02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Prostate Cancer Care in Southeastern Massachusetts: A Review for Residents Near 02717**

Finding the best prostate cancer care requires careful consideration of hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility. This review examines the landscape of prostate cancer treatment options for residents near ZIP code 02717 (Attleboro, Massachusetts), focusing on nearby hospitals and their key performance indicators.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

Several major hospitals in the region offer comprehensive prostate cancer services. These institutions often serve as regional hubs for advanced medical care. One critical metric for evaluating hospital quality is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating. This rating system, ranging from one to five stars, provides a general overview of a hospital's performance across various quality measures.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital (Attleboro, MA):** Located directly within the 02717 ZIP code, Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a community hospital that offers prostate cancer screening and treatment options. While it may not have the same breadth of specialized services as larger academic medical centers, it provides convenient access to care for local residents. CMS data should be consulted to determine its most recent star rating, which can fluctuate.

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI):** A short drive from Attleboro, Rhode Island Hospital is a major teaching hospital and part of Lifespan, a large healthcare system. It typically has a high CMS star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety. Rhode Island Hospital's cancer center is a significant regional resource, often equipped with advanced technologies and a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

**Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA):** While further afield, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston is a world-renowned institution with an exceptional reputation for cancer care. MGH consistently receives high CMS star ratings and is a leader in prostate cancer research and treatment. Its specialized prostate cancer center offers cutting-edge therapies and access to clinical trials. However, the distance and potential for higher costs are factors to consider.

**Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA):** Another flagship hospital in Boston, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is closely affiliated with Harvard Medical School and is a major player in cancer care. BWH also has a strong CMS star rating and a comprehensive cancer center that provides advanced prostate cancer treatment options. Similar to MGH, the distance and associated costs are important considerations.

**Specialty Centers and Specialized Services**

Beyond general hospital ratings, it's crucial to examine the availability of specialized services for prostate cancer. These services include advanced imaging, radiation therapy, surgical expertise, and access to clinical trials.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** The hospital's cancer center often has a dedicated urology department with specialists experienced in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. They typically offer advanced imaging techniques like multiparametric MRI and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET scans, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging. Rhode Island Hospital likely has a radiation oncology department with advanced radiation therapy options, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

**Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital:** Both hospitals excel in specialized prostate cancer care. They often have dedicated prostate cancer centers staffed by urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists. These centers typically offer the latest technologies, including robotic-assisted surgery, advanced radiation therapy techniques, and access to clinical trials for novel therapies. These hospitals are often at the forefront of prostate cancer research, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** While Sturdy Memorial may not have the same level of specialized services as the larger hospitals, it likely offers basic prostate cancer screening and treatment options, including surgery. Residents should inquire about referrals to specialists at larger hospitals if more advanced care is needed.

**ER Wait Times and Hospital Accessibility**

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor for overall hospital accessibility. Shorter wait times can be a sign of efficient operations and prompt care.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Due to its large size and high patient volume, ER wait times can vary. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER.

**Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital:** As major teaching hospitals, ER wait times at MGH and BWH can also be variable. Patients should check wait times before going to the emergency room.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** As a community hospital, Sturdy Memorial may have shorter ER wait times compared to the larger Boston hospitals.

**Telehealth and Remote Care Options**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. Hospitals are expanding their telehealth capabilities to improve patient access and convenience.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Lifespan, the parent organization of Rhode Island Hospital, likely offers telehealth services for certain appointments, including follow-up consultations with oncologists and urologists.

**Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital:** Both hospitals have robust telehealth programs, allowing patients to connect with their providers remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and other non-urgent care.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** Sturdy Memorial may offer telehealth options for certain services, but the scope may be more limited compared to the larger hospitals.

**Additional Considerations**

Beyond the factors discussed above, several other considerations are important when choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care.

**Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Research patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of other patients. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide valuable information.

**Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

**Physician Expertise:** Research the experience and credentials of the urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists who will be involved in your care.

**Support Services:** Inquire about the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services.

**Conclusion**

For residents near ZIP code 02717, the choice of hospital for prostate cancer care depends on individual needs and preferences. Sturdy Memorial Hospital offers local access to care, while Rhode Island Hospital provides a nearby regional center with advanced services. Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, though further away, offer world-class care and cutting-edge treatments. Careful consideration of CMS star ratings, specialized services, ER wait times, telehealth options, and other factors will help residents make informed decisions about their prostate cancer care.