Introduction
Breast reduction surgery is a significant medical procedure that can have a profound impact on the lives of those who undergo it. In Albany, the demand for high - quality breast reduction services has led to a competitive landscape of hospitals and surgeons. The recently released ranking list of hospitals for breast reduction surgery in Albany provides valuable insights for patients seeking the best care. This article will explore the various hospitals and doctors in Albany, the factors that contribute to a hospital's ranking, and what patients should consider when choosing a provider for breast reduction surgery.
Overview of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. This is often done to alleviate physical discomfort such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as to improve self - esteem and body image. The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, and reshaping the breasts to a more proportionate size.
There are several techniques used in breast reduction surgery, including the inverted - T incision, the vertical incision, and the liposuction - only method. The choice of technique depends on factors such as the size of the breasts, the amount of tissue to be removed, and the patient's individual preferences and body type.
The New Ranking List of Hospitals in Albany
St. Peter’s Hospital - Albany
St. Peter’s Hospital has retained its #1 ranking in Albany according to the U.S. News & World Report for the 2024 - 2025 period. It is also ranked 17th in New York State. This hospital has been recognized as a high - performing hospital for two adult specialties (gastroenterology/gi surgery and urology) and 12 conditions/procedures. The annual procedures & conditions ratings by U.S. News are designed to assist patients in making informed decisions about where to receive care. Although specific details about its breast reduction surgery services are not the main focus of these rankings, its overall high - performance indicates a high standard of medical care.
Founded in 1869 by the religious Sisters of Mercy, St. Peter’s Hospital is the largest Catholic acute - care community hospital in northeastern New York State. It offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services, including those in the areas of women’s and children’s services, neonatal intensive care, rehabilitation, surgery, ambulatory care, outpatient medical imaging, and care for the elderly. This broad spectrum of services suggests that the hospital has the necessary infrastructure and expertise to handle complex medical cases, including breast reduction surgery.
Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is ranked #2 in Albany and #20 in New York. It is rated high - performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions. As a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital, it has a wealth of resources and a team of experienced doctors. The evaluation of Albany Medical Center also includes data from Albany Medical Center South - Clinical Campus.
Regarding breast - related care, it has been recognized in some cancer - related breast procedures. For example, it is high - performing in procedures such as leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma related to cancer, colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, and ovarian cancer surgery. While these are not directly breast reduction surgeries, they show the hospital's expertise in dealing with breast - related health issues. Albany Medical Center may have well - trained surgeons and advanced facilities for breast reduction surgeries as well.
Other Considered Hospitals
Although not as highly ranked in the general hospital rankings in Albany, there are other hospitals and healthcare facilities that may offer breast reduction surgery services. For example, Ellis Hospital in Schenectady is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions. These could potentially include aspects related to breast - related surgical expertise, even if breast reduction is not specifically highlighted.
Best Doctors for Breast Reduction in Albany
Top - Rated Doctors
Healthgrades has identified several doctors who perform breast reduction in Albany. These doctors have varying levels of experience and patient ratings. For example, Dr. Patricia Fox, MD, is rated 3.90 out of 5 stars. She has her practice at 1214 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 7, Latham, NY 12110. Dr. Susan Gannon, MD, with a rating of 4.50 out of 5 stars, is located at 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206. Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD, rated 4.70 out of 5 stars, practices at 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208.
Dr. Marthe Gabey, MD, also rated 4.50 out of 5 stars, can be found at 333 Hoosick St, Troy, NY 12180. Dr. Malcolm Roth, MD, with the same 4.50 rating, has his office at 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Dr. Jerome Chao, MD, rated 4.40 out of 5 stars, is located at 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110. Dr. Kristen Rezak, MD, is rated 5.00 out of 5 stars and practices at 50 New Scotland Ave #11, Albany, NY 12208. Dr. Douglas Hargrave, MD, rated 4.40 out of 5 stars, is at 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206. Dr. Casian Monaco, MD, with a 5.00 rating, is at 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Dr. Debbie Kennedy, MD, rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, has her practice at 4 Executive Park Dr, Albany, NY 12203.
On RealSelf, there are also well - regarded doctors for breast reduction in Albany. Sanjiv Kayastha, MD, a board - certified plastic surgeon with 156 reviews, has 20 years of experience and 1 board certification. He is located at 711 Troy Schenectady Rd., Ste. 206, Latham, New York. David Tauber, MD, with 89 reviews, 17 years of experience, and 1 board certification, is at 5 Ulenski Dr., Albany, New York. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD, with 159 reviews, 25 years of experience, and 1 board certification, practices at 15 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, New York. Lucie Capek, MD, with 76 reviews, 28 years of experience, and 2 board certifications, is at 1003 Loudon Rd., Ste. 101, Latham, New York.
