21757, Keymar, Maryland Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 21757, Keymar, Maryland is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near Frederick, MD (21757)

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital is crucial. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Frederick, Maryland (ZIP code 21757), assessing their prostate cancer care capabilities, including access, expertise, and performance metrics. We'll delve into factors that matter most: CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings.

**Proximity and Major Players:**

Frederick, Maryland, is strategically located, offering access to a mix of community hospitals and larger, regional medical centers. Proximity is key, especially when considering the need for frequent appointments, diagnostic tests, and potential treatments. While the immediate area boasts several options, residents also benefit from convenient access to the resources of the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas.

**Frederick Health Hospital:**

Frederick Health Hospital, the primary hospital in Frederick, is a significant player in the local healthcare landscape. It's a community hospital, offering a range of services, including urology. While it doesn't have a dedicated prostate cancer center, it provides diagnostic and treatment options for prostate cancer. Patients can expect access to urologists, surgical procedures, and potentially radiation therapy. CMS data shows that Frederick Health Hospital has a 3-star rating. This rating reflects overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. The hospital's ER wait times can vary, so it's best to check current wait times online or by phone before heading to the emergency room. Telehealth services are available, offering convenient access to consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Johns Hopkins Medicine (Various Locations):**

Johns Hopkins Medicine, a globally recognized healthcare system, is accessible to residents of Frederick. While not directly in Frederick, the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore (approximately an hour's drive) offers a world-class prostate cancer center. This center is renowned for its expertise in all aspects of prostate cancer care, from early detection and diagnosis to advanced treatments like robotic surgery, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. Johns Hopkins Hospital consistently receives high rankings and is a leader in cancer research. Johns Hopkins Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS. ER wait times at Johns Hopkins can fluctuate, so checking online or by phone before going is recommended. The system also provides robust telehealth options, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs.

**MedStar Health (Various Locations):**

MedStar Health, another major healthcare system in the region, has several hospitals within driving distance of Frederick. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., (approximately a one-hour drive) is a flagship hospital within the system, offering comprehensive cancer care, including prostate cancer treatment. MedStar Washington Hospital Center also offers cancer services. MedStar hospitals typically provide access to experienced urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. They offer advanced treatment options, including robotic surgery and clinical trials. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS. ER wait times vary by location, so it's essential to check current wait times. Telehealth services are available, offering virtual consultations and follow-up care.

**University of Maryland Medical System (Various Locations):**

The University of Maryland Medical System provides another option for prostate cancer care. The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore (approximately an hour's drive) is a major academic medical center with a comprehensive cancer center. This center offers a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care, with specialists in urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology working collaboratively. The University of Maryland Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS. ER wait times can vary, and it's advisable to check current conditions. Telehealth services are available, allowing patients to access care remotely.

**Other Considerations:**

**Specialty Centers:** When evaluating hospitals, consider the presence of dedicated prostate cancer centers or specialized programs. These centers often offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from various fields to provide comprehensive care. Look for hospitals with experience in robotic surgery, which is a minimally invasive technique often used for prostate removal.

**Access to Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials is crucial, as they offer patients the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and potentially benefit from innovative treatments. Larger academic medical centers are more likely to have active clinical trial programs.

**Radiation Therapy Options:** Radiation therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer. Ensure the hospital offers advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), which can target the cancer cells more precisely while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

**Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the overall patient experience. Check online review sites, such as Healthgrades or U.S. News & World Report, to get a sense of what other patients have experienced.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:** Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments and remote monitoring. Look for hospitals that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and other telehealth options to make it easier to manage your care.

**ER Wait Times:** In case of emergencies, knowing the average ER wait times at different hospitals is crucial. Check online resources or call the hospitals directly to get the most up-to-date information.

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

**Specific Treatment Options:**

* **Surgery:** Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is a common surgical approach. Hospitals with advanced robotic surgery programs offer this minimally invasive option.
* **Radiation Therapy:** External beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy (internal radiation), and proton therapy are all treatment options. The availability of these options varies by hospital.
* **Hormone Therapy:** This therapy is often used to slow the growth of prostate cancer.
* **Chemotherapy:** Chemotherapy is used for advanced prostate cancer cases.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to innovative treatments.

**Making Your Decision:**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer care is a personal decision. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and the severity of your condition. Discuss your options with your primary care physician and seek referrals to specialists. Visit the hospitals you are considering, if possible, to meet the medical team and tour the facilities. Research the hospital's track record, including patient outcomes, survival rates, and patient satisfaction scores.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of Frederick, Maryland (21757) have access to a range of hospitals for prostate cancer care, from local community hospitals to major medical centers in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Consider the factors outlined in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings, to make an informed decision. Remember to consult with your doctor and seek referrals to specialists to ensure you receive the best possible care.