provides a full spectrum of breast cancer surgeries, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. They often employ advanced surgical techniques and offer reconstructive surgery options.

Women & Infants Hospital also provides surgical oncology services, often collaborating with Rhode Island Hospital for complex cases. They focus on patient-centered care and offer a range of surgical options.

Kent Hospital’s surgical oncology services include lumpectomy, mastectomy, and other procedures. They focus on providing comprehensive surgical care within a supportive environment.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

Medical oncology involves the use of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to treat breast cancer.

Rhode Island Hospital has a robust medical oncology department with experienced oncologists who specialize in breast cancer treatment. They offer a full range of chemotherapy regimens and participate in clinical trials.

Women & Infants Hospital also has medical oncologists specializing in breast cancer care. They provide chemotherapy and other systemic therapies, often in collaboration with other specialists.

Kent Hospital offers medical oncology services, providing chemotherapy and other treatments within their breast center. They focus on providing comprehensive care in a convenient setting.

**Radiation Oncology**

Radiation therapy is a crucial component of breast cancer treatment for many patients.

Rhode Island Hospital has advanced radiation oncology facilities, offering a range of radiation therapy techniques, including external beam radiation and brachytherapy.

Women & Infants Hospital often collaborates with Rhode Island Hospital for radiation oncology services.

Kent Hospital provides radiation therapy services, often in collaboration with other facilities.

**Support Services**

Breast cancer treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. Access to support services is essential.

Rhode Island Hospital offers a variety of support services, including patient navigators, support groups, counseling, and rehabilitation services.

Women & Infants Hospital also provides support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and resources for emotional well-being.

Kent Hospital provides support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and resources for patients and their families.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in breast cancer care.

Rhode Island Hospital, due to its affiliation with Brown University, is actively involved in clinical trials and research. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in trials testing new therapies.

Women & Infants Hospital also participates in research and clinical trials, offering patients access to innovative treatments.

Kent Hospital may have limited participation in clinical trials, but they often refer patients to other facilities for trial participation.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience and satisfaction are critical aspects of healthcare. While it's difficult to quantify these factors definitively, several sources can provide insights.

CMS star ratings include patient experience scores based on surveys. Online reviews and testimonials can also offer valuable perspectives on the quality of care, the communication skills of healthcare providers, and the overall patient experience.

It's important to note that individual experiences can vary, and it's crucial to consider multiple sources of information when evaluating hospitals and healthcare providers.

**Conclusion**

The area around Cranston, RI (ZIP code 02813) offers several strong options for breast cancer care. Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, and Kent Hospital all provide comprehensive services, with strengths in different areas. When choosing a hospital, consider your individual needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each facility. Consult with your primary care physician and oncologist to make an informed decision about the best course of treatment. The information provided in this review should serve as a starting point for your research, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.