44449, North Benton, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44449, North Benton, Ohio is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Salem, Ohio: A Scorecard for Patients

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision, demanding careful consideration of factors ranging from specialized expertise to accessibility. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near Salem, Ohio (ZIP code 44449), focusing on key metrics relevant to lung cancer care. While no single hospital can be definitively crowned "best," this analysis aims to empower patients with the information needed to make informed choices.

**Proximity and Major Players**

The immediate vicinity of Salem, Ohio, offers a limited selection of major hospitals. Residents often look to nearby metropolitan areas like Youngstown and Akron for more comprehensive healthcare options. This review will primarily focus on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging that travel time and patient preference play a significant role in selecting a provider.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality measures. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, offer a general indicator of overall hospital performance. It's important to remember that CMS ratings are just one data point and shouldn't be the sole determinant of hospital selection, especially for specialized conditions like lung cancer.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital** is a significant regional player, located approximately 30 minutes from Salem. As of the latest available data, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital has a CMS star rating. This rating reflects its performance across several categories, including patient experience, safety, and readmission rates.

**Akron General Medical Center**, part of Cleveland Clinic, is located approximately an hour from Salem. It is a large, comprehensive hospital that often provides a wide array of services, including cancer care. As of the latest available data, Akron General Medical Center has a CMS star rating.

**Cleveland Clinic Main Campus** is a world-renowned medical center, approximately 1.5 hours from Salem. While the travel distance is significant, the Cleveland Clinic's reputation for excellence in cancer care, particularly its specialized lung cancer programs, often makes it a consideration for patients seeking advanced treatment options. The Cleveland Clinic has a CMS star rating.

**ER Wait Times: A Proxy for Access**

Emergency room wait times can be an indirect indicator of overall hospital efficiency and resource availability. While not directly related to lung cancer treatment, shorter wait times can suggest a hospital's ability to handle urgent medical needs, potentially impacting access to care.

Data on ER wait times is dynamic and varies depending on the time of day, day of the week, and patient volume. However, real-time wait time data is often available on hospital websites or through third-party platforms.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

The presence of dedicated specialty centers and experienced medical professionals is crucial for lung cancer treatment. These centers often offer multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and specialized nurses, all working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital** has a cancer center that provides comprehensive cancer care, including lung cancer treatment. Patients should inquire about the specific expertise and experience of the medical team in treating lung cancer.

**Akron General Medical Center** has a cancer center that offers a range of cancer services. Patients should investigate the specific lung cancer programs, including access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.

**The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center** is a leading center for cancer care, offering a wide range of specialized programs and advanced treatment options. The Cleveland Clinic's lung cancer program is particularly well-regarded, with a focus on multidisciplinary care, advanced imaging techniques, and access to clinical trials.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring of patients. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.

**Mercy Health** offers telehealth services, including virtual visits with specialists. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options for lung cancer care, such as virtual follow-up appointments or remote monitoring of symptoms.

**Cleveland Clinic** has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring options. Patients should explore the availability of telehealth services for lung cancer care, including access to specialists and remote symptom management.

**Surgical Options and Thoracic Surgeons**

Surgical intervention is often a critical component of lung cancer treatment. The availability of skilled thoracic surgeons and advanced surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures, is essential.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital** has thoracic surgeons on staff who perform lung cancer surgeries. Patients should inquire about the surgeons' experience and expertise in performing different surgical procedures, including minimally invasive techniques.

**Akron General Medical Center** has thoracic surgeons who perform lung cancer surgeries. Patients should investigate the surgeons' experience and the availability of advanced surgical options.

**The Cleveland Clinic** is known for its highly skilled thoracic surgeons and its expertise in advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures and robotic-assisted surgery.

**Radiation Oncology Capabilities**

Radiation therapy is another crucial treatment modality for lung cancer. The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), can improve treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital** has radiation oncology services, providing radiation therapy for lung cancer. Patients should inquire about the availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques.

**Akron General Medical Center** has radiation oncology services, including advanced radiation therapy techniques. Patients should investigate the availability of specific treatment options.

**The Cleveland Clinic** has a comprehensive radiation oncology department, offering a full range of advanced radiation therapy techniques.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

Medical oncologists are responsible for developing and administering chemotherapy and other systemic therapies for lung cancer. Access to experienced medical oncologists and a comprehensive chemotherapy program is crucial.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital** has medical oncologists who provide chemotherapy and other systemic therapies for lung cancer. Patients should inquire about the oncologists' experience and the availability of advanced treatment options.

**Akron General Medical Center** has medical oncologists who provide chemotherapy and other systemic therapies. Patients should investigate the availability of advanced treatment options and access to clinical trials.

**The Cleveland Clinic** has a large and experienced medical oncology team, offering a wide range of chemotherapy and targeted therapies, as well as access to clinical trials.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in lung cancer care. Hospitals with active research programs and a commitment to clinical trials are often at the forefront of innovation.

**The Cleveland Clinic** is a major research institution and has an active clinical trials program, offering patients access to a wide range of experimental therapies.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare. Hospitals that prioritize patient satisfaction, offer comprehensive support services, and provide clear communication are often preferred by patients.

**All hospitals mentioned** offer patient support services. Inquire about patient navigators, support groups, and other resources that can help patients and their families cope with the challenges of lung cancer.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage**

The cost of lung cancer treatment can be significant. Patients should inquire about the hospital's financial assistance programs, insurance coverage, and payment options.

**All hospitals mentioned** accept a variety of insurance plans. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and understand their out-of-pocket expenses before starting treatment.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment requires careful consideration of various factors. While the immediate vicinity of Salem, Ohio, offers limited options, residents have access to several hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, including Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Akron General Medical Center, and the Cleveland Clinic. Each hospital offers different strengths and resources. Patients should thoroughly research each hospital, considering the factors outlined in this review, and consult with their physicians to make an informed decision that best meets their individual needs and preferences. This is a journey, and the best hospital is the one that provides the best care for *you*.