45867, Mount Blanchard, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 45867, Mount Blanchard, Ohio is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in the Vicinity of ZIP Code 45867: A Detailed Review**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to quality healthcare. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 45867 (Van Wert, Ohio) to provide information for patients and their families. It incorporates data on hospital ratings, specialized services, wait times, and telehealth options to help individuals make informed decisions.

**Hospital Landscape: Key Players and Ratings**

The immediate area around Van Wert, Ohio, offers a limited selection of hospitals, necessitating a broader search radius for comprehensive breast cancer care. The closest hospital with a dedicated breast cancer program is Van Wert Health, located directly in the ZIP code. However, for more specialized care, patients often travel to larger facilities in surrounding cities.

**Van Wert Health: Local Access**

Van Wert Health is a community hospital serving the immediate area. It offers basic breast cancer services, including screening mammography and diagnostic imaging. While the hospital provides essential care, it doesn't have a dedicated, comprehensive cancer center with a wide range of specialists and advanced treatment options. CMS star ratings are not available for this hospital.

**Expanding the Search: Regional Centers**

Patients seeking advanced breast cancer care often look to hospitals in Fort Wayne, Indiana, or Lima, Ohio. These cities offer larger medical centers with specialized oncology departments.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center (Fort Wayne, IN): A Flagship Institution**

Parkview Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a major regional healthcare provider, located approximately an hour's drive from Van Wert. PRMC has a comprehensive cancer institute, including a breast cancer program. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

Parkview's breast cancer program offers a multidisciplinary approach, with a team of medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. The program provides a range of services, including:

* **Advanced Imaging:** State-of-the-art mammography, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), ultrasound, and MRI.
* **Surgical Options:** Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** External beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials for cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Patient navigators, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**Lutheran Hospital of Indiana (Fort Wayne, IN): Another Option**

Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, also in Fort Wayne, is another significant healthcare provider. While information on its breast cancer program is not as readily available, it is a large hospital that offers a range of oncology services. Lutheran Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Lima Memorial Health System (Lima, OH): Closer to Home**

Lima Memorial Health System, located in Lima, Ohio, is approximately a 45-minute drive from Van Wert. It offers a cancer center that provides breast cancer services. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

Lima Memorial's cancer center provides a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care. They offer:

* **Screening and Diagnosis:** Mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy services.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Breast surgery, including lumpectomy and mastectomy.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy and other systemic therapies.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy services.
* **Support Services:** Patient navigators, support groups, and other resources.

**Assessing Hospital Performance: Key Metrics**

Evaluating hospital performance involves considering various factors, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialized services.

**CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance in several quality measures. A higher star rating indicates better overall quality of care. However, it's important to note that CMS ratings are just one data point and should be considered alongside other factors.

**ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times can be a crucial factor, especially in urgent situations. Shorter wait times generally indicate better efficiency and access to care. Data on ER wait times can be found on hospital websites or through third-party sources.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** The availability of specialized centers and services is essential for comprehensive breast cancer care. These include dedicated breast cancer centers, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important in healthcare, including breast cancer care. Telehealth allows patients to have virtual consultations with their doctors, receive remote monitoring, and access educational resources from the comfort of their homes.

**Telehealth Availability:** Check with each hospital for their telehealth capabilities. Many hospitals offer virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and supportive care.

**Remote Monitoring:** Some hospitals use remote monitoring devices to track patients' vital signs and symptoms, allowing for proactive intervention and improved outcomes.

**Specific Data: ER Wait Times and More**

Unfortunately, precise, real-time data on ER wait times and specific program statistics for each hospital is not always readily available. However, these metrics are crucial for making informed choices. Patients should contact the hospitals directly or consult online resources to gather this information.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center:** Offers a comprehensive breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary team. They provide advanced imaging, surgical options, medical oncology, radiation oncology, clinical trials, and support services. ER wait times may vary.

**Lutheran Hospital of Indiana:** Also offers a range of oncology services. Information on their breast cancer program should be obtained directly from the hospital. ER wait times may vary.

**Lima Memorial Health System:** Has a cancer center providing breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support services. ER wait times may vary.

**Van Wert Health:** Offers basic breast cancer services, including screening mammography and diagnostic imaging. ER wait times may vary.

**Making the Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care 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?
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the experience and qualifications of the doctors.
* **Hospital Ratings:** Consider CMS star ratings and other quality metrics.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews from other patients.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its services are covered by your insurance plan.
* **Support Services:** Does the hospital offer patient navigators, support groups, and other resources?

**Conclusion**

Breast cancer care near ZIP code 45867 requires considering options beyond the immediate area. While Van Wert Health provides local access, more comprehensive care is available at hospitals in Fort Wayne and Lima. Patients should carefully evaluate each hospital's services, ratings, and resources to make the best decision for their individual needs. It is highly recommended that you contact the hospitals directly to obtain the most up-to-date information, including ER wait times, specific program details, and telehealth options.