44811, Bellevue, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44811, Bellevue, Ohio is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Bellevue, Ohio (ZIP Code 44811): A Comprehensive Review

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to quality healthcare, particularly specialized lung cancer care, is paramount. This review focuses on the hospitals closest to Bellevue, Ohio (ZIP code 44811), providing a fact-rich overview of their capabilities, focusing on factors crucial for lung cancer patients. This information is intended to be informative and should not replace the advice of a medical professional.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

Bellevue, Ohio, is situated in a region with a mix of community hospitals and larger tertiary care centers. The primary hospitals serving this area include Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky, Ohio, and Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk, Ohio. Both are within a reasonable driving distance and offer varying levels of care. Further afield, but within a practical travel radius, are larger hospitals in Cleveland and Toledo, offering specialized cancer centers.

**Firelands Regional Medical Center (Sandusky, OH):**

Firelands Regional Medical Center is a community hospital located approximately 20 miles from Bellevue. It holds a three-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a hospital's overall quality of care, based on various metrics. It’s important to understand that CMS ratings are just one measure, and patient experiences can vary.

Firelands offers a cancer center that provides a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Specific data regarding lung cancer outcomes, such as five-year survival rates for different stages, is not publicly available for this hospital. However, they are likely to be similar to the national average for community hospitals of this type.

ER wait times at Firelands Regional Medical Center are a critical factor for any patient, including those experiencing cancer-related emergencies. The average ER wait time is around 30-60 minutes, according to recent data. This is a reasonable wait time, but it can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Fisher-Titus Medical Center (Norwalk, OH):**

Fisher-Titus Medical Center, located approximately 15 miles from Bellevue, is another important option. This hospital also holds a three-star CMS rating. Like Firelands, Fisher-Titus provides cancer care services, including medical oncology and radiation therapy. The hospital may also offer surgical oncology services, but specific details should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

ER wait times at Fisher-Titus are typically in the same range as Firelands, often between 30-60 minutes. This is an important consideration for patients who may need prompt medical attention.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care: The Cleveland and Toledo Advantage:**

For more specialized lung cancer care, including access to advanced therapies and clinical trials, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals in Cleveland or Toledo. These centers often have dedicated lung cancer programs and multidisciplinary teams.

**University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center (Cleveland, OH):**

The University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland is a major cancer center. It is part of the University Hospitals system, a large network of hospitals and clinics. While CMS ratings are not directly applicable to the Seidman Cancer Center itself, University Hospitals overall has a strong reputation.

Seidman offers a comprehensive lung cancer program, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and pulmonology. They are likely to offer advanced diagnostic tools, such as advanced imaging and molecular testing, which can help determine the best course of treatment. They are also likely to be involved in clinical trials, providing access to cutting-edge therapies.

The Seidman Cancer Center boasts a multidisciplinary team approach, meaning that specialists from different fields (oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, radiologists, pathologists, and others) work together to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This collaborative approach is considered best practice in cancer care.

**Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute (Cleveland, OH):**

The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute is another leading cancer center in the Cleveland area. It is part of the renowned Cleveland Clinic health system. The Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

The Taussig Cancer Institute has a dedicated lung cancer program with a focus on research and innovation. They offer a wide range of services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and interventional pulmonology. They are also likely to be involved in clinical trials and offer access to the latest therapies.

The Cleveland Clinic has a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and offers various support services, such as counseling, support groups, and palliative care. They are known for their advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures.

**The Toledo Hospital (Toledo, OH):**

The Toledo Hospital, part of ProMedica, is a significant healthcare provider in the Toledo area, approximately 60 miles west of Bellevue. It offers a comprehensive cancer center that provides a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.

The Toledo Hospital is likely to have a multidisciplinary team approach to lung cancer care, similar to the Cleveland hospitals. They may also offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. Many hospitals offer telehealth services for follow-up appointments, consultations, and symptom management.

Firelands Regional Medical Center and Fisher-Titus Medical Center may offer some telehealth services, but the range of services may be more limited compared to larger hospitals. The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center are likely to have more robust telehealth programs, including virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of vital signs, and virtual support groups.

**Access to Clinical Trials:**

Access to clinical trials is crucial for lung cancer patients, as these trials can offer access to new and potentially life-saving therapies. The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center are major research institutions and are likely to have a wide range of clinical trials available for lung cancer patients. The Toledo Hospital may also participate in clinical trials. The smaller community hospitals may have limited access to clinical trials.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

Several factors should be considered when choosing a hospital for lung cancer care. These include:

* **Specialization:** Does the hospital have a dedicated lung cancer program with a multidisciplinary team?
* **Experience:** How many lung cancer patients does the hospital treat each year?
* **Technology:** Does the hospital have access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options?
* **Clinical Trials:** Does the hospital participate in clinical trials?
* **Support Services:** Does the hospital offer support services, such as counseling, support groups, and palliative care?
* **Patient Reviews:** Research patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the quality of care and patient experience.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.

**Making an Informed Decision:**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. Patients in the Bellevue, Ohio area have several options, ranging from community hospitals to major cancer centers. Thoroughly research the hospitals, considering the factors mentioned above, and consult with your primary care physician and oncologist to make an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification from the healthcare providers. Remember that the best hospital is the one that provides the highest quality of care and supports your overall well-being throughout your cancer journey.