Introduction
When it comes to breast - related medical procedures in Albany, making an informed decision about which hospital to choose is crucial. Factors such as hospital quality, the cost of procedures, and the range of services offered all play a significant role. This article will delve into the evaluation of the top 3 public hospitals in Albany for breast - change procedures, along with a detailed look at their cost prices.
Methodology for Hospital Evaluation
The Women's Choice Award® provides a comprehensive methodology for evaluating hospitals across the nation. It uses robust criteria that include relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction, and appropriate accreditations. The data sources include the most recent publicly available clinical data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction survey results, relevant accreditation information from appropriate sources, and the American Hospital Directory. This objective, replicable, and uniform methodology helps women make smart healthcare choices by identifying hospitals that have demonstrated a high level of quality care, with a special focus on the female experience. However, it should be noted that the inclusion of a hospital in such lists is just a starting point for the decision - making process and does not guarantee the quality of services provided to patients.
Top 3 Hospitals for Breast Change in Albany
Albany Medical Center
Overview
Albany Medical Center is located at 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Its contact number is (518) 262 - 3474, and the CEO is Dennis P. McKenna. This hospital offers a wide range of services, including breast - related procedures.
Services and Costs
The cost of breast - related procedures at Albany Medical Center can vary depending on whether you are paying in cash or through an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. For example:
- Total removal of breast (mastectomy): As reported on Turquoise Health Price Transparency Page, the price varies. For some CPT codes related to mastectomy, the estimated cash prices are available. For instance, for the procedure with CPT code 19120, the estimated price is $225.00, and the cash price can be as low as $45.00 or $180.00 in different scenarios. A mastectomy is a procedure used to treat or prevent breast cancer. It can be beneficial for those with early - stage breast cancer as it removes all breast tissue, which may contain cancerous cells. Newer mastectomy techniques can preserve breast skin and provide a more natural appearance. Women with conditions like Paget’s disease of the breast, DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), early breast cancer (stage I, II), locally advanced breast cancer (stage III), or recurrent breast cancer can be candidates for the procedure. Prophylactic mastectomy, which is done for breast cancer prevention, is a good option for those with a strong family history of breast cancer. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients can expect to stay in the hospital for about one day and may experience numbness, pinching sensation, and pain, for which they will be prescribed antibiotics and painkillers.
- Mammography of both breasts: The price for this screening test also varies based on payment method. Mammography is an x - ray imaging of the breasts that helps in detecting tumors and other abnormalities. It can be used for diagnostic or screening purposes. The American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammograms for women aged 40 or older with an average risk of developing cancer, and the American Cancer Society advises women with an average risk to start yearly screening at age 45 until age 54 and then continue every two years. Before the test, patients are asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up. During the test, the breast is placed on a platform and pressed by a clear plastic plate, which can be uncomfortable. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and patients can resume normal activities immediately after. In the US, facilities are required by federal law to send results within 30 days, but usually, results come sooner.
- Partial removal of breast (lumpectomy): This procedure, used to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from the breast, is also available at Albany Medical Center. It is suitable for patients with a breast cancer mass less than 5 cm in diameter, enough breast tissue to avoid breast misshaping after the removal, a biopsy - proven early - stage tumor, or a benign or precancerous malignant lesion. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients are moved to the recovery room and can expect to leave the hospital within one or two days. They may experience pain and numbness in the surgical area, and the doctor will prescribe painkillers and antibiotics. The excised lesion is sent to the pathology lab, and results are available within one or two weeks, which will determine if further treatment is needed.
Quality Assessment
Based on the overall ranking from CMS, the effectiveness of care at Albany Medical Center is below the national average. However, the efficient use of medical imaging is the same as the national average, and the mortality rate is also on par with the national average. Patient experience is reported to be below the national average, but readmission is below the national average, and safety of care is above the national average. The timeliness of care is below the national average. In terms of value - based measures, for hip/knee replacement, it has average complications and lower payment; for heart attack, it has average mortality and average payment; for pneumonia, it has average mortality and average payment; and for heart failure, it has average mortality and higher payment. The hospital has a 5 - star rating for price transparency.
The Medical Center At Albany
Overview
The Medical Center At Albany is located at 723 Burkesville Road, Albany, KY 42602, and its contact number is (606) 387 - 6421.
Services and Costs
The hospital offers the service of total removal of the breast (mastectomy). Similar to Albany Medical Center, the price reported for this procedure varies depending on whether you are paying in cash or through an insurance plan. The reasons for getting a mastectomy at this hospital are the same as described earlier, including treating existing breast cancer or preventing it in high - risk individuals. The surgical process and post - operative expectations are also comparable, such as general anesthesia during the procedure, a one - day hospital stay on average, and the need for pain management and activity restrictions after the surgery.
