27217, Burlington, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27217, Burlington, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care Near Burlington, NC (ZIP Code 27217): A Scorecard

Finding the best prostate cancer care is a critical decision. This review analyzes the available options near Burlington, North Carolina (ZIP code 27217), focusing on key factors like hospital quality, specialist availability, and access to cutting-edge treatments. We'll delve into the specifics of each institution, providing a factual overview to help you make an informed choice.

**Cone Health: A Regional Powerhouse**

Cone Health, a large integrated health network, dominates healthcare in the Burlington area. Its flagship hospital, **Wesley Long Hospital** in Greensboro, is a major player. While not directly in Burlington, it's a primary referral destination for residents of 27217. Wesley Long Hospital holds a **4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**, a widely used indicator of overall hospital quality. This rating reflects performance across various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. CMS ratings are publicly available and updated regularly.

Cone Health boasts a comprehensive cancer program, including a dedicated **Cancer Center** at Wesley Long. This center provides a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans. The Cancer Center often offers access to clinical trials, which can provide access to innovative therapies.

Cone Health also emphasizes telehealth services. While specific telehealth statistics for prostate cancer consultations are difficult to obtain publicly, the network actively promotes virtual visits for various specialties. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and consultations, reducing travel time and improving patient convenience.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** A key consideration for any healthcare facility is ER wait times. While specific wait times fluctuate, Cone Health facilities generally strive to keep wait times as short as possible. Data is available online, often updated in real-time, allowing patients to check estimated wait times before arriving.

**Specialty Centers:** Cone Health operates several specialty centers that can be relevant to prostate cancer patients. These include centers for urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology, all of which are integral to prostate cancer treatment. The network’s commitment to advanced technology is evident in its investment in advanced imaging and radiation therapy equipment.

**Duke Health: A Prestigious Option**

While not directly in Burlington, **Duke University Hospital** in Durham is a highly regarded academic medical center within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 45 minutes). Duke Hospital is a nationally recognized institution, consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States. It holds a **5-star CMS rating**, reflecting its superior performance in various quality measures.

Duke's **Duke Cancer Institute** is a leading center for cancer care, including prostate cancer. The Institute offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. Duke is at the forefront of research and clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies.

**Telehealth at Duke:** Duke Health is a leader in telehealth. They offer a robust telehealth program, including virtual consultations for oncology patients. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who live outside of Durham or who have mobility limitations. Specific statistics on prostate cancer telehealth usage are usually available through the Duke Health website.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** Like Cone Health, Duke Hospital strives to maintain reasonable ER wait times. Real-time wait time information is often available online.

**Specialty Centers at Duke:** Duke has dedicated specialty centers for urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. Their expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced radiation therapies is well-regarded.

**UNC Health: Another Strong Contender**

**UNC Medical Center** in Chapel Hill, another major academic medical center, is also within a reasonable driving distance (approximately one hour). UNC Medical Center is another highly ranked hospital, known for its comprehensive cancer care. It also holds a **5-star CMS rating**.

UNC's **Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center** provides a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer treatment. The center offers a wide range of services, including advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. UNC is actively involved in research and clinical trials, offering patients access to innovative treatments.

**Telehealth at UNC:** UNC Health has a well-established telehealth program. They offer virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for oncology patients. Specific telehealth statistics are usually available through the UNC Health website.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** UNC Medical Center strives to keep ER wait times as short as possible. Real-time wait time information is often available online.

**Specialty Centers at UNC:** UNC has dedicated specialty centers for urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. Their expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced radiation therapies is well-regarded.

**Smaller Hospitals and Clinics:**

Burlington itself has smaller hospitals and clinics that offer some level of cancer care. These facilities often have affiliations with larger health systems like Cone Health. While they may not offer the same level of specialized expertise or access to clinical trials as the larger academic medical centers, they can provide convenient access to primary care, diagnostic services, and some basic cancer treatments.

**Other Considerations:**

**Physician Credentials and Experience:** When choosing a urologist or oncologist, it's crucial to research their credentials, experience, and board certifications. Verify their credentials through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or other relevant professional organizations.

**Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Online patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews can offer information on physician ratings, patient satisfaction, and hospital quality. However, it's important to interpret these reviews with caution, as they may not always reflect the full picture.

**Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the chosen hospital and physicians are in your insurance network. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage and understand your out-of-pocket costs.

**Financial Assistance:** Inquire about financial assistance programs offered by the hospitals and cancer centers. Many institutions offer assistance to patients who are unable to afford their medical bills.

**Access to Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services. These services can be invaluable in helping patients cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer treatment.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of Burlington, NC (27217), the best options for prostate cancer care are concentrated in the larger health systems surrounding the area. Cone Health, with its flagship Wesley Long Hospital, offers a strong regional presence. Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center, both within driving distance, provide access to nationally recognized expertise and cutting-edge treatments. The choice of the best hospital depends on individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. Thorough research, including consultation with multiple specialists, is essential to make an informed decision. This review provides a starting point for that research, highlighting key factors to consider in your search for the best prostate cancer care.