41271, Williamsport, Kentucky Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 41271, Williamsport, Kentucky is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Prostate Cancer Care in the Vicinity of ZIP Code 41271: A Comprehensive Review**

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to high-quality healthcare. For residents near ZIP code 41271 (which corresponds to Salyersville, Kentucky, and surrounding areas), the options are somewhat limited geographically, but it's crucial to understand the available resources. This review examines the hospitals and healthcare facilities within a reasonable radius, focusing on their prostate cancer care capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings.

**Proximity and Key Hospitals**

The immediate area around Salyersville is primarily served by smaller community hospitals. Larger, more specialized facilities are located further afield, requiring travel. This geographic reality shapes the healthcare landscape for prostate cancer patients in this region.

**Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center (Pikeville, KY):** Located approximately 60 miles from Salyersville, Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center is a vital healthcare provider for the region. It is a critical access hospital, a designation that reflects its importance in serving a rural community. The hospital offers urology services, which are crucial for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The availability of a urologist is a fundamental requirement for providing comprehensive care. While specific CMS star ratings can fluctuate, it is essential to check the latest ratings on the CMS website to assess the hospital's overall quality. ER wait times are a significant factor in patient satisfaction and access to care. The hospital's website or local healthcare resources should provide current ER wait time data.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV):** Situated about 100 miles northeast of Salyersville, Cabell Huntington Hospital is a larger, more specialized facility. It is a Level II trauma center and offers a broader range of medical services. The hospital is affiliated with the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, which often indicates a commitment to research and advanced medical practices. Cabell Huntington Hospital has a dedicated cancer center, which is crucial for prostate cancer care. The cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. This integrated approach is considered best practice for treating prostate cancer. The hospital’s CMS star rating, available on the CMS website, is a key indicator of its overall quality. ER wait times are another important metric to consider. The hospital’s website and other online resources will provide this information.

**King’s Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** Located approximately 80 miles northeast of Salyersville, King’s Daughters Medical Center is another major regional healthcare provider. The hospital offers a comprehensive cancer center, which is essential for prostate cancer patients. The cancer center likely provides medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. The hospital's CMS star rating, available on the CMS website, is a critical indicator of quality. ER wait times are another important consideration. The hospital’s website and other online resources will provide this information.

**Specialty Centers and Prostate Cancer Treatment Modalities**

The presence of a dedicated cancer center is a significant advantage for prostate cancer patients. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The availability of advanced treatment modalities is a critical factor in determining the quality of care.

**Surgical Options:** Prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate, is a common treatment for localized prostate cancer. The availability of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted prostatectomy, can lead to faster recovery times and reduced complications. The hospitals in the region should be assessed for their capabilities in this area.

**Radiation Therapy:** Radiation therapy is another common treatment option for prostate cancer. External beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy (internal radiation) are used to target cancer cells. The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), can improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.

**Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists play a vital role in treating advanced prostate cancer. They administer chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other systemic treatments. Access to experienced medical oncologists is crucial for patients with advanced disease.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel.

**Telehealth Services:** The availability of telehealth services for prostate cancer patients can improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. Patients should inquire about the telehealth capabilities of the hospitals and clinics in the region.

**Remote Monitoring:** Remote monitoring technologies, such as wearable devices, can be used to track patient symptoms and vital signs. This information can be shared with healthcare providers, allowing for proactive management of side effects and complications.

**ER Wait Times and Patient Experience**

ER wait times are a critical factor in patient satisfaction and access to care. Long wait times can be stressful and delay the initiation of treatment.

**ER Wait Time Data:** Patients should check the ER wait times of the hospitals in the region. This information is often available on the hospital’s website or through online healthcare resources.

**Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by a hospital. Patients should review online ratings and reviews to gain a better understanding of the patient experience.

**Additional Considerations**

**Insurance Coverage:** Patients should verify that the hospitals and clinics in the region accept their insurance plan.

**Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services, can improve the overall patient experience.

**Clinical Trials:** Patients with advanced prostate cancer may be eligible for clinical trials. The availability of clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Conclusion**

For residents near ZIP code 41271, prostate cancer care requires careful consideration of available resources. While the immediate area may have limited options, the regional hospitals, such as Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center, Cabell Huntington Hospital, and King’s Daughters Medical Center, offer important services. Patients should research the hospitals' CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. A proactive approach, including seeking second opinions and consulting with multiple healthcare providers, is recommended to ensure the best possible care. The journey through prostate cancer treatment can be complex, and understanding the available resources is crucial for making informed decisions and achieving the best possible outcomes.