02906, Providence, Rhode Island Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02906, Providence, Rhode Island is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Providence, RI: A Scorecard for 02906

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision. For residents of Providence, Rhode Island (ZIP code 02906), several options exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review examines the key players in the area, focusing on factors crucial to patients: quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, providing a fact-rich overview to help you make an informed choice.

**The Rhode Island Hospital: A Flagship Institution**

Rhode Island Hospital, located at 593 Eddy Street, Providence, is a major player in the region's healthcare landscape. It's a teaching hospital and the flagship facility of Lifespan Health System. This hospital boasts a strong reputation and a wide range of services.

Rhode Island Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not the highest possible, still indicates a generally acceptable level of quality. The CMS star rating is based on a complex set of metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

While specific breast cancer survival rates are not publicly available for individual hospitals in a readily comparable format, it's important to note that Rhode Island Hospital is a designated Comprehensive Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons. This designation signifies a commitment to providing comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive services.

Emergency room wait times at Rhode Island Hospital can fluctuate. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website indicates that the median time patients spend in the ER before being admitted to the hospital is around 2-3 hours. This is an important consideration, especially for patients experiencing acute symptoms.

Rhode Island Hospital offers a dedicated breast health center, the Breast Health Center at Rhode Island Hospital. This center provides a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care, bringing together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. They offer a full range of services, including screening mammograms, diagnostic imaging, biopsies, surgical procedures, and chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for cancer patients. Rhode Island Hospital offers telehealth consultations, allowing patients to connect with their providers remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and other non-urgent needs. The availability and specific types of telehealth services may vary depending on the specialist and the patient's individual needs.

**Women & Infants Hospital: Specializing in Women's Health**

Women & Infants Hospital, located at 101 Dudley Street, Providence, is another significant option for breast cancer care. As the name suggests, this hospital specializes in women's health and is affiliated with Brown University.

Women & Infants Hospital also holds a 3-star rating from CMS. The hospital’s focus on women's health makes it a natural choice for many breast cancer patients.

The hospital's Breast Health Center provides a comprehensive approach to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. They offer a wide array of services, including screening mammograms, diagnostic imaging, biopsies, surgical procedures, and medical oncology services.

ER wait times at Women & Infants Hospital are generally comparable to those at Rhode Island Hospital. The median time patients spend in the ER before being admitted to the hospital is around 2-3 hours.

Women & Infants Hospital is known for its advanced surgical techniques and its focus on patient-centered care. They offer a range of surgical options, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.

Telehealth services are also available at Women & Infants Hospital. These services allow patients to connect with their providers remotely for various types of appointments. The availability of specific telehealth services may vary depending on the provider and the patient's needs.

**Butler Hospital: Focus on Mental Health**

While not directly involved in breast cancer treatment, Butler Hospital, located at 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of cancer patients. Cancer treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, and access to mental health services is essential.

Butler Hospital specializes in mental health and offers a range of services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management. They have specialized programs for patients dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

While Butler Hospital doesn't directly provide breast cancer treatment, it can be an important resource for patients who need support with the emotional and psychological aspects of their illness.

**Other Considerations: Access and Affordability**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, residents of 02906 have access to various outpatient clinics and specialized centers. These may offer more convenient access to certain services, such as mammograms or follow-up appointments.

Access to care is another important factor. Consider the hospital's location, parking availability, and transportation options. For those without personal transportation, public transportation options like RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) are available.

Affordability is also a significant concern. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that the hospital and its providers are in your network. Inquire about the hospital's financial assistance programs and payment options.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in cancer care. Both Rhode Island Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital offer telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with their providers remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations.

Telehealth can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, saving patients time and travel expenses. However, it's important to note that not all services can be provided through telehealth. Some services, such as surgery and chemotherapy, require in-person visits.

**Making Your Choice: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a deeply personal decision. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and priorities.

* **Consider the CMS star ratings:** These ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality, but they should not be the sole factor in your decision.
* **Evaluate ER wait times:** If you anticipate needing emergency care, consider the hospital's ER wait times.
* **Explore specialty centers:** Look for hospitals with dedicated breast health centers offering a multidisciplinary approach to care.
* **Inquire about telehealth options:** Telehealth can provide convenient access to care for certain services.
* **Assess access and affordability:** Consider the hospital's location, transportation options, and insurance coverage.
* **Talk to your doctor:** Your primary care physician can provide valuable guidance and recommendations.
* **Seek second opinions:** Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from another specialist.
* **Research patient reviews:** Online patient reviews can provide insights into the patient experience.

By carefully considering these factors, residents of 02906 can make an informed decision about where to receive the best possible breast cancer care. Remember to advocate for yourself and ask questions to ensure you receive the care that best meets your individual needs.