44813, Bellville, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44813, Bellville, Ohio is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in the Sandusky, Ohio Area: A Scorecard for Patients Near 44813**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Access to quality care, from screening to treatment and survivorship, is paramount. This review assesses the breast cancer care landscape for residents near the 44813 ZIP code (Sandusky, Ohio), focusing on key hospitals and their performance metrics. We'll examine CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, telehealth capabilities, and more to provide a comprehensive understanding of available resources.

**Firelands Regional Medical Center: A Local Hub**

Firelands Regional Medical Center, located in Sandusky, is a primary healthcare provider for the region. It's a significant player in the local breast cancer care ecosystem. Firelands doesn't have a dedicated, independently-assessed breast cancer center, but it offers a range of services.

Firelands Regional Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating reflects a hospital's overall quality of care, based on various factors including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. ER wait times are a crucial factor for patients. Firelands' ER wait times fluctuate, but the average wait time is around 30-45 minutes. This data is based on publicly available information.

Firelands provides breast cancer screening services, including mammograms, and offers diagnostic imaging capabilities. It also provides surgical oncology services. The hospital offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Firelands has a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, with medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists collaborating to provide comprehensive care.

Telehealth services are increasingly important. Firelands Regional Medical Center offers telehealth consultations for some specialties, although the extent of telehealth availability for breast cancer patients is not explicitly detailed. Patients should inquire directly with the hospital about the availability of virtual appointments with oncologists or other relevant specialists.

**University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center: Regional Reach**

University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, located approximately 40 miles east of Sandusky, offers a more extensive range of specialized services. This hospital is a part of the broader University Hospitals system. University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating.

University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center has a dedicated breast health center. This center provides comprehensive breast cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. The center offers advanced imaging technologies, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which can improve the detection of breast cancer.

The hospital has a multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists, including breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and reconstructive surgeons. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive individualized care plans.

University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center offers a full spectrum of breast cancer treatments, including surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. The hospital participates in clinical trials, giving patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

ER wait times at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center vary, but the average wait time is around 45-60 minutes. Telehealth is an important component of care. University Hospitals offers telehealth services for cancer patients, including virtual consultations with oncologists and support staff.

**Cleveland Clinic: A National Leader**

The Cleveland Clinic, located approximately 60 miles east of Sandusky, is a nationally recognized healthcare institution. It is known for its specialized centers and advanced treatments. The Cleveland Clinic main campus, which is the flagship location, has a 4-star CMS rating.

The Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center is a leading cancer treatment center. The Taussig Cancer Center offers a comprehensive breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary approach. The program includes breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, and other specialists.

The Cleveland Clinic offers advanced breast cancer screening and diagnostic services, including 3D mammography, breast MRI, and genetic testing. The hospital offers a wide range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The Cleveland Clinic is at the forefront of breast cancer research and offers access to clinical trials.

ER wait times at the Cleveland Clinic vary depending on the location and time of day. The average wait time at the main campus is around 30-45 minutes. The Cleveland Clinic has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups for cancer patients.

**Other Considerations: Proximity and Accessibility**

While the hospitals mentioned above are the primary options, residents near 44813 should also consider other factors. The distance to each hospital, ease of access, and availability of transportation are important considerations.

Smaller community hospitals and outpatient clinics may offer breast cancer screening and some diagnostic services. These facilities can provide convenient access to care for routine screenings. However, for more complex cases or advanced treatments, patients may need to travel to a larger hospital with specialized services.

**Patient Experience and Support**

Beyond clinical metrics, the patient experience is crucial. Patients should consider factors such as the hospital's patient satisfaction scores, the availability of support services, and the overall environment of care.

Breast cancer support groups, counseling services, and patient navigators can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the treatment journey. Patients should inquire about these resources at each hospital.

**Data Limitations and Caveats**

This review is based on publicly available data and information. Data on ER wait times and telehealth availability may vary. Patients should always verify information directly with the hospitals. CMS star ratings are just one measure of quality, and they do not capture all aspects of care.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each hospital.

* **Firelands Regional Medical Center:** A local option for basic screening and treatment.
* **University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center:** A regional option with a dedicated breast health center.
* **Cleveland Clinic:** A national leader with advanced treatments and research opportunities.

Patients are encouraged to consult with their primary care physicians, gather information from multiple sources, and ask questions to make informed decisions about their care. The best hospital is the one that best meets the individual needs of the patient, providing access to quality care, compassionate support, and the best possible outcomes.