45820, Cairo, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 45820, Cairo, Ohio is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 45820 Area: A Deep Dive

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals near the 45820 ZIP code, offering a fact-based assessment of their capabilities, based on publicly available data and recent reports. This is not medical advice; always consult with your physician.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The 45820 ZIP code encompasses the city of Delphos, Ohio, and its surrounding areas. The primary hospitals serving this region are a mix of community hospitals and larger facilities located within a reasonable driving distance. Access to specialized breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support, varies between these institutions.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Closer Look**

Several hospitals stand out due to their size, comprehensive services, and affiliations. These often serve as referral centers for smaller facilities.

**Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center (Lima, OH):** Located approximately 20 miles from Delphos, St. Rita's is a major player in the region. It is a large, multi-specialty hospital. St. Rita's has a dedicated cancer center that offers a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and support services. They are accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, a key indicator of quality. St. Rita's also has a breast imaging center. According to CMS data, St. Rita's has a 3-star rating. This rating reflects overall quality of care, based on factors such as patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. ER wait times at St. Rita's vary. Data from recent months shows an average wait time of around 30-60 minutes. Telehealth services are available, including oncology consultations.

**Blanchard Valley Hospital (Findlay, OH):** Situated about 35 miles from Delphos, Blanchard Valley Hospital is another significant healthcare provider. The hospital has a cancer center that offers a range of treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Blanchard Valley Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. ER wait times are typically shorter than St. Rita's, averaging around 30 minutes. Telehealth services are available.

**Other Hospitals to Consider**

**Van Wert Health (Van Wert, OH):** Located approximately 15 miles from Delphos, Van Wert Health is a community hospital that provides a range of services. It offers breast cancer screening and diagnostic services. Patients needing more complex treatments are typically referred to larger facilities like St. Rita's or Blanchard Valley. Van Wert Health has a 3-star CMS rating. ER wait times are generally shorter than the larger hospitals. Telehealth services are available.

**Lima Memorial Health System (Lima, OH):** Another option in Lima, Lima Memorial offers a comprehensive cancer center. They provide a range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Lima Memorial has a 4-star CMS rating. ER wait times are variable, but generally comparable to St. Rita's. Telehealth services are available.

**Key Breast Cancer Services and Considerations**

**Screening and Early Detection:** Access to mammography is crucial. All the hospitals listed above offer mammography services. Consider factors such as the availability of 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which can improve detection rates, especially in women with dense breasts.

**Diagnosis:** If a suspicious finding is detected, prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential. This involves biopsies, often performed by radiologists or surgeons. Ensure the hospital has experienced radiologists and pathologists.

**Surgical Oncology:** Breast cancer surgery is a core component of treatment. Look for hospitals with experienced breast surgeons who perform a variety of procedures, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.

**Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy are often used to treat breast cancer. The hospital's medical oncology department should have experienced oncologists and access to the latest treatment protocols.

**Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy is another common treatment modality. Check the hospital's radiation oncology department for advanced technologies, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

**Support Services:** Breast cancer treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive support services, including:

* **Patient Navigators:** These individuals help patients navigate the healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and provide emotional support.
* **Support Groups:** Connecting with other patients can be invaluable.
* **Counseling:** Mental health services are essential for coping with the diagnosis and treatment.
* **Rehabilitation Services:** Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help patients recover from surgery and manage treatment side effects.
* **Financial Counseling:** Navigating insurance and financial burdens can be stressful.

**Specific Hospital Capabilities: A Deeper Dive**

**St. Rita's:** St. Rita's Cancer Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care. They have a dedicated team of breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff. They offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, including advanced imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. The hospital has a strong focus on patient education and support services.

**Blanchard Valley Hospital:** Blanchard Valley Hospital's cancer center provides a range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support services. They collaborate with specialists to provide comprehensive care.

**Van Wert Health:** Van Wert Health provides breast cancer screening and diagnostic services. They offer mammography and may perform biopsies. For more complex treatments, patients are typically referred to larger facilities.

**Lima Memorial Health System:** Lima Memorial's cancer center provides a comprehensive range of services, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support services. They have a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

ER wait times are a practical factor to consider, especially in urgent situations. The data provided above offers a general idea of wait times at each hospital. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the number of patients seeking care. You can often find current wait times on hospital websites or through online resources.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly common, particularly for oncology consultations and follow-up appointments. Check with each hospital to determine the availability of telehealth services for breast cancer patients. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling.

**CMS Star Ratings: A General Indicator**

The CMS star ratings provide a general indication of hospital quality. However, they are not a perfect measure, and should be considered alongside other factors, such as a hospital's specific expertise in breast cancer care, patient reviews, and the availability of specific services.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences**

Reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital. Look for reviews that specifically address breast cancer care, including the quality of communication, the responsiveness of the staff, and the overall level of support. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and the hospital's own website may have reviews.

**Accreditation and Certifications**

Accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a significant indicator of quality. This accreditation signifies that the hospital meets specific standards for cancer care, including multidisciplinary care, access to clinical trials, and patient support services.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, inquire about the availability of clinical trials at each hospital. Clinical trials can provide access to the latest treatment options.

**Making Your Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each hospital. Talk to your primary care physician, seek referrals from other healthcare providers, and research the hospitals in your area. This review provides a starting point for your research, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.