44718, Canton, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44718, Canton, Ohio is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near Canton, Ohio (44718)

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Access to quality care, including specialized treatment centers, experienced physicians, and supportive services, becomes paramount. This review provides a detailed look at hospitals near the Canton, Ohio ZIP code of 44718, focusing on their lung cancer care capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options. While this information aims to be comprehensive, it is crucial to consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.

**Understanding the Landscape: Key Hospitals in the Region**

The 44718 ZIP code, encompassing parts of Canton and surrounding areas, offers several healthcare options. The most prominent hospitals in the vicinity include Aultman Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, and University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center, among others. Each hospital presents a unique approach to cancer care, with varying levels of specialization and resources.

**Aultman Hospital: A Community Focus with Cancer Expertise**

Aultman Hospital, located in Canton, is a major player in the local healthcare scene. While not a flagship hospital of a national system, Aultman boasts a robust cancer program. They offer a comprehensive cancer center, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. Their lung cancer program is well-regarded within the community, offering multidisciplinary care, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists.

Aultman Hospital has achieved a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a general assessment of quality, patient safety, and patient experience. It's important to remember that CMS ratings are just one metric among many.

Regarding ER wait times, data from CMS indicates that Aultman Hospital generally has wait times that are in line with, or slightly below, the national average. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume. Prospective patients should be prepared for potential waits.

Aultman has been investing in telehealth services, particularly in recent years. They offer virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling or prefer the convenience of remote care. Specific statistics on telehealth usage for lung cancer patients are not readily available, but the hospital is actively expanding its telehealth offerings.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital: A Regional Presence**

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, also located in Canton, is part of the broader Cleveland Clinic health system. This affiliation brings with it the potential for access to advanced resources and expertise. While not a flagship Cleveland Clinic facility, Mercy Hospital benefits from the system's established cancer care protocols and research initiatives.

Mercy Hospital’s cancer program offers a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They have a dedicated lung cancer program that provides a multidisciplinary approach to care, including access to specialists in pulmonology, thoracic surgery, and medical oncology.

Mercy Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital's ER wait times are generally comparable to those at Aultman, with fluctuations depending on various factors.

Mercy Hospital, as part of the Cleveland Clinic system, has a strong telehealth presence. They offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and access to specialists through telehealth platforms. They are actively expanding their telehealth offerings.

**University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center: A Branch of a Larger System**

UH Portage Medical Center, while not directly within the 44718 ZIP code, is a nearby hospital and part of the University Hospitals system, which includes the flagship UH Cleveland Medical Center. While UH Portage is not a primary cancer center, it can provide access to the resources of the larger UH system.

UH Portage offers cancer care services, including medical oncology and radiation oncology. Patients may be referred to UH Cleveland Medical Center for more specialized treatments or clinical trials.

UH Portage's CMS star rating is not readily available. ER wait times at UH Portage are generally comparable to those at the other hospitals mentioned.

UH Portage offers telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with specialists and receive follow-up care remotely. They are part of a larger system with a robust telehealth infrastructure.

**Delving Deeper: Specialty Centers and Advanced Treatments**

Beyond the general services, it's crucial to examine the availability of specialized lung cancer treatments. This includes access to advanced imaging techniques, such as PET/CT scans, and advanced surgical procedures, such as minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Aultman Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital both offer these advanced diagnostic and treatment options. They have access to advanced imaging equipment and experienced surgeons who perform minimally invasive procedures.

The availability of clinical trials is another important consideration. Clinical trials offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies. Both Aultman Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital may participate in clinical trials, either independently or through affiliations with larger research institutions.

**Telehealth: A Growing Force in Cancer Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in cancer care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. Telehealth can reduce travel burdens, improve access to specialists, and provide patients with greater convenience.

All three hospitals – Aultman, Cleveland Clinic Mercy, and UH Portage – have invested in telehealth infrastructure. They offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and access to specialists through telehealth platforms. The specific telehealth offerings may vary, so it's essential to inquire directly with each hospital about their telehealth services for lung cancer patients.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a critical factor, especially for patients experiencing symptoms or complications related to lung cancer. While the CMS data provides some insight, it is important to understand that wait times can fluctuate.

Aultman and Cleveland Clinic Mercy generally have wait times that are in line with, or slightly below, the national average. However, it's always advisable to call the hospital's ER before arriving to inquire about current wait times, especially during peak hours or on weekends. UH Portage's ER wait times are also worth considering.

**The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care**

Effective lung cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach. This means that patients should have access to a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care providers.

Aultman Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital both emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care. They have dedicated teams of specialists who work together to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of cancer care. This includes the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.

Aultman Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital both offer a range of support services for cancer patients. These services can help patients cope with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of cancer treatment.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. It's essential to consider factors such as the hospital's expertise, the availability of specialized treatments, the patient's insurance coverage, and the patient's personal preferences.

Patients should consult with their primary care physician and, if possible, seek a referral to a pulmonologist or oncologist. They should also research the hospitals in their area, including Aultman Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, and UH Portage Medical Center.

This review provides a starting point for this research. It's crucial to gather as much information as possible and to ask questions. Ultimately, the best hospital for lung cancer care is the one that best meets the individual needs of the patient.