44621, Dennison, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44621, Dennison, Ohio is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Carrollton, OH (ZIP Code 44621): A Critical Review

Finding the best lung cancer care near Carrollton, Ohio (ZIP code 44621) requires a nuanced understanding of available resources. This review delves into the hospitals in the surrounding area, focusing on their capabilities, performance metrics, and accessibility for patients facing this challenging disease. The goal is to provide a fact-rich assessment to aid in informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Carrollton, Ohio, is a rural community, and the immediate vicinity offers limited specialized healthcare. Therefore, patients in this area will likely need to travel for comprehensive lung cancer treatment. The primary hubs for advanced medical care are found in Canton, Akron, and potentially Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, each presenting a unique set of options.

**A Focus on Flagship Hospitals: Assessing Performance**

**Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH):** Located approximately 25 miles from Carrollton, Aultman Hospital is a major contender. It holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating isn't the highest possible, it indicates a hospital performing at or above the national average.

Aultman's cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This accreditation signifies adherence to rigorous standards of care, including multidisciplinary treatment planning, access to clinical trials, and comprehensive support services. They have a dedicated cancer center that often includes a thoracic surgery unit.

**Cleveland Clinic Akron General (Akron, OH):** Roughly 50 miles from Carrollton, Cleveland Clinic Akron General offers another viable option. It is part of the larger Cleveland Clinic health system, known for its specialized care. CMS data shows Akron General with a 4-star rating, indicating a higher level of performance compared to Aultman.

Akron General benefits from its affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic, which has a renowned reputation for cancer care. This connection provides access to advanced technologies, research, and a wide range of specialists. The hospital’s cancer program offers comprehensive services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh, PA):** While slightly further afield (approximately 70-80 miles), UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside in Pittsburgh offers another option. It is a flagship hospital within the UPMC system. UPMC hospitals generally have strong reputations for cancer care. However, specific CMS star ratings for this particular hospital can fluctuate, so it's crucial to check the most current data.

UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside boasts a comprehensive cancer center with advanced treatment options, including cutting-edge radiation therapy techniques and access to clinical trials. Their thoracic surgery department is highly regarded.

**Delving into Specifics: ER Wait Times and Telehealth**

**ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing complications related to lung cancer. The average ER wait times can vary significantly between hospitals and even fluctuate throughout the day. Real-time wait times are often available on hospital websites or through third-party apps. However, it's essential to consider these as estimates.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman's ER wait times can vary. Checking their website or using a service like Google can provide real-time estimates.

**Cleveland Clinic Akron General:** As part of a large health system, Akron General often provides readily available information on ER wait times through its website and the MyClevelandClinic patient portal.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** Similar to Akron General, UPMC often publishes ER wait times on its website and through its patient portal, MyUPMC.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for cancer patients, offering convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years, offering virtual appointments for various specialties, including oncology. Check their website for specific telehealth services.

**Cleveland Clinic Akron General:** The Cleveland Clinic system is a leader in telehealth. Akron General offers a robust telehealth platform, allowing patients to connect with their care teams remotely for consultations, medication management, and supportive care.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC also has a well-developed telehealth program. Patients can access virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other services through the MyUPMC portal.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise: Key Considerations**

**Thoracic Surgery:** Lung cancer treatment often involves surgery. Assessing the expertise of thoracic surgeons at each hospital is essential. Look for surgeons with extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which can lead to faster recovery times.

**Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists are crucial in developing and administering chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Evaluate the hospital's access to the latest cancer drugs and clinical trials.

**Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy is a common treatment modality. Assess the availability of advanced radiation techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which can precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman has a dedicated cancer center with a team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. They offer a range of treatment options.

**Cleveland Clinic Akron General:** Akron General benefits from its connection to the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center. This provides access to a vast network of specialists, cutting-edge technologies, and clinical trials.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside has a renowned cancer center with a strong reputation for thoracic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. They offer a wide array of advanced treatment options.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments**

Access to clinical trials is vital for lung cancer patients, providing opportunities to participate in research and potentially benefit from innovative therapies.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman's cancer program often participates in clinical trials, offering patients access to promising new treatments.

**Cleveland Clinic Akron General:** The Cleveland Clinic system is a major center for clinical trials. Akron General patients have access to a wide range of research studies.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is also a major participant in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies.

**Support Services: A Holistic Approach**

Lung cancer treatment involves not only medical care but also a range of support services, including:

* **Patient navigation:** Assistance with navigating the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and accessing resources.
* **Support groups:** Opportunities to connect with other patients and share experiences.
* **Nutritional counseling:** Guidance on maintaining a healthy diet during treatment.
* **Psychological support:** Counseling and therapy to address the emotional challenges of cancer.
* **Financial assistance:** Information and resources to help with the financial burden of cancer care.

**Evaluating Support Services:**

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman offers a range of support services, including patient navigation, support groups, and counseling.

**Cleveland Clinic Akron General:** The Cleveland Clinic system provides comprehensive support services, including patient navigation, support groups, nutritional counseling, and psychological support.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside also offers a wide array of support services, including patient navigation, support groups, and counseling.

**Making an Informed Decision: Key Takeaways**

Choosing the best lung cancer care near Carrollton, OH, requires careful consideration of the factors discussed above.

* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to each hospital and the potential impact on travel time and convenience.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the sole determinant, CMS star ratings provide a general indication of hospital performance.
* **Accreditations:** Look for hospitals accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
* **Specialty Expertise:** Evaluate the expertise of thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Assess the availability of telehealth services for convenient access to care.
* **Clinical Trials:** Determine the hospital's participation in clinical trials.
* **Support Services:** Evaluate the availability of comprehensive support services.

By carefully considering these factors, patients and their families can make informed decisions about their lung cancer care, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and support. It is recommended to consult with a primary care physician or a pulmonologist for personalized recommendations.