44306, Akron, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44306, Akron, Ohio is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Akron, Ohio: A Deep Dive for Patients Near 44306

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical first step. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of hospitals near Akron, Ohio's 44306 ZIP code, focusing on breast cancer care, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options.

**Akron General: A Cleveland Clinic Affiliate**

Akron General, a Cleveland Clinic affiliate, is a major player in the region. The hospital's Breast Center is a key component of its cancer services. Akron General has a three-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While a three-star rating is average, it doesn't tell the whole story.

The Cleveland Clinic affiliation provides access to advanced treatments and research protocols. Patients benefit from the expertise of Cleveland Clinic specialists who regularly consult on complex cases. Akron General's breast cancer program offers a multidisciplinary approach, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. The hospital’s website highlights its commitment to personalized care, emphasizing the importance of a team approach.

Regarding emergency room wait times, data suggests that Akron General's ER typically sees wait times that are around the national average. Patients should expect to wait a few hours, but this can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. It’s important to note that ER wait times are not directly indicative of the quality of breast cancer care, but they can be a factor in overall patient experience.

Akron General has embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments for follow-up care, consultations, and educational sessions. The hospital's telehealth platform allows patients to connect with their care team remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly beneficial for those undergoing treatment. Specific telehealth stats, such as the number of virtual visits or patient satisfaction scores, are not readily available.

**Summa Health System: A Regional Leader**

Summa Health System, another prominent healthcare provider in the Akron area, also offers comprehensive breast cancer services. Summa City Hospital, one of Summa's main facilities, has a four-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of quality compared to Akron General. This rating is a positive indicator of the hospital's commitment to patient care and safety.

Summa's Breast Center provides a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support services. The hospital emphasizes its commitment to early detection and offers advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography. Summa's multidisciplinary team includes breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists.

ER wait times at Summa City Hospital are generally comparable to those at Akron General, often hovering around the national average. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, particularly during peak hours.

Summa Health has invested in telehealth services, offering virtual appointments for various specialties, including oncology. Telehealth options can facilitate convenient follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Specific data on the utilization and patient satisfaction of Summa's telehealth services for breast cancer patients is not readily available.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Technologies**

Both Akron General and Summa Health System utilize advanced technologies in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. These include:

* **3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis):** This technology provides more detailed images of the breast, improving the detection of small cancers. Both hospitals offer 3D mammography.
* **Image-Guided Biopsy:** Minimally invasive procedures that allow for precise tissue sampling.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Both hospitals offer advanced radiation therapy techniques, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
* **Surgical Options:** Both hospitals offer a range of surgical options, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.

**Additional Considerations: Patient Experience and Support**

Beyond clinical outcomes, patient experience and support services are crucial factors in breast cancer care. Both Akron General and Summa Health System offer support groups, educational programs, and resources for patients and their families. These resources can help patients cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer treatment.

Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient ratings and reviews of hospitals and physicians. It's recommended to review these sources to get a sense of patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care.

**Comparing the Options: Key Takeaways**

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Summa City Hospital (four stars) has a slightly higher CMS rating than Akron General (three stars). This suggests a potentially higher level of overall quality.
* **Cleveland Clinic Affiliation:** Akron General's affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic provides access to a wider network of specialists and advanced treatments.
* **Telehealth:** Both hospitals offer telehealth options for follow-up care and consultations.
* **ER Wait Times:** Both hospitals have ER wait times that are generally around the national average.
* **Specialty Centers:** Both hospitals have dedicated breast centers with multidisciplinary teams and advanced technologies.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer treatment is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each hospital. Consulting with a primary care physician, oncologist, and other healthcare professionals is essential.

**Looking Beyond the Immediate Area**

While this review focuses on hospitals near the 44306 ZIP code, patients may also consider hospitals in nearby cities, such as Cleveland, for specialized care or access to specific clinical trials. The Cleveland Clinic, with its main campus in Cleveland, is a renowned cancer center and may be an option for some patients.

**Conclusion**

Akron, Ohio, offers several high-quality options for breast cancer care. Akron General and Summa Health System both provide comprehensive services, including advanced technologies, multidisciplinary teams, and support resources. Patients should carefully evaluate the factors discussed in this review, consult with their healthcare providers, and make an informed decision that best meets their individual needs. The information provided here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers for personalized recommendations and treatment plans.