Doctor's Name | Rating | Location | Experience (Years) | Board Certifications |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Patricia Fox | 3.90 | 1214 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 7, Latham, NY 12110 | - | - |
Dr. Susan Gannon | 4.50 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 | 19 | 1 |
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 | - | - |
Dr. Marthe Gabey | 4.50 | 333 Hoosick St, Troy, NY 12180 | - | - |
Dr. Malcolm Roth | 4.50 | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 | - | - |
Dr. Jerome Chao | 4.40 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 | - | - |
Dr. Kristen Rezak | 5.00 | 50 New Scotland Ave #11, Albany, NY 12208 | - | - |
Dr. Douglas Hargrave | 4.40 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 | - | - |
Dr. Casian Monaco | 5.00 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 | - | - |
Dr. Debbie Kennedy | 4.20 | 4 Executive Park Dr, Albany, NY 12203 | - | - |
Sanjiv Kayastha | - | 711 Troy Schenectady Rd., Ste. 206, Latham, New York | 20 | 1 |
David Tauber | - | 5 Ulenski Dr., Albany, New York | 17 | 1 |
Jeffrey Rockmore | - | 15 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, New York | 25 | 1 |
Lucie Capek | - | 1003 Loudon Rd., Ste. 101, Latham, New York | 28 | 2 |
Factors Affecting Hospital and Doctor Rankings
Clinical Outcomes
One of the most important factors in hospital and doctor rankings is clinical outcomes. This includes the success rate of breast reduction surgeries, the rate of complications, and the long - term results for patients. For example, a hospital or doctor with a low rate of post - operative infections, minimal scarring, and high patient satisfaction with the aesthetic results of the surgery is likely to be ranked higher. U.S. News evaluates hospitals based on objective measures such as risk - adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications, and the level of nursing care, which all contribute to the overall clinical outcome of a patient's treatment.
Patient Experience
Patient experience is another crucial factor. This encompasses aspects such as the quality of communication between the doctor and the patient, the bedside manner of the medical staff, the cleanliness and comfort of the hospital environment, and the ease of access to the facility. For instance, a doctor who takes the time to listen to the patient's concerns, explains the surgical procedure in detail, and provides comprehensive post - operative care is likely to receive higher patient ratings. At Albany Medical Center, patient experience scores are based on surveys taken from inpatients after they are discharged, inquiring about different aspects of their stay, such as satisfaction with doctors’ communications, nurses’ communications, and the cleanliness of the hospital room.
Expertise and Specialization
The expertise and specialization of the doctors and the hospital as a whole play a significant role in rankings. Surgeons who have extensive experience in breast reduction surgery, advanced training, and are board - certified are often preferred. Additionally, hospitals that have a dedicated breast center or a team of specialists who focus on breast - related surgeries are likely to be more well - equipped to handle complex cases. For example, some hospitals may have plastic surgeons who also have expertise in breast reconstruction after reduction, which can be an added benefit for patients.
Resources and Facilities
The resources and facilities available at a hospital can impact its ranking. State - of - the - art surgical equipment, advanced imaging technology for pre - operative planning, and a well - staffed post - operative care unit are all important. A hospital with access to the latest techniques and technologies in breast reduction surgery, such as minimally invasive methods, is more likely to attract patients and be highly ranked. Furthermore, the availability of support services such as physical therapy, nutrition counseling, and psychological support can enhance the overall patient experience and outcome.
What Patients Should Consider When Choosing a Provider
Research and Reviews
Patients should conduct thorough research on hospitals and doctors before making a decision. Reading patient reviews on platforms such as Healthgrades, RealSelf, and Google can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other patients. Reviews can reveal aspects such as the doctor's professionalism, the quality of care provided, and the overall satisfaction with the surgical results. Additionally, patients can look for before - and - after photos on the doctor's website or social media pages to get an idea of the doctor's aesthetic skills.
Consultation
It is highly recommended that patients schedule consultations with multiple doctors. During the consultation, patients should ask detailed questions about the surgical procedure, the expected recovery time, the potential risks and complications, and the doctor's experience with breast reduction surgeries. A good doctor will take the time to answer these questions and address any concerns the patient may have. The consultation also provides an opportunity for the patient to assess the doctor - patient rapport, which is an important factor in a successful surgical experience.
Insurance Coverage
Patients should check with their insurance provider to determine if breast reduction surgery is covered. In some cases, insurance may cover the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary to alleviate physical symptoms such as back pain. If insurance coverage is an issue, patients should discuss payment options with the hospital or doctor, such as financing plans or self - pay discounts.
Location and Accessibility
The location of the hospital or doctor's office is also an important consideration. Patients should choose a facility that is easily accessible, especially for pre - operative appointments, the surgery itself, and post - operative follow - up visits. A nearby location can also be beneficial in case of any unexpected issues during the recovery period.
Conclusion
The new ranking list of hospitals for breast reduction surgery in Albany provides a valuable resource for patients seeking high - quality care. St. Peter’s Hospital and Albany Medical Center stand out as top - ranked hospitals in the area, with high - performing services in various medical specialties. Additionally, there are many experienced doctors in Albany who perform breast reduction surgeries, each with their own strengths and patient ratings. When choosing a provider, patients should consider factors such as clinical outcomes, patient experience, expertise, resources, insurance coverage, and location.
We encourage you to further explore the options available to you. Reach out to the hospitals and doctors on the ranking list to schedule consultations. Share this article with others who may be considering breast reduction surgery in Albany. By making an informed decision, you can ensure a successful and satisfying surgical experience.