44645, Marshallville, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44645, Marshallville, Ohio is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 44645 Area: A Scorecard

Finding the best breast cancer care requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors like hospital quality, specialist availability, and patient experience. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 44645 (Massillon, Ohio), providing a fact-rich overview to help patients make informed decisions. Data is sourced from publicly available information, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and third-party ratings.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Overall Quality**

The immediate area surrounding Massillon, Ohio, offers a range of healthcare options, from large, regional hospitals to smaller community facilities. The quality of breast cancer care varies, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each institution is crucial. CMS star ratings, though not the sole indicator of excellence, provide a useful starting point. These ratings assess hospitals on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Aultman Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse**

Aultman Hospital, located in Canton, Ohio, is a major player in the region, serving as a referral center for many patients in the 44645 area. Aultman holds a 3-star CMS rating, reflecting its performance across various quality measures. The hospital has a dedicated Cancer Center, providing comprehensive services from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care. Aultman’s breast cancer program benefits from a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and radiology collaborating on patient care. They have a strong focus on clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge research and treatment options.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital: Proximity and Specialization**

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, also in Canton, presents another option for patients in the area. Mercy Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. While not a dedicated cancer center, Mercy Hospital has a breast health center that provides diagnostic and treatment services. The hospital is part of the larger Cleveland Clinic health system, which is renowned for its cancer care. This affiliation allows Mercy Hospital to leverage the expertise and resources of the Cleveland Clinic, including access to advanced technologies and specialists.

**Summa Health System: A Network Approach**

Summa Health System, with its flagship hospital in Akron, Ohio, offers another network of care for patients in the 44645 area. Summa City Hospital, a part of the Summa Health System, is a potential option. Summa has a 3-star CMS rating. Summa Health System's cancer services are integrated, providing a continuum of care across multiple locations. The system's approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans and support services, including genetic counseling and survivorship programs.

**Comparing Key Metrics: Beyond the Stars**

While CMS star ratings provide a broad overview, delving deeper into specific metrics reveals more nuanced information. ER wait times, for example, are a crucial consideration, particularly for patients experiencing symptoms or complications. Aultman Hospital's ER wait times average around 30-45 minutes, while Mercy Hospital typically has wait times in the same range. Summa Health System's ER wait times can vary depending on the specific location. Patients should check the most recent data on hospital websites or third-party sources like Healthgrades.

**Specialty Centers: Where Expertise Lies**

Specialty centers play a critical role in breast cancer care, offering focused expertise and advanced technologies. Aultman Hospital's Cancer Center is a primary example of a dedicated facility, providing comprehensive services under one roof. These centers often house specialized equipment, such as advanced imaging systems and radiation therapy units. The presence of fellowship-trained breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists is another hallmark of a strong specialty center.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Telehealth can provide access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services. Hospitals in the 44645 area have expanded their telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments for various aspects of breast cancer care. Aultman Hospital, for example, has embraced telehealth, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. Mercy Hospital and Summa Health System also offer telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with their care teams remotely. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options when scheduling appointments.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into patient perceptions of care. These surveys assess various aspects of the patient experience, including communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, and overall satisfaction. Aultman Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and Summa Health System all participate in these surveys, and the results are publicly available on the CMS website. Patients should review these surveys to gain a better understanding of the patient experience at each hospital.

**Surgical Options and Technology**

The availability of advanced surgical techniques is another important consideration. Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) and mastectomy are common surgical options for breast cancer. Hospitals in the 44645 area offer both procedures, utilizing advanced techniques such as sentinel lymph node biopsy and oncoplastic surgery. The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic surgery, can improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times. Patients should discuss their surgical options with their surgeon and inquire about the availability of these advanced techniques.

**Radiation Therapy: Precision and Innovation**

Radiation therapy is a crucial component of breast cancer treatment. Hospitals in the 44645 area offer a range of radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. The use of advanced technologies, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), allows for more precise targeting of the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Patients should discuss their radiation therapy options with their radiation oncologist and inquire about the availability of these advanced technologies.

**Chemotherapy and Systemic Therapies**

Chemotherapy and other systemic therapies are often used in the treatment of breast cancer. Hospitals in the 44645 area offer a range of chemotherapy options, including intravenous and oral medications. The availability of advanced therapies, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, is another important consideration. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their medical oncologist and inquire about the availability of these advanced therapies.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Research**

Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge research and treatment options. Aultman Hospital's Cancer Center actively participates in clinical trials, offering patients the opportunity to receive novel therapies. Patients should discuss their eligibility for clinical trials with their care team.

**Support Services: A Holistic Approach**

Breast cancer care extends beyond medical treatment. Support services, such as counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation programs, play a crucial role in helping patients cope with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer. Hospitals in the 44645 area offer a range of support services, including patient navigators, social workers, and therapists. Patients should inquire about the availability of these support services.

**Making the Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the best hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Factors to consider include the hospital's location, the availability of specialists, the quality of care, and the patient experience. Patients should also consult with their primary care physician and other healthcare providers to obtain recommendations and guidance.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care. Data can change, and patients should always verify information directly with the hospitals.