32174, Ormond Beach, Florida Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 32174, Ormond Beach, Florida is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Prostate Cancer Care in the Vicinity of ZIP Code 32174: A Comprehensive Review**

Finding the best prostate cancer care requires careful consideration of several factors, including hospital quality, specialist expertise, treatment options, and accessibility. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 32174 (Palm Coast, Florida), providing a fact-based assessment to aid in informed decision-making.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality measures. These ratings offer a general overview of a hospital's performance.

AdventHealth Palm Coast, located within ZIP code 32174, is a primary healthcare provider. As of the most recent data, its CMS star rating is a 3-star rating. This rating reflects its overall performance across various quality metrics.

For more specialized care, residents often look to larger hospitals in the surrounding areas. UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, approximately 80 miles west, is a major referral center. While its CMS star rating fluctuates, it typically ranks among the higher-rated hospitals in Florida.

**Specialty Centers and Prostate Cancer Expertise**

Specialty centers often house a concentration of expertise and advanced technology.

AdventHealth Palm Coast offers urology services, providing initial diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer. However, for complex cases or advanced treatments, patients may be referred to specialized centers.

UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville boasts a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated urology department. They offer a full range of prostate cancer treatments, including robotic surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Their specialists are often at the forefront of clinical trials and research.

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, about 70 miles north, is another highly regarded option. Their cancer center is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from various specialties to develop personalized treatment plans. They have a strong reputation for advanced surgical techniques and innovative therapies.

**Treatment Options and Technologies**

The availability of various treatment options is crucial for tailoring care to individual needs.

AdventHealth Palm Coast offers standard treatments like prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) and radiation therapy.

UF Health Shands Hospital provides a broader spectrum of treatments, including minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery, brachytherapy (internal radiation), external beam radiation therapy, and systemic therapies like chemotherapy and hormone therapy. They are also actively involved in clinical trials, offering access to cutting-edge treatments.

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville offers a similar range of options, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive approaches and personalized medicine. Their expertise in proton therapy, a highly targeted form of radiation, is particularly noteworthy.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility**

Emergency room wait times can be a critical factor in healthcare access.

AdventHealth Palm Coast's ER wait times are generally within the average range for hospitals in the area. It's important to note that wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

UF Health Shands Hospital, being a larger tertiary care center, may experience longer ER wait times, especially during peak hours.

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville also has a busy ER, and wait times can fluctuate.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for convenient access to care.

AdventHealth Palm Coast offers telehealth options for certain follow-up appointments and consultations.

UF Health Shands Hospital has a robust telehealth program, providing remote consultations, monitoring, and support services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues.

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville has a well-established telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources. They are committed to expanding their telehealth capabilities to improve patient access and convenience.

**Insurance Coverage and Cost Considerations**

Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs are essential factors in healthcare decisions.

AdventHealth Palm Coast accepts a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should verify their coverage with their insurance provider before seeking care.

UF Health Shands Hospital and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville also accept most major insurance plans. However, the cost of care can be higher at these larger, specialized centers. Patients should inquire about the cost of specific services and procedures and explore financial assistance options if needed.

**Patient Reviews and Satisfaction**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

Online review platforms such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews offer a glimpse into patient experiences. It's important to consider a variety of reviews and look for patterns in the feedback.

AdventHealth Palm Coast generally receives positive reviews for its patient care and staff.

UF Health Shands Hospital and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville also receive generally positive reviews, with patients often praising the expertise of the physicians and the quality of care. However, some patients may express concerns about wait times or the complexity of navigating a large healthcare system.

**Research and Clinical Trials**

Access to clinical trials and research opportunities can be a significant advantage for patients.

UF Health Shands Hospital is actively involved in prostate cancer research and offers access to clinical trials for eligible patients.

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville also conducts extensive research and offers clinical trials for various cancers, including prostate cancer.

**Specific Prostate Cancer Treatment Considerations**

The choice of treatment depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.

For early-stage, localized prostate cancer, options may include active surveillance (monitoring the cancer without immediate treatment), surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy (external beam or brachytherapy), or cryotherapy (freezing the cancer cells).

For more advanced or aggressive cancers, treatment may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.

**The Role of the Urologist**

The urologist plays a central role in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of prostate cancer. They perform diagnostic tests, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, digital rectal exams, and biopsies. They also recommend and administer treatment, and provide follow-up care to monitor for recurrence or side effects.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the best hospital for prostate cancer care requires careful consideration of the factors discussed above. Residents of ZIP code 32174 have several options, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

AdventHealth Palm Coast provides local access to care, while UF Health Shands Hospital and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville offer specialized expertise and advanced treatment options.

Patients should consult with their primary care physician, gather information from various sources, and discuss their options with a urologist to make an informed decision that aligns with their individual needs and preferences.