Introduction
Breast surgery is a crucial medical service that encompasses various procedures, from cosmetic enhancements to life - saving cancer surgeries. In Albany, the availability of high - quality breast surgery hospitals is of utmost importance to the local community. In this article, we will unveil the top ten breast surgery hospitals in Albany, based on a variety of factors such as patient recommendations, doctor ratings, and hospital rankings in relevant medical specialties.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Breast Surgery Hospital
Selecting the right hospital for breast surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly. For breast cancer surgeries, a well - equipped hospital with experienced surgeons can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery. In the case of cosmetic breast surgeries, a hospital with advanced facilities and skilled doctors can ensure natural - looking and long - lasting results. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. So, having access to high - quality breast surgery hospitals is vital.
The Top Ten Breast Surgery Hospitals in Albany
1. St. Peter's Hospital
St. Peter's Hospital, located at 315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 (phone: (518) 525 - 1550), is a top - rated hospital for breast surgery. It has been awarded in bariatrics, cancer care, comprehensive breast centers, heart care, obstetrics, patient safety, women's services, and is also recognized as a best mammogram imaging center. The patient recommendation stands at 73/100.
It offers highly - skilled, board - certified and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, experienced surgical teams, and state - of - the - art procedure rooms. St. Peter's Health Partners, associated with this hospital, provides comprehensive breast surgery in both Albany and Troy. The hospital is well - versed in breast conservation surgery (such as lumpectomy), advanced breast conserving surgery (oncoplastic surgery), and breast reconstruction and mastectomy.
There are also several well - rated doctors at St. Peter's Hospital. For example, Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD, with a rating of 4.70 out of 5 stars (from a pool of doctors who perform breast surgical procedures) and 4.80 out of 5 stars for mastectomy, is located at 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208. His expertise makes him a popular choice among patients seeking breast surgery at this hospital.
2. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center, situated at 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 - 3478 (phone: (518) 262 - 3125), is another leading institution for breast surgery. It is regionally ranked #22 in New York and #2 in Albany. The hospital is rated high - performing in 11 adult procedures and conditions and is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital.
It has a team of competent doctors involved in breast surgery. Dr. Christa Abraham, MD, who specializes in general surgery, is associated with the hospital. She has a rating of 4.80 out of 5 stars for breast surgical procedures and mastectomy. In terms of breast - related surgical performance, it has shown high performance in some cancer - related procedures like colon cancer surgery and lung cancer surgery which are important for overall patient care during breast cancer treatment that might involve metastasis.
Although the patient experience scores vary, with some areas like willingness to recommend scoring 3 out of 5, it still remains a top choice due to its overall medical capabilities and resources. It also participates in the evaluation of health equity, though it has some areas for improvement such as significant disparity in readmission prevention after knee replacement for black patients compared to white patients.
3. Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, at 417 W 3rd Ave, Albany, GA 31701 (phone: (229) 312 - 1000), has been awarded in comprehensive breast centers. With a patient recommendation of 60/100, it offers services related to breast care. While there is less in - depth information available compared to some of the other hospitals in New York, its recognition in comprehensive breast centers indicates its proficiency in providing basic to advanced breast care services.
4. Samaritan Albany General Hospital
Samaritan Albany General Hospital, located at 1046 6th Ave SW, Albany, OR 97321 (phone: (541) 812 - 4000), was awarded in minimally invasive surgery, obstetrics, patient experience, small hospitals comprehensive care, stroke care, and is recognized as a best mammogram imaging center. The patient recommendation is 78/100. Although the distance from the traditional Albany in New York might be a factor for some patients, its high - quality services related to breast care, especially in the area of mammogram imaging, cannot be ignored.
The associated Samaritan Valley Imaging Services, at 400 Hickory St NW Suite 100, Albany, OR 97321 (phone: 541 - 812 - 5200), also received an award for being a best mammogram imaging center with a patient recommendation of 82/100. This partnership enhances the overall breast - imaging and potentially breast - surgical support in the area.
Doctors at Various Albany Hospitals
There are numerous doctors in Albany who are well - known for their breast - surgery skills. Some of them practice at the hospitals mentioned above, while others offer their services at different facilities in the area.
For example, Dr. Todd Beyer, MD, with a rating of 4.80 out of 5 stars for breast surgical procedures, breast augmentation, and mastectomy, is located at 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Dr. Susan Gannon, MD, has a 4.50 rating for breast surgical procedures and 4.60 for breast augmentation, and her office is at 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206.
