44413, East Palestine, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44413, East Palestine, Ohio is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Vicinity of Girard, OH (ZIP Code 44413): A Scorecard

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Finding the right care, close to home, is paramount. This review assesses the lung cancer treatment landscape for residents of Girard, Ohio (ZIP Code 44413) and surrounding areas, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. We'll delve into key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability to provide a comprehensive overview.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Girard, OH, offers a concentrated cluster of healthcare facilities, making access to care relatively convenient. The primary hospitals serving this area include:

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Located in Youngstown, OH, this hospital is a major regional provider.
* **Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley:** While primarily focused on pediatric care, it’s a vital resource for the region.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Situated in Warren, OH, this hospital provides comprehensive services.

**Hospital Quality and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality metrics. These ratings offer a snapshot of overall hospital performance.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** As of the most recent reporting period, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital holds a CMS star rating. This rating reflects its performance across a range of categories, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Trumbull Regional Medical Center also holds a CMS star rating. This rating indicates its overall quality compared to other hospitals.
* **Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley:** Due to its focus on pediatric care, Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley may not be subject to the same CMS star rating system as general hospitals.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers and Programs:**

Specialized lung cancer centers offer advanced diagnostics, treatment options, and multidisciplinary care. The presence of such centers near Girard is a crucial factor.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital likely has a dedicated oncology department or cancer center. It is essential to investigate the specific services offered, including access to medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and pulmonologists. Inquire about the availability of advanced imaging technologies like PET/CT scans and the presence of a multidisciplinary tumor board for collaborative care planning.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Trumbull Regional Medical Center also likely has an oncology program. It is vital to investigate the range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.
* **Additional Considerations:** Residents may need to travel to larger medical centers in Cleveland or Pittsburgh for access to cutting-edge clinical trials or specialized treatments, such as proton therapy, which may not be available locally.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of hospital accessibility. Long wait times can be stressful and delay critical care.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Researching average ER wait times at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital is crucial. This information is often available on hospital websites or through platforms like the CMS Hospital Compare website.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Similarly, investigate the ER wait times at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
* **Additional Considerations:** Consider the proximity of urgent care centers as an alternative for non-life-threatening conditions.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important for cancer patients, offering convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Determine the availability of telehealth services for oncology patients at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Inquire about virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals for accessing medical records and communicating with healthcare providers.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Investigate the telehealth offerings at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
* **Additional Considerations:** Explore the availability of telehealth services from specialists located outside the immediate area.

**Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery:**

Surgical intervention is a common treatment for lung cancer. The expertise of thoracic surgeons and the availability of advanced surgical techniques are essential.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Confirm the presence of experienced thoracic surgeons at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Inquire about the types of surgical procedures offered, including minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Investigate the thoracic surgery capabilities at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
* **Additional Considerations:** Evaluate the hospital's experience with complex lung cancer surgeries and its outcomes data.

**Radiation Oncology:**

Radiation therapy is a vital component of lung cancer treatment. Access to advanced radiation therapy technologies is crucial.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Determine the availability of radiation oncology services at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Inquire about the types of radiation therapy offered, including external beam radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Investigate the radiation oncology capabilities at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
* **Additional Considerations:** Assess the hospital's access to advanced radiation therapy technologies and the expertise of its radiation oncologists.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy:**

Medical oncologists play a critical role in managing lung cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Confirm the availability of medical oncology services at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Inquire about the experience of the medical oncologists and the range of chemotherapy and immunotherapy options offered.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Investigate the medical oncology services at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
* **Additional Considerations:** Evaluate the hospital's access to clinical trials and its experience with managing the side effects of cancer treatment.

**Support Services and Patient Experience:**

Comprehensive support services are essential for patients undergoing lung cancer treatment.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Inquire about the availability of support services at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, including patient navigators, social workers, support groups, and palliative care.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Investigate the support services offered at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
* **Additional Considerations:** Assess the hospital's patient satisfaction scores and its commitment to providing compassionate care.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative treatments.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Determine if St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital participates in clinical trials for lung cancer.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Investigate the hospital's involvement in clinical trials.
* **Additional Considerations:** Consider the potential benefits of participating in a clinical trial and the expertise of the research team.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance:**

Understanding the financial aspects of lung cancer treatment is crucial.

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health):** Inquire about the hospital's financial assistance programs and its acceptance of various insurance plans.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital):** Investigate the hospital's financial policies and insurance coverage.
* **Additional Considerations:** Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage for lung cancer treatment and the associated costs.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of Girard, OH (ZIP Code 44413), the availability of lung cancer care is centered around St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Mercy Health) and Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Hillside Hospital). Each hospital has its own strengths and weaknesses. Prospective patients should thoroughly research the specific services offered, assess the quality metrics, and consider their individual needs and preferences when making decisions about their care. This review provides a framework for evaluating these options, but it is essential to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for your individual situation. Further research, including direct inquiries to the hospitals and consultations with specialists, is highly recommended.