37220, Nashville, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37220, Nashville, Tennessee is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Navigating Breast Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 37220

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision, demanding careful consideration of factors like expertise, technology, and patient experience. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 37220 (Nashville, Tennessee), offering a fact-rich overview to aid in informed decision-making. We will examine flagship institutions, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)**

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) stands as a prominent healthcare provider in the Nashville area. It's a large, complex institution with a broad range of services. VUMC's breast cancer program benefits from its affiliation with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center. This designation signifies a commitment to research, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive care.

VUMC's CMS star rating is a key indicator of overall quality. As of the latest available data, VUMC generally receives a good star rating, reflecting its performance across various quality metrics. However, these ratings can fluctuate, so it's essential to consult the most current data on the CMS website.

Emergency room wait times at VUMC can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases being treated. Generally, VUMC's ER sees a high volume of patients. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, and it's always advisable to check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through online tools.

The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care. This means patients benefit from a team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists, who collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans. VUMC's breast cancer program offers a range of services, including:

* **Surgical Options:** Including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** State-of-the-art imaging technologies, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials.

VUMC has invested in telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability and specific scope of telehealth services for breast cancer patients should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital**

Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, part of Ascension Health, is another major player in the Nashville healthcare landscape. It's known for its focus on patient-centered care and its commitment to the community.

Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital's CMS star rating is a key indicator of its performance. The hospital generally receives a good star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality care. As with all hospitals, it's crucial to consult the most current data on the CMS website.

Emergency room wait times at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital can fluctuate. Patients should check real-time wait times online or contact the hospital directly.

Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital offers a comprehensive breast cancer program. The hospital's approach involves a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff. The hospital's breast cancer services include:

* **Surgical Services:** Including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormonal therapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.
* **Support Services:** Including patient navigation, support groups, and counseling.

Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability and scope of telehealth services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**TriStar Centennial Medical Center**

TriStar Centennial Medical Center is a large, full-service hospital with a significant presence in the Nashville area. It's part of the HCA Healthcare network.

TriStar Centennial Medical Center's CMS star rating is an important consideration. The hospital's rating can fluctuate, so it's essential to consult the most current data on the CMS website.

Emergency room wait times at TriStar Centennial Medical Center can vary. Patients should check real-time wait times online or contact the hospital directly.

TriStar Centennial Medical Center offers a breast cancer program with a range of services. The hospital's breast cancer program includes:

* **Surgical Services:** Including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormonal therapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.
* **Support Services:** Including patient navigation and support groups.

TriStar Centennial Medical Center has also invested in telehealth services, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability and scope of telehealth services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Other Considerations**

When evaluating hospitals for breast cancer care, several other factors are important:

* **Accreditation:** Look for hospitals accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer. This accreditation signifies adherence to high standards of care.
* **Specialized Centers:** Some hospitals have specialized breast centers that offer comprehensive care in one location.
* **Patient Navigation:** Patient navigators can help guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support groups, counseling, and other resources.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Location and Convenience:** Consider the hospital's location and ease of access.

**Telehealth and Breast Cancer Care**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in breast cancer care. It offers several benefits, including:

* **Convenience:** Virtual appointments can save time and travel.
* **Accessibility:** Telehealth can be particularly helpful for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues.
* **Continuity of Care:** Telehealth can facilitate follow-up appointments and monitoring.

The availability and scope of telehealth services vary by hospital. Patients should inquire about the specific telehealth options available for breast cancer care.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a significant decision. The hospitals near ZIP code 37220 offer a range of options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. VUMC, Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, and TriStar Centennial Medical Center are all major players in the Nashville healthcare landscape. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when making their choice. Consulting with their primary care physician and seeking second opinions are also recommended. By researching the factors outlined in this review, patients can make informed decisions and find the best possible care for their breast cancer journey. Remember to always verify the most up-to-date information, including CMS star ratings and ER wait times, directly with the hospitals.