The following table summarizes some of the well - rated doctors and their specialties:
| Doctor Name | Rating (Out of 5) | Specialties | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | Breast surgical procedures, breast augmentation, mastectomy | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 (breast surgical procedures), 4.60 (breast augmentation) | Breast surgical procedures, breast augmentation | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 (breast surgical procedures), 4.80 (mastectomy) | Breast surgical procedures, mastectomy | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
Comparing Different Breast Surgery Procedures
Breast Conservation Surgery
Breast conservation surgery, such as lumpectomy, is the most common form of breast cancer surgery. The goal is to remove the tumor and some of the surrounding breast tissue. St. Peter's Hospital has a well - trained team for performing these procedures. By sparing as much breast tissue as possible, patients can maintain a more natural appearance, which is important for their psychological well - being.
Advanced Breast Conserving Surgery (Oncoplastic Surgery)
Oncoplastic surgery combines plastic surgery techniques and surgical oncology practices with the aim of conserving breast tissue. It involves using the patient's own breast tissue for reconstruction after the cancer is removed. This advanced technique is not widely available in the US, but the breast surgeons at St. Peter's Hospital are specially trained in it. This offers patients a better option for both cancer treatment and post - surgical aesthetic results.
Breast Reconstruction and Mastectomy
Mastectomy is the surgery where the whole breast tissue, along with the cancerous tumor, is removed. Breast reconstruction can be performed simultaneously (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date, depending on the need for radiation therapy. For example, immediate reconstruction allows for a skin - sparing mastectomy in appropriate candidates. Hospitals like Albany Medical Center and St. Peter's Hospital offer comprehensive consultations to help patients decide on the best approach for their individual cases.
Hospital Rankings and Their Significance
Rankings of hospitals, such as those by US News Best Hospitals, are important as they give patients an idea of a hospital's overall performance. For example, St. Peter's Hospital being #1 in Albany, NY according to US News in certain aspects, and Albany Medical Center being regionally ranked #22 in New York and #2 in Albany, shows their capabilities in complex care in medical specialties. These rankings are based on a wide range of factors including patient outcomes, procedure success rates, and doctor expertise. When choosing a breast surgery hospital, patients can use these rankings as a starting point to narrow down their options.
Patient Experience in Albany Breast Surgery Hospitals
Patient experience is a crucial aspect of choosing a hospital. At Albany Medical Center, the patient experience scores vary. Satisfaction with the hospital overall was 2 out of 5, while willingness to recommend was 3 out of 5. Satisfaction with doctors' communications was 2 out of 5, and with nurses' communications was 3 out of 5. These scores highlight areas where the hospital can improve to provide a more comfortable and reassuring environment for patients undergoing breast surgery.
On the other hand, St. Peter's Hospital with a patient recommendation of 73/100 indicates a relatively positive patient experience. This could be due to factors such as well - trained staff, good communication, and a patient - centered approach. However, each hospital should continuously strive to improve patient experience to attract more patients and ensure better recovery rates.
Health Equity in Albany Breast Surgery Hospitals
Health equity is an important consideration in modern healthcare. US News evaluates hospital performance in health equity by analyzing data on various dimensions of equity for historically underserved patients. At Albany Medical Center, there are some disparities. For example, there is a significant disparity in readmission prevention after knee replacement for black patients compared to white patients. Also, its representation of non - white patients, including black, Asian American and Pacific Islander patients, is lower than the community.
This shows that there is a need for hospitals in Albany to address these issues and ensure that all patients, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, have equal access to high - quality breast surgery services. Improving health equity can lead to better overall health outcomes for the entire community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top ten breast surgery hospitals in Albany offer a diverse range of services, from basic breast care to advanced surgical procedures. Hospitals like St. Peter's Hospital and Albany Medical Center stand out due to their comprehensive breast centers, experienced doctors, and high - end facilities. However, each hospital has its own strengths and areas for improvement, whether it's patient experience or health equity.
If you or someone you know is considering breast surgery in Albany, take the time to research these hospitals, look at doctor ratings, and consider patient experiences. You can also reach out to the hospitals directly to get more information about their services and facilities. We encourage you to share this article with others who might be interested in breast surgery in Albany and to explore more related topics to make an informed decision about your healthcare.
