27968, Rodanthe, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27968, Rodanthe, North Carolina is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 27968**

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital is crucial. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable distance of ZIP code 27968, offering a fact-based assessment of their prostate cancer care capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options.

**Understanding the Landscape**

ZIP code 27968 encompasses Manteo, North Carolina, located on the Outer Banks. Residents in this area often rely on hospitals in the surrounding counties and potentially further afield for specialized medical care. This review will consider hospitals in the broader region, focusing on those most likely to be accessed by individuals residing in or near Manteo.

**Key Considerations for Prostate Cancer Care**

Several factors are critical when evaluating a hospital for prostate cancer treatment. These include the availability of experienced urologists and oncologists, advanced diagnostic tools (like MRI and PET scans), access to various treatment options (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy), and supportive services (patient education, support groups, rehabilitation). Hospital quality metrics, such as CMS star ratings, can offer a general overview of overall hospital performance. However, it's essential to delve deeper into specific prostate cancer care capabilities.

**Hospital Profiles**

Due to the rural nature of the Outer Banks, residents may need to travel to access comprehensive prostate cancer care. The following hospitals represent potential options, with an emphasis on their strengths and weaknesses:

**Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (Elizabeth City, NC)**

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center is the closest full-service hospital to Manteo. It is a critical access hospital, which means it receives federal funding to provide essential services in rural areas. While it may not have the same level of specialization as larger facilities, it provides a crucial local option.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Albemarle Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality measures.
* **Prostate Cancer Care:** Sentara Albemarle Medical Center offers urology services, including diagnosis and treatment of prostate conditions. However, the availability of advanced treatment options, such as robotic surgery or advanced radiation therapy, may be limited compared to larger hospitals. Patients may need to be referred to other facilities for specialized care.
* **ER Wait Times:** According to recent data, the ER wait times at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center are generally around 20-30 minutes. This can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.
* **Telehealth:** Sentara Healthcare, the parent organization, has expanded telehealth services. Patients may have access to virtual consultations with specialists through this platform.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC)**

Vidant Medical Center, a flagship hospital within the Vidant Health system, is located approximately 90 miles west of Manteo. It is a Level 1 Trauma Center and a regional referral center, offering a broader range of specialized services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Medical Center has a 2-star rating from CMS.
* **Prostate Cancer Care:** Vidant Medical Center offers a comprehensive prostate cancer program, including a dedicated urology department with experienced specialists. The hospital provides advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI and PET scans. Treatment options include robotic-assisted surgery, radiation therapy (including brachytherapy), chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. They also have a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center can vary significantly, often ranging from 1 to 2 hours. This is due to the hospital's role as a regional referral center, which often results in a higher patient volume.
* **Specialty Centers:** Vidant Medical Center has a cancer center that offers comprehensive cancer care, including prostate cancer services. They have a dedicated oncology team and support services, such as patient navigators and support groups.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant Health has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with specialists. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty traveling for appointments. Telehealth options can include follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists.

**Duke University Hospital (Durham, NC)**

Duke University Hospital, located approximately 180 miles west of Manteo, is a nationally recognized academic medical center. It is known for its cutting-edge research and advanced treatment options.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Duke University Hospital has a 5-star rating from CMS, indicating high-quality care.
* **Prostate Cancer Care:** Duke Urology is a highly regarded program, offering comprehensive prostate cancer care. The hospital provides state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including advanced imaging techniques. Treatment options include robotic-assisted surgery, various forms of radiation therapy (including proton therapy), chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and clinical trials. The hospital has a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to prostate cancer care.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Duke University Hospital can be lengthy, often exceeding 2 hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** Duke Cancer Institute is a leading cancer center, offering comprehensive cancer care. They have a dedicated prostate cancer program with specialized expertise and access to the latest treatment options.
* **Telehealth:** Duke Health has a comprehensive telehealth program, providing virtual consultations with specialists. Telehealth options are available for both new patients and follow-up appointments.

**University of North Carolina (UNC) Medical Center (Chapel Hill, NC)**

UNC Medical Center, located approximately 170 miles west of Manteo, is another major academic medical center in North Carolina. It is known for its research and advanced treatment options.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UNC Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **Prostate Cancer Care:** UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a comprehensive prostate cancer program. The hospital provides advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI and PET scans. Treatment options include robotic-assisted surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and clinical trials. The hospital has a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to prostate cancer care.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UNC Medical Center can vary, often ranging from 1 to 2 hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is a leading cancer center, offering comprehensive cancer care. They have a dedicated prostate cancer program with specialized expertise and access to the latest treatment options.
* **Telehealth:** UNC Health Care has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with specialists. Telehealth options are available for both new patients and follow-up appointments.

**Other Considerations**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network. This is crucial to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
* **Physician Experience:** Research the experience and qualifications of the urologists and oncologists. Look for board certification and experience in treating prostate cancer.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to get insights into the quality of care and patient experience.
* **Support Services:** Inquire about the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and rehabilitation programs.

**Conclusion**

For residents near ZIP code 27968, Sentara Albemarle Medical Center offers a local option for initial care, but may require referrals for specialized treatments. Vidant Medical Center provides a more comprehensive range of services within a reasonable driving distance. Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center, while further away, offer advanced treatment options and are recognized for their expertise in prostate cancer care. The best choice will depend on individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. Careful research and consultation with medical professionals are essential to make an informed decision.