Quality Assessment
The care quality of The Medical Center At Albany is rated 2 stars. Some of the CMS - related metrics show that the effectiveness of care data is not available, and the efficient use of medical imaging data is also not available. The mortality rate is the same as the national average, patient experience data is not available, readmission is below the national average, safety of care data is not available, and timeliness of care is above the national average. In terms of value - based measures, for heart failure, it has average mortality and average payment; the value of care data for heart attack, hip/knee replacement, and pneumonia measure are not all available, but for pneumonia, it has average mortality and lower payment. The hospital has a 5 - star rating for price transparency.
Mosaic Medical Center – Albany
Overview
Mosaic Medical Center – Albany is located at 705 North College Street, Albany, MO 64402, and its contact number is (660) 726 - 3941.
Services and Costs
This hospital offers the service of mammography of both breasts. The price for this service depends on the payment method (cash or insurance). The details of what mammography is, why it is done, the procedure itself, and what to expect after the test are similar to those at Albany Medical Center. Mammography is a crucial screening tool for detecting breast cancer and other breast abnormalities, and the procedure follows a standard protocol of patient preparation, positioning, and image - taking.
Quality Assessment
Specific detailed quality - related metrics for Mosaic Medical Center – Albany are not as comprehensively presented in the available sources as the other two hospitals. However, as it offers mammography services, it is important to note that accurate and timely mammography results are essential for early detection of breast issues.
Comparative Analysis of the Three Hospitals
Cost Comparison
The cost of breast - related procedures at these hospitals can vary significantly. For example, the cash price for mastectomy at Albany Medical Center can range from $45.00 to $180.00 depending on the specific CPT code and circumstances. The Medical Center At Albany also offers mastectomy services at variable prices based on payment type. For mammography, all hospitals (Albany Medical Center, its South Clinical Campus, and Mosaic Medical Center – Albany) offer it at prices that depend on whether you are paying in cash or through insurance. It is important for patients to carefully compare these prices and understand the components of the costs, such as any additional fees for pre - operative tests, post - operative care, and facility charges.
Quality Comparison
In terms of quality, Albany Medical Center has a mixed performance based on CMS metrics. While it has some areas like safety of care above the national average, it also has areas such as effectiveness of care and patient experience below the national average. The Medical Center At Albany has an overall care quality rating of 2 stars, with some metrics not available, but readmission and timeliness of care showing relatively positive results. Mosaic Medical Center – Albany's quality data is less comprehensive, but for the mammography service it provides, the accuracy and efficiency of the screening are key quality factors.
| Hospital Name | Location | Contact | Key Services | Cost Variation | Quality Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Medical Center | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 | (518) 262 - 3474 | Total breast removal, Mammography, Partial breast removal | Costs vary by payment method and CPT code | Above - average safety of care, Below - average patient experience |
| The Medical Center At Albany | 723 Burkesville Road, Albany, KY 42602 | (606) 387 - 6421 | Total breast removal | Costs vary by payment method | Below - average readmission, Above - average timeliness of care |
| Mosaic Medical Center – Albany | 705 North College Street, Albany, MO 64402 | (660) 726 - 3941 | Mammography | Costs vary by payment method | Limited data on overall quality, focus on accurate mammography |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Change
When selecting a hospital for breast - related procedures, patients should consider the following factors:
- Cost: Compare the prices of different procedures at each hospital, taking into account insurance coverage, cash prices, and any hidden fees. Consider whether the hospital offers payment plans or financial assistance programs.
- Quality of Care: Look at the hospital's clinical performance, patient satisfaction ratings, and safety records. Metrics such as mortality rates, readmission rates, and the efficiency of medical imaging can provide valuable insights.
- Range of Services: Ensure that the hospital offers the specific breast - change procedure you need. Some hospitals may also provide additional services such as breast reconstruction, genetic testing, and support groups.
- Location and Accessibility: Choose a hospital that is conveniently located and easy to access. This is especially important for patients who may need to make multiple visits for pre - operative consultations, the procedure itself, and post - operative follow - up.
- Reputation: Research the hospital's reputation in the community and among medical professionals. Look for reviews and testimonials from other patients who have undergone similar procedures at the hospital.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to breast - change procedures in Albany, patients have several high - quality public hospitals to choose from. Albany Medical Center, The Medical Center At Albany, and Mosaic Medical Center – Albany each offer a range of breast - related services, but they also differ in terms of cost, quality, and the specific services they provide. By carefully evaluating these factors and considering personal preferences, patients can make an informed decision about which hospital is the best fit for their needs.
If you or someone you know is considering a breast - change procedure, we encourage you to further research these hospitals, contact their patient services departments for more information, and consult with your healthcare provider. Share this article with others who may benefit from this valuable information about breast - change hospitals in Albany.
