27882, Spring Hope, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27882, Spring Hope, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care Near Tarboro, NC (ZIP Code 27882): A Review

Finding the best prostate cancer care is a critical decision, and proximity to quality medical facilities is often a key factor. This review focuses on hospitals and healthcare options within a reasonable radius of Tarboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27882), offering insights into their capabilities, performance metrics, and accessibility for individuals facing a prostate cancer diagnosis.

**Understanding the Landscape: Key Considerations**

Prostate cancer treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing urology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and often, surgical expertise. The quality of care hinges on factors such as physician experience, access to advanced technology (like robotic surgery and advanced imaging), and the availability of comprehensive support services. This review will consider these elements, along with publicly available data, to paint a picture of the options available.

**Within the Immediate Vicinity: Local Options**

The immediate area surrounding Tarboro, NC, is primarily served by smaller community hospitals and outpatient clinics. While these facilities may offer basic diagnostic and treatment services, they often lack the breadth of resources and specialized expertise found at larger, regional medical centers.

**Edgecombe County Hospital:** Located in Tarboro, Edgecombe County Hospital is a critical access hospital. It likely provides initial diagnostic services, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and biopsies, and may offer limited treatment options. However, for more complex cases or advanced therapies, patients are typically referred to larger facilities. Information on their prostate cancer specific services is limited, and it is not a flagship hospital. CMS star ratings are not available.

**Seeking Regional Excellence: The Role of Larger Hospitals**

For comprehensive prostate cancer care, residents of Tarboro often look to regional hospitals with more extensive resources and specialized expertise. These facilities typically offer a wider range of treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC):** Located approximately 40 miles east of Tarboro in Greenville, NC, Vidant Medical Center is the flagship hospital for Vidant Health. Vidant Medical Center is a major regional referral center, and it likely offers a comprehensive prostate cancer program. They likely have urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists specializing in prostate cancer.

Vidant Medical Center has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, based on factors such as patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a level of care that meets national standards.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be a significant factor for patients needing immediate care. Information on ER wait times is available on the hospital’s website or through third-party websites. However, these times fluctuate.

**Specialty Centers:** Vidant Medical Center likely has specialty centers for urology and oncology. These centers would provide the specialized expertise and resources needed for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

**Telehealth Stats:** Vidant Health likely offers telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of telehealth visits related to urology or oncology, may be available through Vidant Health’s annual reports.

**Duke Health (Durham, NC):** Approximately 100 miles west of Tarboro, Duke Health is a nationally recognized academic medical center. Duke University Hospital, the flagship hospital, consistently ranks among the best hospitals in the United States.

**Duke University Hospital:** Duke University Hospital is a highly regarded institution with a comprehensive prostate cancer program. They offer a full spectrum of treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques (such as robotic-assisted prostatectomy), state-of-the-art radiation therapy, and access to cutting-edge clinical trials.

**CMS Star Rating:** Duke University Hospital has a 5-star rating from CMS, the highest possible rating. This reflects exceptional performance across various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient satisfaction.

**ER Wait Times:** Like Vidant Medical Center, ER wait times at Duke University Hospital can be found on the hospital’s website or through third-party sources. Due to the high volume of patients, wait times may be longer than at smaller hospitals.

**Specialty Centers:** Duke Health has dedicated specialty centers for urology and oncology. These centers bring together a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide comprehensive care for patients with prostate cancer.

**Telehealth Stats:** Duke Health is a leader in telehealth, offering a wide range of virtual care services. They likely have extensive telehealth programs for urology and oncology, allowing patients to access care remotely. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of telehealth visits and patient satisfaction rates, are likely available through Duke Health’s publications.

**UNC Health (Chapel Hill, NC):** Approximately 120 miles west of Tarboro, UNC Health is another major academic medical center with a strong reputation for cancer care.

**UNC Medical Center:** UNC Medical Center, the flagship hospital for UNC Health, offers a comprehensive prostate cancer program. They provide a full range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

**CMS Star Rating:** UNC Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates a high level of quality and performance.

**ER Wait Times:** Information on ER wait times at UNC Medical Center is available through the hospital’s website or third-party sources.

**Specialty Centers:** UNC Health has specialized centers for urology and oncology, providing a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care.

**Telehealth Stats:** UNC Health has robust telehealth programs, enabling patients to access care remotely. Specific telehealth statistics are likely available through UNC Health’s publications.

**Assessing Treatment Options: A Comparative View**

The choice of hospital will depend on individual needs and preferences.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Offers a more accessible option for residents of Tarboro, with a shorter travel distance. They have a comprehensive prostate cancer program, but with a lower CMS star rating than Duke University Hospital.
* **Duke University Hospital:** A top-ranked hospital with a 5-star CMS rating. However, it is a longer drive from Tarboro.
* **UNC Medical Center:** Another excellent option, with a 4-star CMS rating. It is a similar distance from Tarboro as Duke.

**Considerations Beyond the Hospital Walls**

Beyond the hospital itself, patients should consider the following:

* **Physician Expertise:** Research the qualifications and experience of the urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists at each hospital. Look for board certifications, specialized training, and experience in treating prostate cancer.
* **Technology and Innovation:** Inquire about the availability of advanced technologies, such as robotic surgery, advanced imaging, and targeted radiation therapies.
* **Support Services:** Assess the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer care is a significant decision. Residents of Tarboro, NC, have several options, ranging from local facilities to major regional medical centers. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, patients can make an informed decision that aligns with their individual needs and preferences. Consulting with a primary care physician and seeking referrals to specialists is crucial in navigating this process. Remember to gather information, ask questions, and advocate for your own health.