44445, New Waterford, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44445, New Waterford, Ohio is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care: A Deep Dive for ZIP Code 44445

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan is a daunting task. For residents of ZIP code 44445 (Niles, Ohio), access to high-quality care is a critical concern. This review provides a fact-based assessment of the best hospitals in the region, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities, to help patients make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The 44445 ZIP code sits within a region with several hospital options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Proximity is a significant factor, as frequent appointments and treatments can be physically and emotionally taxing. This review will prioritize hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those that offer comprehensive breast cancer services.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a star rating system to evaluate hospitals based on quality and patient experience. These ratings, while not the sole determinant of excellence, offer a valuable benchmark.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Youngstown, OH):** Located approximately 20-30 minutes from Niles, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital is a major player in the region. As part of the Mercy Health system, it typically boasts a respectable CMS star rating, though this can fluctuate. Patients should consult the most recent CMS data to confirm the current rating. St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital has a dedicated breast care center that offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and medical oncology.

**Akron General Hospital (Akron, OH):** While further afield (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), Akron General Hospital, part of the Cleveland Clinic health system, often receives high CMS star ratings. Cleveland Clinic is renowned for its cancer care, and Akron General benefits from this association. The hospital's breast cancer program provides comprehensive services, including access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.

**University Hospitals (Cleveland, OH):** Another Cleveland-based system, University Hospitals (UH) offers a significant presence in the region. The main campus, located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Niles, is a major tertiary care center. UH's Seidman Cancer Center is a nationally recognized facility. UH typically has a high CMS star rating.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing complications from treatment or needing immediate care. Shorter wait times generally indicate more efficient operations and potentially better access to timely care.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** ER wait times at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. It is recommended to check real-time wait times through online resources or hospital websites before visiting.

**Akron General Hospital:** As part of the Cleveland Clinic system, Akron General generally strives for efficient ER operations. However, wait times can fluctuate.

**University Hospitals:** UH facilities, particularly the main campus in Cleveland, often experience longer wait times due to the high volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers: Focusing on Breast Cancer Expertise**

Dedicated breast cancer centers offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and other relevant fields. These centers often provide access to advanced technologies and clinical trials.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** The Mercy Health Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services, including diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI, and biopsies. They offer surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology services.

**Akron General Hospital:** The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Akron General provides a robust breast cancer program. Patients can access advanced imaging, surgical options, medical oncology, and radiation therapy. They often participate in clinical trials.

**University Hospitals:** The Seidman Cancer Center at UH is a leading cancer center with a dedicated breast cancer program. Patients have access to cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary team of experts.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support services. This can reduce travel burdens and improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Mercy Health has been expanding its telehealth offerings. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments for breast cancer-related care, including follow-up consultations, medication management, and support groups.

**Akron General Hospital:** The Cleveland Clinic has a well-established telehealth program. Patients can likely access virtual appointments with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists.

**University Hospitals:** UH offers a comprehensive telehealth program, including virtual appointments for cancer care. Patients should check with their care team to determine the availability of telehealth options for their specific needs.

**Diagnostic Imaging: The Foundation of Early Detection**

Access to high-quality diagnostic imaging is crucial for breast cancer detection and monitoring. This includes mammography, breast ultrasound, and MRI.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** The Mercy Health Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital offers a full range of diagnostic imaging services, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis).

**Akron General Hospital:** The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Akron General provides advanced imaging capabilities, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.

**University Hospitals:** The Seidman Cancer Center at UH has state-of-the-art imaging technology, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.

**Surgical Oncology: Expertise in Breast Cancer Surgery**

The surgical team's experience and expertise are critical. Patients should inquire about the surgeons' experience with different surgical techniques, such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel node biopsy.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** The Mercy Health Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital has experienced surgical oncologists who perform a variety of breast cancer surgeries.

**Akron General Hospital:** The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Akron General has skilled surgical oncologists who perform breast cancer surgeries, including minimally invasive techniques.

**University Hospitals:** The Seidman Cancer Center at UH has a team of highly experienced surgical oncologists specializing in breast cancer surgery.

**Medical Oncology: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies**

Medical oncologists are responsible for chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and other systemic treatments.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** The Mercy Health Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital has medical oncologists who provide chemotherapy and other systemic treatments.

**Akron General Hospital:** The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Akron General has medical oncologists who provide chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

**University Hospitals:** The Seidman Cancer Center at UH has medical oncologists who provide a wide range of systemic treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

**Radiation Oncology: Precision Treatment**

Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** The Mercy Health Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital offers radiation oncology services.

**Akron General Hospital:** The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Akron General has radiation oncology services.

**University Hospitals:** The Seidman Cancer Center at UH has radiation oncology services.

**Patient Experience and Support Services: Beyond the Medical**

Patient experience and support services are vital. These include access to support groups, patient navigators, and resources for financial assistance.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Mercy Health often provides patient navigators and support services.

**Akron General Hospital:** The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Akron General offers patient navigators, support groups, and resources for financial assistance.

**University Hospitals:** The Seidman Cancer Center at UH provides patient navigators, support groups, and resources for financial assistance.

**Making the Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Residents of the 44445 ZIP code should consider the following factors:

* **Proximity:** How far are you willing to travel for appointments and treatments?
* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the only factor, CMS ratings provide a snapshot of quality.
* **Specialty Centers:** Do you prefer a dedicated breast cancer center with a multidisciplinary team?
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Is telehealth important for follow-up appointments and consultations?
* **Patient Experience:** What kind of support services are available?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of ZIP code 44445, the options for breast cancer care include St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Akron General Hospital, and University Hospitals. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Patients should carefully evaluate their needs and preferences, considering the factors outlined in this review, and consult with their primary care physician to make an informed decision. Remember to verify the most up-to-date information on CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth availability directly with the hospitals.