44402, Bristolville, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44402, Bristolville, Ohio is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Youngstown Area: A Scorecard for Patients Near 44402

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical first step. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 44402 (Austintown, Ohio), focusing on key factors relevant to lung cancer care, including hospital quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. This information is designed to empower patients and their families to make informed decisions.

**Hospital Quality and Performance: A Foundation for Care**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website is a valuable resource for assessing hospital quality. CMS assigns star ratings based on a variety of metrics, including patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care. However, it's crucial to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Located in Youngstown, this hospital is a major player in the region. St. Elizabeth is a flagship hospital within the Mercy Health system. Patients should check the most current CMS star rating, as these can fluctuate. Beyond the star rating, explore the hospital's performance on specific measures related to lung cancer, such as timely treatment for pneumonia (which can be related to lung health), and readmission rates for respiratory conditions.

**Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley:** While primarily a pediatric hospital, Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley, located in Boardman, offers some services that might indirectly benefit lung cancer patients, such as respiratory therapy and diagnostic imaging. However, it’s essential to understand that this facility does not offer comprehensive lung cancer treatment.

**Cleveland Clinic – Main Campus (Distance Considerations):** Although located outside the immediate area (approximately 70 miles from 44402), the Cleveland Clinic is a nationally recognized center for cancer care, including lung cancer. Its reputation for excellence in oncology is well-established. Patients considering this option must factor in travel time and the potential impact on care coordination. The Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center is a major draw, offering comprehensive services and cutting-edge research.

**ER Wait Times: A Window into Hospital Efficiency**

Emergency room wait times can be a useful indicator of a hospital's overall efficiency and resource allocation. While not directly related to lung cancer treatment, long wait times can be stressful and potentially delay the initiation of care for related complications.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Patients should check the most recent data available from sources like the CMS or third-party websites that track ER wait times. These data points can fluctuate, so it’s essential to review the most current information.

**Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley:** ER wait times at this facility are likely geared towards pediatric patients.

**Specialty Centers and Resources: Tailoring Care to the Disease**

Specialized centers and programs are critical for providing comprehensive lung cancer care. These programs often bring together multidisciplinary teams of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care staff.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Investigate whether St. Elizabeth has a dedicated cancer center or a lung cancer program. Look for details on the types of specialists available, the technologies used (e.g., advanced imaging, robotic surgery), and the availability of clinical trials. Inquire about their multidisciplinary tumor board, which is a group of specialists who meet to discuss and plan treatment for individual patients.

**Cleveland Clinic – Taussig Cancer Center:** The Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Center is renowned for its comprehensive lung cancer program. They offer a full spectrum of services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and access to clinical trials.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. Telehealth can facilitate remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and symptom management, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Determine the extent of St. Elizabeth's telehealth capabilities. Do they offer virtual consultations with oncologists, pulmonologists, or other specialists? Are there remote monitoring programs for patients undergoing treatment?

**Cleveland Clinic – Taussig Cancer Center:** The Cleveland Clinic has a robust telehealth program. They likely offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and educational resources for patients.

**Diagnostic Capabilities: The Foundation of Accurate Diagnosis**

Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective lung cancer treatment. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools is a key factor in choosing a hospital.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Confirm the hospital's diagnostic capabilities, including access to advanced imaging technologies like PET/CT scans, MRI, and bronchoscopy. Inquire about the expertise of their radiologists and pathologists in diagnosing lung cancer.

**Cleveland Clinic – Taussig Cancer Center:** The Cleveland Clinic has state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, including advanced imaging and sophisticated pathology services.

**Surgical Expertise: When Surgery is Necessary**

Surgery is often a critical component of lung cancer treatment. The experience and expertise of the thoracic surgeons are paramount.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Investigate the experience of the thoracic surgeons at St. Elizabeth. How many lung cancer surgeries do they perform annually? What surgical techniques do they utilize (e.g., minimally invasive techniques like VATS)?

**Cleveland Clinic – Taussig Cancer Center:** The Cleveland Clinic’s thoracic surgeons are highly experienced and perform a high volume of lung cancer surgeries, including complex procedures.

**Supportive Care Services: Addressing the Patient's Needs**

Lung cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Access to supportive care services is essential for improving the patient's quality of life.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Determine the availability of supportive care services at St. Elizabeth, such as palliative care, pain management, nutritional counseling, psychological support, and support groups.

**Cleveland Clinic – Taussig Cancer Center:** The Cleveland Clinic offers comprehensive supportive care services, including palliative care, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation programs.

**Clinical Trials: Accessing Cutting-Edge Treatments**

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to access innovative treatments that may not be available elsewhere.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Inquire about the hospital's participation in clinical trials for lung cancer.

**Cleveland Clinic – Taussig Cancer Center:** The Cleveland Clinic is a major center for clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest research and treatment options.

**Financial Considerations: Navigating the Costs of Care**

Healthcare costs can be a significant concern for patients.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Investigate the hospital's financial assistance programs and their billing practices.

**Cleveland Clinic – Taussig Cancer Center:** The Cleveland Clinic offers financial counseling services to help patients navigate the costs of care.

**Making the Right Choice: A Personalized Decision**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near 44402. Patients should gather information from multiple sources, including their primary care physician, pulmonologist, and oncologist. They should also consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific stage and type of their lung cancer. Finally, they should feel comfortable with their care team and confident in the hospital's ability to provide comprehensive, compassionate care.