41260, Thelma, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 41260, Thelma, Kentucky is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Treatment Near ZIP Code 41260

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near ZIP code 41260 (Paintsville, Kentucky), focusing on key metrics to help patients make informed choices. While proximity is a factor, the quality of care, expertise, and available resources should be the primary drivers. This analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The Paintsville area is served by a network of hospitals, ranging from regional facilities to larger referral centers. Access to specialized breast cancer care can vary, and patients may need to travel to larger cities like Lexington or Huntington for comprehensive treatment options. This review will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of facilities within a reasonable radius, acknowledging that the best choice may depend on individual needs and circumstances.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality of care, patient experience, and other factors. These ratings offer a general indication of a hospital's performance, but they should be considered alongside other information.

**Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center (Paintsville, KY):** Located directly within ZIP code 41260, Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center is a community hospital. As of the most recent data, it does not have a CMS star rating. Patients should inquire directly about their breast cancer services, including the availability of a dedicated breast center, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. Consider asking about the hospital's accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer, which signifies a commitment to quality cancer care.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV):** Located approximately an hour's drive from Paintsville, Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, often serves as a regional referral center. Cabell Huntington Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. Cabell Huntington Hospital is home to the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, which offers a range of services including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support services. Patients should investigate the center's specific breast cancer program, including its multidisciplinary approach, access to clinical trials, and patient navigation services.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** Situated roughly an hour from Paintsville, King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky, provides another option. King's Daughters Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital's cancer center should be evaluated for its specific breast cancer services, including the availability of a breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and support staff. Inquire about the hospital's accreditation status and its participation in clinical trials.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times can be a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing complications related to treatment. Data on ER wait times is often publicly available, but it can fluctuate.

**Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center:** As a community hospital, Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center's ER wait times should be considered. Check the hospital's website or other public sources for the most up-to-date information.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:** Cabell Huntington Hospital, being a larger facility, may have longer ER wait times. Patients should check online resources like the hospital's website or third-party platforms for the most current data.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:** King's Daughters Medical Center's ER wait times should also be considered. Consult the hospital's website or other public sources for the most recent information.

**Specialty Centers and Breast Cancer Expertise:**

The presence of a dedicated breast center is a significant indicator of a hospital's commitment to breast cancer care. These centers often provide a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists.

**Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center:** Inquire directly about Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center's breast cancer services. Find out if the hospital has a dedicated breast center and the specific expertise of the medical professionals.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:** The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital is a key resource. Investigate the center's breast cancer program, including the availability of breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support services like genetic counseling and survivorship programs.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:** King's Daughters Medical Center's cancer center should be evaluated for its breast cancer expertise. Inquire about the availability of a breast surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. Determine if the hospital offers specialized services such as breast reconstruction surgery or access to clinical trials.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support services.

**Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center:** Determine if Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center offers telehealth services for breast cancer patients. Inquire about the types of services available, such as virtual consultations with oncologists or support groups.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:** Investigate the telehealth capabilities of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. Find out if virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or other telehealth services are offered.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:** Check if King's Daughters Medical Center provides telehealth services for breast cancer patients. Ask about the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or access to online resources.

**Additional Considerations:**

Beyond the factors mentioned above, patients should also consider:

* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews and Testimonials:** Search online for patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of other patients.
* **Support Services:** Inquire about the availability of support services such as patient navigators, support groups, and financial assistance programs.
* **Access to Clinical Trials:** Determine if the hospital participates in clinical trials, which may offer access to innovative treatments.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the ACS Commission on Cancer or the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) indicates a commitment to quality care.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer treatment is a complex decision. While this review provides a starting point, patients should conduct thorough research, ask detailed questions, and consider their individual needs and preferences. The best hospital will be the one that offers the highest quality of care, the most appropriate expertise, and the most supportive environment for each patient's unique journey. Proximity to ZIP code 41260 should be considered alongside the critical factors of quality, expertise, and available resources.