20695, White Plains, Maryland Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 20695, White Plains, Maryland is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Deep Dive for Residents Near ZIP Code 20695

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer care is a critical decision. For residents near ZIP code 20695, which encompasses Waldorf, Maryland, several prominent healthcare institutions offer specialized services. This review provides a detailed look at the key players, focusing on factors vital to informed decision-making, including hospital quality ratings, wait times, and the availability of advanced treatments.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The primary hospitals serving the 20695 area are located in Charles County and the surrounding metropolitan areas. While smaller community hospitals offer basic services, residents often seek more specialized care at larger facilities with dedicated oncology programs. Proximity to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore opens up access to a wider range of options.

**MedStar St. Mary's Hospital (Leonardtown, MD)**

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, located a short drive south of Waldorf, is a key healthcare provider for the region. While not a flagship cancer center, it offers a range of services relevant to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The hospital's website highlights its urology services, which include diagnosis and management of prostate conditions.

Unfortunately, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings for MedStar St. Mary's are not readily available. However, patients can access the hospital's performance data on the CMS Hospital Compare website. The Hospital Compare website provides information on quality measures, patient experience, and safety.

**University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (La Plata, MD)**

Located closer to Waldorf, the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center is another option. This hospital provides comprehensive medical services, including urology. Patients can expect to find diagnostic capabilities and treatment options for prostate cancer.

Similar to MedStar St. Mary's, publicly available CMS star ratings for this hospital are not easily accessible. However, patients can consult the CMS Hospital Compare website for detailed information.

**Flagship Hospitals: Expanding the Search**

For advanced care and specialized expertise, residents often look beyond their immediate vicinity. Several flagship hospitals in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas offer comprehensive prostate cancer programs.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD)**

Johns Hopkins Hospital, a world-renowned institution, is a leading center for prostate cancer care. The hospital's Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, a designation that signifies a commitment to research, prevention, and treatment. Johns Hopkins consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation for cancer care.

Johns Hopkins Hospital currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. The hospital's urology department offers a wide range of services, including robotic surgery, radiation therapy, and advanced imaging techniques.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Washington, D.C.)**

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is another prominent option. This hospital's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is also an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care, with specialists from urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology working collaboratively.

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital also holds a 4-star rating from CMS. The hospital's urology department provides a comprehensive range of services, including advanced surgical techniques, chemotherapy, and clinical trials.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, VA)**

Inova Fairfax Hospital, located in nearby Virginia, is a major healthcare provider in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The Inova Schar Cancer Institute provides comprehensive cancer care, including specialized prostate cancer treatment.

Inova Fairfax Hospital also boasts a 4-star rating from CMS. The hospital's urology department offers a full spectrum of services, including minimally invasive surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

**Key Considerations: ER Wait Times and Telehealth**

Beyond overall hospital quality, several practical considerations are crucial for patients.

**ER Wait Times:** Access to timely care is essential, especially in emergencies. While ER wait times can fluctuate, it is important to consider them. Publicly available data on ER wait times is often accessible through hospital websites or the CMS Hospital Compare website. However, this data is usually an average, so individual experiences may vary.

**Telehealth:** Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Many hospitals now offer telehealth options for urology and oncology patients. Johns Hopkins, MedStar Georgetown, and Inova Fairfax Hospital all offer telehealth services. Patients can often schedule virtual appointments through their patient portals or by contacting the hospital directly.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Treatments**

The availability of specialty centers and advanced treatments is a significant factor in selecting a hospital.

**Robotic Surgery:** Minimally invasive robotic surgery is a common treatment option for prostate cancer. Johns Hopkins, MedStar Georgetown, and Inova Fairfax Hospital all offer robotic surgery programs.

**Radiation Therapy:** Advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), are also available at these major hospitals.

**Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with cutting-edge treatment options. Johns Hopkins, MedStar Georgetown, and Inova Fairfax Hospital all conduct clinical trials for prostate cancer.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Patient experience is a crucial factor. Hospitals often provide support services, such as support groups, patient navigators, and educational resources. Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Accessing Information and Making a Decision**

The CMS Hospital Compare website (www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare) is an invaluable resource for comparing hospitals. The website provides information on quality measures, patient experience, and safety.

**Conclusion**

For residents near ZIP code 20695, several excellent options exist for prostate cancer care. While local hospitals like MedStar St. Mary's and University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center provide essential services, flagship hospitals such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and Inova Fairfax Hospital offer a higher level of specialization, advanced treatments, and research opportunities. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and the factors outlined in this review when making their decision. Consulting with a primary care physician or urologist is essential for personalized guidance.