43504, Berkey, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43504, Berkey, Ohio is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 43504 Vicinity: A Scorecard of Hospitals

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a deeply personal and critical decision. This review analyzes hospitals near the 43504 ZIP code, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to assist in informed decision-making.

**Defining the Scope:**

The 43504 ZIP code encompasses the Bowling Green, Ohio area. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer services. The analysis incorporates publicly available data, including CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) Hospital Compare data, hospital websites, and other reputable sources.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The CMS star rating system provides a snapshot of overall hospital quality, based on a variety of measures. These ratings are a starting point, but not the sole determinant of quality.

**Wood County Hospital (Bowling Green, OH):** Located directly within the 43504 area, Wood County Hospital is a community hospital. Its CMS star rating is a good indicator of its overall quality. It is important to check the most recent CMS data, as ratings can change. Wood County Hospital offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging and surgical options. Specific details on breast cancer care, such as the presence of a dedicated breast center, should be verified directly with the hospital.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital (Toledo, OH):** Located approximately 20 miles from Bowling Green, ProMedica Toledo Hospital is a large, regional medical center. It generally receives a good CMS star rating. ProMedica Toledo Hospital has a well-established reputation and is known for its comprehensive cancer care services. The hospital's Hickman Cancer Center is a key resource, offering multidisciplinary treatment approaches.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center (Toledo, OH):** Also in Toledo, Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center is another major player in the region. Its CMS star rating should be reviewed for the most current assessment. St. Vincent Medical Center has a history of providing cancer care, including breast cancer treatment. The hospital's cancer center is a significant resource.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration:**

ER wait times can be a crucial factor, especially in emergent situations. While not directly indicative of breast cancer care quality, they reflect a hospital's overall efficiency.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital:** Typically, ProMedica Toledo Hospital reports ER wait times that are in line with or slightly above the national average. However, wait times can fluctuate significantly based on patient volume and time of day. It is advisable to check current wait times using online tools or by calling the hospital directly.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center:** St. Vincent Medical Center's ER wait times are similar to those of ProMedica Toledo Hospital. Again, real-time information is the most reliable.

**Wood County Hospital:** As a community hospital, Wood County Hospital's ER wait times may be shorter than those of the larger Toledo hospitals. However, this can vary, and checking current data is essential.

**Specialty Centers and Breast Cancer Programs:**

Dedicated breast centers and specialized programs are vital for comprehensive care. These centers often provide a multidisciplinary approach, involving surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital:** The Hickman Cancer Center at ProMedica Toledo Hospital is a significant resource. It likely offers a dedicated breast cancer program with a range of services, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. Confirming the specifics of the breast cancer program, including the availability of specialized surgeons and support groups, is crucial.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center:** Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center also has a cancer center that likely offers comprehensive breast cancer services. Researching the specific offerings of their breast cancer program is recommended.

**Wood County Hospital:** Wood County Hospital, while a smaller facility, may offer breast cancer services, including screening and diagnostic imaging. It is essential to determine the extent of their breast cancer program, including whether they offer surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, or if they refer patients to other facilities for specialized care.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Remote patient monitoring can help manage side effects and improve patient outcomes.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital:** ProMedica, as a large health system, likely has robust telehealth capabilities. They may offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and online patient portals. Checking the hospital's website or contacting them directly is the best way to determine the specifics of their telehealth offerings.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center:** Mercy Health also likely utilizes telehealth services. Explore their website or contact them to determine the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other telehealth options.

**Wood County Hospital:** Wood County Hospital may offer telehealth services, but the scope might be more limited than at the larger Toledo hospitals. Check their website or contact them for details on telehealth options.

**Diagnostic Imaging Capabilities:**

Access to advanced imaging technology is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging of breast cancer.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital:** ProMedica Toledo Hospital likely offers a full suite of imaging services, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), ultrasound, MRI, and PET scans.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center:** St. Vincent Medical Center likely has similar imaging capabilities.

**Wood County Hospital:** Wood County Hospital should offer mammography and ultrasound. Confirming the availability of 3D mammography and other advanced imaging technologies is important.

**Surgical Options and Expertise:**

The availability of experienced breast surgeons and a range of surgical options is critical.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital:** ProMedica Toledo Hospital likely has a team of experienced breast surgeons offering a variety of surgical procedures, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center:** St. Vincent Medical Center likely offers a similar range of surgical options.

**Wood County Hospital:** Wood County Hospital may offer breast surgery, but the scope of surgical options and the experience of the surgeons should be carefully investigated.

**Oncology Services: Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy:**

Access to chemotherapy and radiation therapy is essential for many breast cancer patients.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital:** The Hickman Cancer Center at ProMedica Toledo Hospital likely provides comprehensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy services.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center:** St. Vincent Medical Center also likely offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

**Wood County Hospital:** Wood County Hospital may offer chemotherapy, but radiation therapy may be provided through a referral to a larger facility.

**Patient Support and Resources:**

Support groups, patient navigators, and other resources can significantly improve the patient experience.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital:** The Hickman Cancer Center likely provides a range of support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and educational resources.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center:** St. Vincent Medical Center likely offers similar support services.

**Wood County Hospital:** Wood County Hospital may offer some support services, but the scope might be more limited.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations:**

Confirming that the hospital accepts your insurance plan is crucial. Financial assistance programs may be available.

**All Hospitals:** Contact each hospital's billing department to confirm insurance coverage and inquire about financial assistance programs.

**Making the Decision:**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a complex decision. Consider the following:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** A starting point, but not the only factor.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider for overall efficiency.
* **Specialty Centers:** Look for dedicated breast centers with multidisciplinary teams.
* **Telehealth:** Assess the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Ensure access to advanced imaging technologies.
* **Surgical Options:** Verify the expertise of surgeons and the range of procedures offered.
* **Oncology Services:** Confirm the availability of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
* **Patient Support:** Evaluate the availability of support groups and patient navigators.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Final Recommendation:**

This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near the 43504 ZIP code. ProMedica Toledo Hospital and Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center, being larger facilities, generally offer more comprehensive breast cancer services. Wood County Hospital, as a community hospital, may be a good option for some patients, but it is essential to verify the scope of their breast cancer program. Thorough research, including direct contact with the hospitals, is crucial for making the best decision based on individual needs and preferences. This review is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your physician.