23882, Stony Creek, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23882, Stony Creek, Virginia is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 23882 Vicinity: A Scorecard

The ZIP code 23882, encompassing the area around Suffolk, Virginia, necessitates a thorough examination of available breast cancer care. This review focuses on the key hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data. The goal is to provide a fact-rich assessment to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Landscape: Key Players**

The primary hospitals serving the 23882 area include Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, and Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News. These facilities represent the core options for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Further afield, but still within a potential travel radius, are larger tertiary centers like VCU Health System in Richmond and The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, offering specialized services.

**Sentara Obici Hospital: Local Anchor**

Sentara Obici Hospital, located directly within the 23882 area, serves as a crucial access point for initial screenings and treatment. The hospital’s Breast Center provides comprehensive services, including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsies. While specific CMS star ratings for Obici Hospital fluctuate, it generally maintains a solid rating, reflecting its commitment to patient safety and quality of care. ER wait times at Obici Hospital are typically within the regional average, though specific times can vary depending on the day and time of visit. Telehealth options are increasingly available, allowing for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists. The hospital's affiliation with the larger Sentara Healthcare system provides access to a broader network of specialists and resources.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center: Portsmouth's Presence**

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth offers another important option for residents of the 23882 area. Maryview’s comprehensive breast center provides a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical interventions, and radiation oncology. The hospital’s CMS star rating is a key indicator of overall performance, and patients should consult the latest publicly available data to assess its current standing. ER wait times at Maryview can fluctuate, so patients should check current estimates before seeking emergency care. Telehealth services are expanding, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center: Newport News's Resources**

Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News represents a more distant, but still viable, option for breast cancer care. Riverside’s comprehensive cancer center offers advanced treatment options, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation therapy. The hospital’s CMS star rating provides insight into its overall quality of care, and patients should consult the latest publicly available information. ER wait times at Riverside can vary, and patients should check the latest estimates before seeking emergency care. Telehealth options are available, providing access to specialists and follow-up appointments.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Treatments**

Beyond the core hospitals, the 23882 area benefits from access to specialized cancer centers. These centers often house advanced technologies and offer access to clinical trials. For example, the Bon Secours Cancer Institute and the Riverside Cancer Institute offer advanced radiation therapy techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). These techniques allow for more precise targeting of tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

**VCU Health System: Richmond's Specialized Care**

For patients requiring highly specialized care or access to clinical trials, VCU Health System in Richmond presents a significant option. VCU Massey Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, indicating a high level of research activity and advanced treatment options. VCU Health System offers a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including complex surgical procedures, advanced imaging, and access to cutting-edge clinical trials. However, travel time and potential wait times for appointments should be factored into the decision-making process.

**The Johns Hopkins Hospital: Baltimore's Global Reputation**

The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, though further afield, represents a center of excellence for cancer care. Its Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center offers world-renowned expertise in all aspects of breast cancer treatment. Johns Hopkins is known for its innovative research, advanced surgical techniques, and comprehensive supportive care services. Accessing care at Johns Hopkins often requires a referral and may involve significant travel and logistical considerations.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration for patients experiencing urgent symptoms. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other public sources provide data on average ER wait times for each hospital. Patients should consult these resources to understand the expected wait times at each facility. Shorter wait times can be particularly important for patients experiencing pain, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important tool in cancer care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. Most hospitals in the region offer telehealth options, allowing patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely. Telehealth can reduce the need for travel, making it easier for patients to access care, especially those with mobility limitations or who live in rural areas. Patients should inquire about telehealth options when scheduling appointments.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Quality Indicator**

CMS star ratings provide a valuable overview of hospital quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. Patients should consult the latest CMS star ratings for each hospital to assess its overall performance. While star ratings are not the only factor to consider, they provide a useful benchmark for comparing hospitals.

**Insurance Coverage and Network Considerations**

Insurance coverage plays a critical role in determining where patients can receive care. Patients should verify that their insurance plan covers the hospitals and specialists they are considering. Out-of-network care can be significantly more expensive. Patients should also understand the terms of their insurance plan, including deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Beyond clinical care, patient experience and support services are essential components of breast cancer care. Hospitals often offer support groups, counseling services, and patient navigators to help patients navigate the complexities of treatment. Patients should inquire about these services when choosing a hospital.

**Clinical Trials: Exploring New Options**

Clinical trials offer patients access to innovative treatments and the potential to contribute to medical advancements. Patients should discuss clinical trial options with their oncologist. Hospitals with active research programs, such as VCU Massey Cancer Center and The Johns Hopkins Hospital, often have a wider range of clinical trials available.

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

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a highly personal decision. Patients should consider a variety of factors, including the stage and type of their cancer, their insurance coverage, their preferences for treatment options, and their comfort level with the healthcare providers. Consulting with their primary care physician and seeking second opinions from specialists can help patients make informed decisions.

**Conclusion: A Landscape of Options**

The 23882 area and its surrounding region offer a range of options for breast cancer care. From the local anchor of Sentara Obici Hospital to the specialized resources of VCU Health System and the global reputation of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, patients have choices. Careful consideration of factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, telehealth availability, and access to specialty centers will help patients navigate this complex landscape and make informed decisions about their care.