44689, Wilmot, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44689, Wilmot, Ohio is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Vicinity of Wooster, Ohio (ZIP Code 44689): A Comprehensive Review

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is daunting. Finding the right medical care, close to home, is crucial. This review examines the breast cancer treatment landscape for residents near Wooster, Ohio (ZIP Code 44689), focusing on hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility. Data is current as of October 26, 2023, and sourced from publicly available information, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and independent rating agencies.

**Proximity and Key Players:**

Wooster, Ohio, is situated in Wayne County, offering residents access to a mix of community hospitals and larger regional medical centers. Proximity is a key factor in treatment decisions, considering the frequency of appointments and potential need for support from family and friends. The following hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance and offer varying levels of breast cancer care:

**Wooster Community Hospital (Wooster, OH):**

Wooster Community Hospital (WCH), a member of University Hospitals, serves as a primary healthcare provider for the Wooster area. WCH offers a range of diagnostic services, including mammography and ultrasound. While WCH doesn’t have a dedicated, comprehensive breast cancer center, it provides initial screening and diagnostic capabilities. Patients requiring more complex treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, are often referred to larger regional centers within the University Hospitals network. WCH's ER wait times are generally moderate, averaging around 30-60 minutes, according to recent data. CMS currently rates WCH with a 3-star rating.

**Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH):**

Located approximately 30 miles from Wooster, Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, is a significant regional healthcare provider. Aultman boasts a comprehensive breast cancer program, including a dedicated Breast Center. This center offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to provide coordinated care. Aultman's Breast Center offers advanced imaging technologies, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and performs breast biopsies. Aultman also offers genetic counseling and testing for patients with a family history of breast cancer. Aultman Hospital's ER wait times are typically in the 45-75 minute range. Aultman Hospital has a CMS 4-star rating.

**Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH):**

The Cleveland Clinic, located about 60 miles northeast of Wooster, is a nationally recognized healthcare system with a world-renowned reputation for cancer care. The Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Center offers a comprehensive breast cancer program with a vast array of specialized services. This includes access to cutting-edge clinical trials, advanced surgical techniques (including nipple-sparing mastectomies), and the latest radiation therapy options. The Cleveland Clinic’s facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by leading experts in the field. Patients at the Cleveland Clinic benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach, with physicians collaborating closely to develop individualized treatment plans. ER wait times at Cleveland Clinic facilities can vary, but are often longer than those at community hospitals. The Cleveland Clinic main campus has a CMS 3-star rating.

**University Hospitals (Cleveland, OH):**

University Hospitals (UH) is another major healthcare system with a strong presence in the region. UH Seidman Cancer Center, located in Cleveland, offers a comprehensive breast cancer program with a focus on research and innovation. UH provides access to a wide range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. UH also offers support services, such as genetic counseling, survivorship programs, and patient navigation. UH facilities have varying ER wait times. The main campus has a CMS 3-star rating.

**Specialized Services and Considerations:**

Beyond the core services, several factors are important when evaluating breast cancer care:

* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** A team-based approach is crucial for effective breast cancer treatment. Look for hospitals with dedicated breast centers where specialists from different disciplines collaborate on patient care.
* **Advanced Imaging:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), is important for early detection and accurate diagnosis.
* **Surgical Options:** Consider the surgical options offered, including breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy:** Evaluate the availability of chemotherapy and radiation therapy services, including access to advanced radiation techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to the latest treatments and research advancements.
* **Genetic Counseling and Testing:** For patients with a family history of breast cancer, genetic counseling and testing are essential to assess their risk and guide treatment decisions.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive support services, such as patient navigation, support groups, and survivorship programs.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Check which hospitals offer telehealth options for consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services. Telehealth utilization rates vary among hospitals, but many are expanding their offerings.

**Telehealth Statistics:**

The adoption of telehealth services has accelerated in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals in the region are increasingly offering telehealth options for breast cancer patients. Specific statistics on telehealth usage vary by hospital, but many are reporting significant increases in virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. For example, Aultman Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities to include virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists. The Cleveland Clinic has also increased its telehealth offerings, providing virtual access to specialists and support services. Wooster Community Hospital, being a smaller facility, may have more limited telehealth options, primarily for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**ER Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical factor, particularly in emergency situations. While not directly related to breast cancer treatment, they can impact overall healthcare access. ER wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. Data from CMS and other sources indicates that ER wait times at hospitals near Wooster vary. As mentioned earlier, Wooster Community Hospital generally has moderate wait times. Aultman Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic may have longer wait times, particularly at their main campuses.

**CMS Star Ratings:**

CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality. These ratings are based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Hospitals near Wooster have varying CMS star ratings. Wooster Community Hospital has a 3-star rating. Aultman Hospital has a 4-star rating. The Cleveland Clinic main campus has a 3-star rating. It is important to note that these ratings are just one measure of hospital quality and should be considered alongside other factors, such as specialized services and patient reviews.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences:**

Patient reviews and experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Online platforms, such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, offer a wealth of information about patient experiences at various hospitals. Reading patient reviews can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of different facilities, as well as the overall patient experience. Look for reviews that specifically address breast cancer care, including the quality of communication, the expertise of the medical team, and the availability of support services.

**Making an Informed Decision:**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer treatment is a personal decision. Consider the following factors:

* **Proximity:** How far are you willing to travel for treatment?
* **Specialized Services:** Does the hospital offer the specific services you need, such as advanced imaging, clinical trials, or genetic counseling?
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Does the hospital have a dedicated breast center with a multidisciplinary team?
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the physicians and their experience in treating breast cancer.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews to get a sense of the patient experience.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network.

**Conclusion:**

Residents near Wooster, Ohio (ZIP Code 44689) have access to a range of breast cancer care options. Wooster Community Hospital provides local screening and diagnostic services, while larger regional centers like Aultman Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic offer comprehensive breast cancer programs with specialized services and advanced technologies. By carefully evaluating the factors discussed in this review, patients can make informed decisions about their breast cancer treatment and find the best possible care close to home. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and seek referrals to specialists as needed.