06770, Naugatuck, Connecticut Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 06770, Naugatuck, Connecticut is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care Near Watertown, CT (ZIP Code 06770): A Scorecard

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Finding the right care, close to home, is crucial. This review analyzes hospitals near Watertown, CT (ZIP code 06770), focusing on their prostate cancer services, accessibility, and overall quality, to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" for each. This score considers factors like hospital ratings, wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The immediate area surrounding Watertown, CT, offers a mix of community hospitals and larger, regional medical centers. Proximity to cities like Waterbury and New Haven expands the available options. The focus here is on facilities easily accessible to residents of 06770, considering both distance and ease of access.

**Key Considerations for Prostate Cancer Care:**

Effective prostate cancer treatment demands a multidisciplinary approach. This includes expert urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and support staff. Access to advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and clinical trials are vital. The hospitals reviewed are assessed based on these criteria.

**Hospital Profiles and Prostate Cancer Scores:**

**1. Saint Mary's Hospital (Waterbury, CT):**

Saint Mary's Hospital, located in Waterbury, is a key player in the region. It's a member of Trinity Health Of New England. Saint Mary's has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, considering factors like patient safety, effectiveness of care, and readmission rates. While not the highest rating, it indicates a baseline level of care.

Saint Mary's offers a urology department that handles prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The hospital provides various treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. They have a dedicated cancer center. Specific details on their prostate cancer program, such as the number of prostatectomies performed annually or the availability of advanced radiation techniques like brachytherapy, are not readily available in publicly accessible data.

ER wait times at Saint Mary's, according to recent data, average around 20-30 minutes. This is a factor for patients needing urgent care related to their cancer treatment. Telehealth options are available, but specific details on their urology or oncology telehealth services are not easily found.

**Prostate Cancer Score (Saint Mary's): 6/10** (Reflecting good local accessibility, a decent CMS rating, and a full-service cancer center, but lacking specific program details and limited telehealth information.)

**2. Waterbury Hospital (Waterbury, CT):**

Waterbury Hospital, also in Waterbury, is another option. It is part of Prospect Medical Holdings. Waterbury Hospital has a 2-star rating from CMS. This rating suggests some areas for improvement in overall hospital quality.

Waterbury Hospital provides urology services and offers prostate cancer treatments. Information on their specific prostate cancer program, including the availability of advanced treatments or the number of cases treated, is limited.

ER wait times at Waterbury Hospital can fluctuate, but are generally in the range of 30-45 minutes. Telehealth options are available, but information on urology or oncology-specific telehealth services is limited.

**Prostate Cancer Score (Waterbury Hospital): 5/10** (Reflecting local accessibility, a lower CMS rating, and limited public information on their prostate cancer program.)

**3. Yale New Haven Hospital (New Haven, CT):**

Yale New Haven Hospital, a flagship hospital, is located further afield but is a major regional center. It is a highly regarded institution and is a teaching hospital. Yale New Haven Hospital consistently receives high ratings, with a 5-star CMS rating. This indicates a commitment to high-quality care.

Yale New Haven Hospital boasts a comprehensive cancer center, the Smilow Cancer Hospital, which is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center. This designation signifies a high level of research, clinical trials, and specialized care. Their urology department is renowned. They offer a full spectrum of prostate cancer treatments, including robotic surgery, advanced radiation therapy (e.g., IMRT, IGRT, brachytherapy), and access to cutting-edge clinical trials.

Yale New Haven's Smilow Cancer Hospital offers specialized prostate cancer clinics and multidisciplinary teams. They also provide robust support services, including patient navigation, support groups, and survivorship programs.

ER wait times at Yale New Haven can be longer, often exceeding an hour, due to its high patient volume. Telehealth services are widely available, including urology and oncology consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**Prostate Cancer Score (Yale New Haven Hospital): 9/10** (Reflecting its exceptional CMS rating, comprehensive cancer center, access to advanced treatments, and robust telehealth options, despite longer ER wait times and greater distance.)

**4. The Hospital of Central Connecticut (New Britain, CT):**

The Hospital of Central Connecticut, part of Hartford HealthCare, is another regional option. It is located further afield than Waterbury, but is still accessible. It has a 3-star CMS rating.

The Hospital of Central Connecticut has a cancer center that offers urology services and prostate cancer treatment. They offer a range of treatment options, including surgery and radiation therapy. Specific details on their prostate cancer program are not readily available.

ER wait times at The Hospital of Central Connecticut are typically in the 30-45 minute range. Telehealth services are available, including some oncology services.

**Prostate Cancer Score (The Hospital of Central Connecticut): 6.5/10** (Reflecting a good CMS rating, access to a cancer center, and available telehealth, though specific program details are limited.)

**5. Hartford Hospital (Hartford, CT):**

Hartford Hospital, another Hartford HealthCare facility, is a major regional medical center. It has a 4-star CMS rating.

Hartford Hospital has a comprehensive cancer center that offers a full range of prostate cancer services. They provide access to advanced treatments, including robotic surgery, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. The hospital's urology department is well-regarded.

ER wait times at Hartford Hospital can vary, but are generally in the 45-60 minute range. Telehealth services are available, including urology and oncology consultations.

**Prostate Cancer Score (Hartford Hospital): 8/10** (Reflecting its high CMS rating, comprehensive cancer center, access to advanced treatments, and good telehealth options.)

**Telehealth Considerations:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in cancer care. It allows for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, which can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility issues. Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital appear to offer the most robust telehealth services in the region.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

The presence of specialized prostate cancer centers or programs, such as those offering robotic surgery or advanced radiation therapy, is a significant advantage. Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital are leaders in this area.

**Accessibility and Travel Time:**

The hospitals in Waterbury offer the most immediate access. However, Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital, while further away, offer superior specialized care. Travel time is a critical factor, so patients should consider their ability to travel for appointments and treatments.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of 06770 seeking prostate cancer care, Saint Mary's and Waterbury Hospital offer convenient local options. However, Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital, while further away, provide access to more advanced treatments, specialized programs, and higher-rated care. The best choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and the stage and complexity of the cancer. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians and urologists to determine the most appropriate care plan. Thorough research, including consultations with specialists, is essential in making informed decisions about prostate cancer treatment.