27021, King, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27021, King, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 27021

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital, with its specialized expertise and resources, is a crucial step. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 27021 (Advance, North Carolina) to provide a factual overview of their prostate cancer care capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. The information is current as of late October 2024, but hospital services and metrics are subject to change.

**Focus on Key Players:**

The primary healthcare hubs serving the 27021 area are located in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and surrounding regions. These hospitals represent the most likely destinations for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

**Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center (Winston-Salem):**

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, a major player in the region, is a large, comprehensive hospital. It holds a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. The hospital's Cancer Institute offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including prostate cancer. They likely have a dedicated urology department.

ER wait times at Forsyth Medical Center are a critical factor for patients. The most recent data indicates average wait times, which can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during peak hours. Telehealth options are available, including consultations with specialists and follow-up appointments, which can be valuable for prostate cancer patients. The hospital's telehealth platform allows for remote monitoring and virtual check-ins, streamlining care.

**Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem):**

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, a tertiary care center and teaching hospital, is another major provider. It is a flagship hospital with a high reputation. It also has a four-star CMS rating. The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist offers a wide range of services for prostate cancer, including advanced imaging, surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. The hospital's affiliation with Wake Forest University School of Medicine brings access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials.

ER wait times at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are generally comparable to other major hospitals in the area. Patients should check real-time wait times, if available, or be prepared for potential delays. The hospital has invested in telehealth, providing remote consultations, virtual support groups, and remote monitoring capabilities for cancer patients.

**Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital (Greensboro):**

Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro is another option for patients in the 27021 area. Cone Health is a large health system. Wesley Long Hospital, with its own urology department, provides a range of prostate cancer services, including diagnosis, surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. CMS data indicates a four-star rating.

ER wait times at Wesley Long Hospital vary. Patients should check current wait times before arriving. Cone Health has expanded its telehealth offerings. They offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources for cancer patients.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

Beyond general hospital services, specialized centers and expertise are crucial in prostate cancer care. Both Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have dedicated cancer centers with multidisciplinary teams. These teams typically include urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and specialized nurses.

The presence of robotic surgery capabilities is a significant factor. Robotic-assisted prostatectomy, a minimally invasive surgical technique, is offered at both Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. This approach can lead to faster recovery times and reduced complications for some patients.

**Radiation Therapy Options:**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer. Both Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center offer advanced radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (internal radiation). The availability of advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is important for precision and minimizing side effects.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy:**

Medical oncologists play a crucial role in managing advanced prostate cancer. Both Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have medical oncology departments that provide chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other systemic treatments. The availability of clinical trials is another key consideration. These trials offer patients access to innovative therapies and research advancements.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in cancer care. Both Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have invested in telehealth platforms. These platforms allow for virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online support groups. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing side effects.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Patient experience is a critical factor in choosing a hospital. Both Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have patient satisfaction scores available, often through CMS data. These scores reflect patient feedback on various aspects of care, including communication, responsiveness, and overall experience.

Support services are also essential. Both hospitals offer support groups, counseling services, and patient navigators to help patients navigate their cancer journey. These services can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and access to resources.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

Several factors should be considered when choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care:

* **Physician Expertise:** Research the experience and qualifications of the urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Technology and Resources:** Assess the availability of advanced imaging, surgical techniques, and radiation therapy options.
* **Patient Experience:** Review patient satisfaction scores and read patient reviews.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Consider the distance to the hospital and ease of access.
* **Support Services:** Evaluate the availability of support groups, counseling, and patient navigation services.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of the 27021 ZIP code, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital represent the primary options for prostate cancer care. Each hospital offers a range of services, from diagnosis and surgery to radiation therapy and medical oncology. Patients should carefully consider the factors outlined above, including physician expertise, technology, patient experience, and support services, to make an informed decision about their care. Consult with your primary care physician and consider seeking second opinions to ensure you receive the best possible treatment. Remember that this review provides a snapshot based on available data, and it is crucial to verify information directly with the hospitals.