44243, Kent, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44243, Kent, Ohio is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 44243**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Access to high-quality, specialized care is paramount. This review examines hospitals near ZIP code 44243 (Kent, Ohio) to provide insights into their lung cancer treatment capabilities, focusing on factors crucial for patients and their families. We'll delve into hospital ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth options to offer a comprehensive overview.

**Defining the Scope**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Kent, Ohio (44243). This includes facilities in Akron, Cleveland, and surrounding areas. The review incorporates data from publicly available sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and third-party healthcare rating organizations. Data is current as of October 26, 2023, but hospital information changes rapidly. Always confirm details directly with the hospital.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

CMS star ratings are a valuable starting point. They offer a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not specific to lung cancer, a high star rating often indicates a commitment to quality across the board.

**University Hospitals (UH) System:** The UH system, a major healthcare provider in the Cleveland area, operates several hospitals within reach. UH Cleveland Medical Center, a flagship hospital, boasts a high CMS star rating, reflecting its comprehensive services. UH Seidman Cancer Center, a key component of the system, offers specialized cancer care, including lung cancer treatment. The system's size and resources often translate to advanced technology and a broad range of specialists.

**Cleveland Clinic:** Another prominent healthcare leader, the Cleveland Clinic, is renowned nationally and internationally. The Cleveland Clinic Main Campus is a significant facility. While its CMS star rating can fluctuate, its reputation for complex care and research is well-established. The Taussig Cancer Center at the Cleveland Clinic provides dedicated lung cancer services. Patients can expect access to cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary approach.

**Summa Health System:** Summa Health System, based in Akron, also serves the region. Summa Health System – Akron Campus is a major facility within the system. Its CMS star rating should be considered alongside other factors. Patients should investigate the specific lung cancer services offered at the Akron Campus and other Summa facilities.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration, particularly for patients experiencing symptoms or complications related to lung cancer. Long wait times can exacerbate anxiety and delay critical care. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on hospital websites or through third-party sources.

**UH Hospitals:** The UH system generally publishes ER wait time data. Patients should check the specific wait times for UH Cleveland Medical Center and other UH facilities.

**Cleveland Clinic:** The Cleveland Clinic also provides ER wait time information, allowing patients to assess potential delays.

**Summa Health System:** Summa Health System typically provides ER wait time data for its Akron Campus and other facilities.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs**

The existence of dedicated lung cancer programs and specialty centers is a key indicator of a hospital's commitment to this disease. These programs often involve a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and supportive care professionals.

**UH Seidman Cancer Center:** This center is a major asset for lung cancer patients. It offers comprehensive services, including advanced diagnostics, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. The center's focus on cancer care ensures a high level of expertise.

**Taussig Cancer Center (Cleveland Clinic):** The Taussig Cancer Center is a well-regarded center with a robust lung cancer program. It provides a full spectrum of care, including advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The Cleveland Clinic's research focus often translates into access to innovative treatments.

**Summa Health System:** Investigate the specific lung cancer program at Summa Health System – Akron Campus. Determine the scope of services, the specialists involved, and the availability of advanced treatments.

**Surgical Options and Expertise**

Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery are essential. They perform procedures like lobectomies (removal of a lobe of the lung) and pneumonectomies (removal of an entire lung). The experience and expertise of the surgical team are crucial for optimal outcomes.

**UH Hospitals:** UH hospitals have thoracic surgery departments. Research the surgeons' experience, the types of procedures performed, and the hospital's surgical outcomes.

**Cleveland Clinic:** The Cleveland Clinic has a renowned thoracic surgery department. Investigate the surgeons' credentials, their specialization in lung cancer, and the hospital's surgical success rates.

**Summa Health System:** Inquire about the thoracic surgery program at Summa Health System – Akron Campus. Assess the surgeons' experience and the hospital's surgical outcomes.

**Radiation Therapy Capabilities**

Radiation therapy is a critical component of lung cancer treatment. Hospitals should have advanced radiation therapy equipment, such as linear accelerators, and offer techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

**UH Hospitals:** UH hospitals typically have robust radiation oncology departments. Investigate the types of radiation therapy offered, the equipment used, and the expertise of the radiation oncologists.

**Cleveland Clinic:** The Cleveland Clinic's radiation oncology department is well-equipped and offers advanced techniques. Research the specific technologies and the expertise of the radiation oncologists.

**Summa Health System:** Assess the radiation therapy capabilities at Summa Health System – Akron Campus. Determine the equipment available and the expertise of the radiation oncologists.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

Medical oncologists are responsible for chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The availability of these treatments and the expertise of the medical oncology team are crucial.

**UH Hospitals:** UH hospitals have medical oncology departments. Research the oncologists' experience, the types of treatments offered, and the availability of clinical trials.

**Cleveland Clinic:** The Cleveland Clinic's medical oncology department offers a wide range of treatments, including the latest targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Investigate the oncologists' experience and the availability of clinical trials.

**Summa Health System:** Assess the medical oncology services at Summa Health System – Akron Campus. Determine the types of treatments offered, the expertise of the oncologists, and the availability of clinical trials.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care Options**

Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and supportive care services.

**UH Hospitals:** The UH system has been expanding its telehealth offerings. Check the availability of virtual appointments with oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists.

**Cleveland Clinic:** The Cleveland Clinic has a robust telehealth program. Investigate the availability of virtual appointments and remote monitoring options.

**Summa Health System:** Inquire about the telehealth services offered by Summa Health System – Akron Campus. Determine the availability of virtual appointments and remote monitoring options.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of care. Hospitals should offer supportive services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.

**UH Hospitals:** Research the patient experience at UH hospitals. Inquire about the availability of patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care services.

**Cleveland Clinic:** The Cleveland Clinic is known for its patient-centered approach. Investigate the availability of patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care services.

**Summa Health System:** Assess the patient experience at Summa Health System – Akron Campus. Determine the availability of patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care services.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative treatments. Hospitals with strong research programs often have a greater number of clinical trial options.

**UH Hospitals:** The UH system is involved in research and clinical trials. Inquire about the availability of clinical trials for lung cancer patients.

**Cleveland Clinic:** The Cleveland Clinic is a major research institution and offers numerous clinical trials. Research the clinical trial opportunities for lung cancer patients.

**Summa Health System:** Assess the research activity at Summa Health System – Akron Campus. Determine the availability of clinical trials for lung cancer patients.

**Financial Considerations**

Healthcare costs are a significant concern. Investigate the hospital's financial assistance programs, insurance acceptance, and billing practices.

**UH Hospitals:** Inquire about UH's financial assistance programs and insurance acceptance.

**Cleveland Clinic:** Research the Cleveland Clinic's financial assistance programs and insurance acceptance.

**Summa Health System:** Assess Summa Health System's financial assistance programs and insurance acceptance.

**Conclusion**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near ZIP code 44243. Consider the factors discussed, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, surgical expertise, radiation therapy capabilities, medical oncology services, telehealth options, patient experience, clinical trials, and financial considerations. Thorough research, consultation with your primary care physician, and discussions with potential specialists are essential to making an informed decision. Remember to verify all information directly with the hospitals, as details can change.