21155, Upperco, Maryland Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 21155, Upperco, Maryland is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 21155

Finding the right hospital for prostate cancer care is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 21155 (Westminster, Maryland) and provides a fact-based assessment of their capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. The information is intended to help patients and their families make informed choices.

**Proximity and Core Hospitals**

The immediate vicinity of 21155 is primarily served by Carroll Hospital, a member of LifeBridge Health. However, the proximity to Baltimore City and surrounding areas opens access to a wider range of facilities. Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center, both flagship institutions, are within a reasonable driving distance and offer comprehensive cancer care.

**Carroll Hospital: A Local Option**

Carroll Hospital, located in Westminster, is often the first point of contact for residents of 21155. It is a community hospital with a focus on providing a broad range of services. As of the latest available data, Carroll Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, based on factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. It's crucial to remember that CMS ratings are just one indicator, and individual experiences can vary.

Carroll Hospital's emergency room wait times are an important consideration. While specific, up-to-the-minute data fluctuates, it is important to check the hospital's website or other sources for the most current information. The hospital offers cancer care, including diagnostic services and treatment options, in partnership with the Alvin and Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute. The institute offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans. Telehealth services are also available, providing patients with remote access to healthcare professionals for consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital: A National Leader**

Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is a world-renowned institution, consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the United States. It is a major referral center for complex medical conditions, including prostate cancer. Johns Hopkins has a CMS star rating of 4 stars, reflecting its high standards of care.

The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins is a dedicated center for urologic care, including prostate cancer. The institute boasts a team of highly specialized urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. They offer a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment options, including robotic surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and clinical trials. The hospital's ER wait times are often longer than those of community hospitals due to the high volume of patients and the complexity of cases. It is essential to check the hospital's website for current wait times.

Johns Hopkins is at the forefront of prostate cancer research, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. They also have robust telehealth capabilities, allowing patients to connect with their care teams remotely for consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources.

**University of Maryland Medical Center: Comprehensive Care**

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) in Baltimore is another major academic medical center serving the region. It offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including advanced cancer care. UMMC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

The Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center at UMMC provides multidisciplinary prostate cancer care. The center brings together experts from various specialties, including urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. They offer a range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. ER wait times at UMMC can vary, so it is crucial to check the hospital's website or other sources for the most up-to-date information.

UMMC is actively involved in prostate cancer research and offers clinical trials for patients who may benefit from them. The hospital also has a growing telehealth program, providing patients with convenient access to their care teams.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, it's important to consider specialty centers and the expertise of individual physicians.

* **Robotic Surgery:** Johns Hopkins and UMMC are known for their expertise in robotic-assisted prostatectomy, a minimally invasive surgical technique that can lead to faster recovery times and reduced side effects. Carroll Hospital also offers robotic surgery.
* **Radiation Oncology:** All three hospitals have robust radiation oncology departments, offering various radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation and brachytherapy.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists at each hospital specialize in chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and other systemic treatments for prostate cancer.
* **Urology:** The urology departments at these hospitals are staffed by board-certified urologists with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.

**Telehealth and Remote Access**

Telehealth is increasingly important in cancer care, allowing patients to receive care remotely.

* **Johns Hopkins:** Offers a comprehensive telehealth program, including virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources.
* **UMMC:** Has expanded its telehealth offerings to provide patients with greater access to care.
* **Carroll Hospital:** Provides telehealth services for certain appointments and consultations.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

ER wait times can significantly impact the patient experience. It's essential to check the most current data for each hospital. Johns Hopkins and UMMC, as major trauma centers, may have longer wait times than Carroll Hospital.

**Insurance and Cost**

Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs are crucial factors. Patients should contact their insurance providers to determine which hospitals and providers are in their network and what their financial responsibilities will be.

**Making the Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider the following factors:

* **Proximity:** How far are you willing to travel for care?
* **Expertise:** What level of specialization do you need?
* **Treatment Options:** What treatment options are available at each hospital?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Which hospitals are in your insurance network?
* **Patient Experience:** What are the hospital's patient satisfaction scores?
* **Telehealth Availability:** How important is remote access to care?

**Recommendations**

For residents of 21155, Carroll Hospital offers a convenient local option with access to cancer care. However, for complex cases or those seeking access to cutting-edge treatments and research, Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center are excellent choices. Patients should research each hospital thoroughly, consult with their primary care physicians, and consider their individual needs and preferences when making a decision. Visiting the hospitals' websites and contacting them directly for specific information is recommended.