39560, Long Beach, Mississippi Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 39560, Long Beach, Mississippi is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 39560

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming. This review focuses on the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 39560 (Pascagoula, Mississippi), examining hospitals' capabilities, resources, and performance metrics relevant to prostate cancer care. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to aid informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare options in this region are shaped by the presence of both large, established hospitals and smaller, community-focused facilities. Proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Mobile, Alabama, also influences access to specialized care. This review considers factors crucial for prostate cancer patients, including diagnostic capabilities, surgical expertise, radiation therapy options, and supportive services.

**Singing River Health System (Pascagoula, MS):**

Singing River Health System is a primary healthcare provider in the immediate area of 39560. While this review does not have the data to determine Singing River Health System's CMS star rating, it is a large system that provides a range of medical services. Patients should inquire directly about Singing River Health System's specific prostate cancer services, including diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans, bone scans), and whether they offer robotic-assisted surgery. It is important to ask about the experience of the urologists and oncologists in treating prostate cancer. Telehealth options and support groups are also important factors to consider.

**Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (Gulfport, MS):**

Located approximately an hour west of Pascagoula, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport is a significant regional healthcare provider. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects overall hospital quality, encompassing factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. Patients should investigate Memorial Hospital at Gulfport's specific prostate cancer services. Important questions include whether the hospital offers advanced imaging techniques, such as multiparametric MRI, for accurate diagnosis and staging. Inquire about the availability of minimally invasive surgical options, like robotic-assisted prostatectomy, and the experience of the surgical team. Determine if Memorial Hospital at Gulfport provides access to radiation therapy, including external beam radiation and brachytherapy. Investigate the hospital's telehealth capabilities for oncology consultations and follow-up appointments.

**USA Health University Hospital (Mobile, AL):**

USA Health University Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, is approximately a 90-minute drive from Pascagoula. USA Health University Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. As a teaching hospital, USA Health University Hospital often has access to the latest technologies and research. Patients should assess USA Health University Hospital's prostate cancer program. This includes evaluating the hospital's diagnostic capabilities, including advanced imaging and biopsy techniques. Determine if USA Health University Hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery (open, laparoscopic, robotic), radiation therapy (IMRT, SBRT, brachytherapy), and hormone therapy. Inquire about the hospital's clinical trial participation, which could provide access to innovative treatments. Investigate the hospital's multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists.

**Mobile Infirmary Medical Center (Mobile, AL):**

Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, also in Mobile, Alabama, is another option for patients near 39560. Mobile Infirmary Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. Patients should explore Mobile Infirmary Medical Center's prostate cancer services. This includes evaluating the hospital's diagnostic capabilities, including advanced imaging and biopsy techniques. Determine if Mobile Infirmary Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery (open, laparoscopic, robotic), radiation therapy (IMRT, SBRT, brachytherapy), and hormone therapy. Inquire about the hospital's clinical trial participation, which could provide access to innovative treatments. Investigate the hospital's multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists.

**Baptist Hospital (Pensacola, FL):**

Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, is another potential option for residents near 39560, roughly a two-hour drive. Baptist Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. Patients should investigate Baptist Hospital's prostate cancer program. This includes evaluating the hospital's diagnostic capabilities, including advanced imaging and biopsy techniques. Determine if Baptist Hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery (open, laparoscopic, robotic), radiation therapy (IMRT, SBRT, brachytherapy), and hormone therapy. Inquire about the hospital's clinical trial participation, which could provide access to innovative treatments. Investigate the hospital's multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists.

**Key Considerations for Prostate Cancer Care:**

* **Diagnosis and Staging:** Accurate diagnosis is crucial. Look for hospitals offering advanced imaging like multiparametric MRI and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET scans. These technologies provide detailed information about the cancer's location and extent.
* **Surgical Expertise:** If surgery is required, inquire about the surgeon's experience with robotic-assisted prostatectomy. This minimally invasive approach can lead to faster recovery times and fewer complications.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Consider the availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). These methods deliver precise radiation doses, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Prostate cancer treatment often involves a team of specialists, including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. Ensure the hospital offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to care.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals that provide support services, such as patient education, support groups, and access to social workers. These resources can help patients cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer treatment.
* **Telehealth:** Inquire about the hospital's telehealth capabilities. Telehealth can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, improving access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Specific Questions to Ask:**

When contacting hospitals, ask these specific questions:

* What is the experience of the urologists and radiation oncologists in treating prostate cancer?
* What advanced imaging techniques are available for diagnosis and staging?
* Does the hospital offer robotic-assisted prostatectomy? If so, how many procedures are performed annually?
* What types of radiation therapy are available?
* Does the hospital participate in clinical trials for prostate cancer?
* What support services are available for patients and their families?
* Does the hospital offer telehealth options for consultations and follow-up care?
* What are the hospital's ER wait times?

**ER Wait Times:**

ER wait times can be an indicator of overall hospital efficiency. Unfortunately, specific ER wait time data for the hospitals listed may fluctuate and is not included in this review. Patients should inquire directly with the hospitals about their current ER wait times.

**Specialty Centers:**

The availability of specialty centers focused specifically on prostate cancer may vary. Patients should inquire with each hospital about the existence of dedicated prostate cancer centers or programs.

**Telehealth Stats:**

Telehealth utilization rates for oncology services can vary widely. Patients should ask each hospital about its telehealth statistics, including the number of virtual consultations and the types of services offered remotely.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care is a significant decision. This review provides a starting point for patients near ZIP code 39560 to begin their research. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review and asking specific questions, patients can make informed choices about their care and improve their chances of a positive outcome. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan.