44441, Negley, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44441, Negley, Ohio is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Hospital Review for ZIP Code 44441

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Access to quality care, particularly from hospitals near your home, becomes paramount. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 44441, offering a fact-rich overview to aid in informed decision-making. We’ll examine key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized cancer centers, and telehealth capabilities. Please note that data can fluctuate, and it's always recommended to confirm information directly with the hospitals.

**Proximity and Major Players**

The area around ZIP code 44441, encompassing the Youngstown, Ohio region, is served by a network of hospitals. The flagship institutions, and those likely to be considered for complex lung cancer treatment, include Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital and University Hospitals (UH) – Portage Medical Center. Other hospitals, such as Trumbull Regional Medical Center, also offer care, but their scope of services may vary.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital is a major player in the region. It's a large, acute-care facility that offers a comprehensive range of services, including oncology. While its specific CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally hovers around a 3-star rating. This rating reflects overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience, as measured by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It's crucial to understand that CMS ratings are just one data point and should be considered alongside other factors.

St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital boasts a dedicated cancer center, which is essential for coordinated lung cancer treatment. This center likely houses medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons. The presence of a multidisciplinary team is a key indicator of a hospital's commitment to comprehensive cancer care. The hospital also likely has access to advanced diagnostic imaging, such as PET/CT scans, necessary for staging and monitoring lung cancer.

Emergency room wait times at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital are a critical consideration. While specific wait times fluctuate based on time of day and patient volume, you can often find average wait times on hospital websites or through third-party platforms. Shorter wait times are generally preferable, especially in emergency situations.

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important. St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital likely offers telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues. The availability and scope of these services should be verified directly with the hospital.

**University Hospitals (UH) – Portage Medical Center: Expanding Options**

University Hospitals (UH) – Portage Medical Center, while not located directly in Youngstown, is within a reasonable driving distance for many residents near 44441. It's part of the larger UH system, which is known for its specialized care. UH facilities often have a strong focus on research and innovation, which can translate to access to cutting-edge treatments.

UH Portage Medical Center's CMS star rating should be checked. The UH system as a whole often receives high ratings, but individual hospital ratings can vary. The hospital's cancer services should be thoroughly investigated. Does it have a dedicated cancer center? Does it offer multidisciplinary care? Is it affiliated with any major cancer research programs?

ER wait times are another critical factor. UH Portage Medical Center's average wait times should be compared to other hospitals in the area. Shorter wait times are often an indicator of efficient emergency room operations.

Telehealth is likely a significant component of UH Portage Medical Center's service offerings. The UH system has invested heavily in telehealth, providing patients with remote access to specialists and other healthcare providers. The availability of telehealth services for lung cancer patients should be confirmed, including the types of appointments offered (e.g., initial consultations, follow-up appointments, medication management).

**Trumbull Regional Medical Center: Local Care Options**

Trumbull Regional Medical Center, while not a flagship hospital, provides local healthcare services in the area. The hospital's cancer care capabilities should be assessed. Does it offer diagnostic services, such as CT scans and bronchoscopies? Does it have a medical oncology department? Does it offer chemotherapy and other treatments?

Trumbull Regional Medical Center's CMS star rating should be verified. The hospital's ER wait times should be compared to other local hospitals.

Telehealth services may be available, but the scope and availability should be confirmed.

**Specialized Lung Cancer Centers and Programs**

Beyond the general hospital offerings, it's crucial to investigate whether the hospitals near 44441 have specialized lung cancer programs or centers. These programs often have dedicated teams of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nurses. They may also offer access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.

Look for hospitals that are accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a program of the American College of Surgeons. CoC accreditation signifies that a hospital meets specific standards for cancer care, including a multidisciplinary approach, access to supportive services, and ongoing quality improvement.

**Access to Advanced Technologies**

The availability of advanced technologies is essential for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This includes:

* **Advanced Imaging:** PET/CT scans, MRI, and other advanced imaging techniques are crucial for staging lung cancer and monitoring treatment response.
* **Minimally Invasive Surgery:** Thoracic surgeons should offer minimally invasive surgical options, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which can lead to faster recovery times.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Hospitals should have access to advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which can deliver high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
* **Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy:** Access to the latest targeted therapies and immunotherapies is crucial for patients with specific genetic mutations.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant concern for patients experiencing symptoms of lung cancer or complications from treatment. Shorter wait times are generally preferable. Check hospital websites, third-party platforms (e.g., Healthgrades, Vitals), or call the hospitals directly to inquire about average ER wait times.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in cancer care. It can provide patients with convenient access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and medication management. Inquire about the availability of telehealth services for lung cancer patients, including:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Can you have a virtual consultation with your oncologist or other specialists?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Does the hospital offer remote monitoring of your vital signs or symptoms?
* **Medication Management:** Can you have your medications managed remotely?

**Insurance and Financial Considerations**

Before choosing a hospital, verify that it accepts your health insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm that the hospital and its physicians are in-network. Inquire about the hospital's financial assistance programs, if needed.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Consider the hospital's patient experience ratings. Look for hospitals with positive patient reviews and testimonials. Inquire about the availability of support services, such as:

* **Patient Navigators:** Patient navigators can help you navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.
* **Support Groups:** Support groups can provide emotional support and connect you with other patients.
* **Counseling Services:** Counseling services can help you cope with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
* **Palliative Care:** Palliative care can help manage pain and other symptoms.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. Consider all of the factors discussed in this review, including the hospital's CMS star rating, ER wait times, specialized cancer programs, access to advanced technologies, telehealth capabilities, and patient experience. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek second opinions. Discuss your options with your primary care physician and oncologist. Remember, the best hospital is the one that meets your individual needs and provides you with the highest quality of care.