28504, Kinston, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28504, Kinston, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28504

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 28504 (Jacksonville, North Carolina) to provide a fact-rich overview of available resources, including key performance indicators and specialized services. This information is intended to assist individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape in and around Jacksonville, NC, is primarily served by a mix of community hospitals and regional facilities. The availability of specialized prostate cancer care varies, but access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment options exists. Proximity to larger medical centers in nearby cities like Wilmington and Greenville expands the range of available expertise.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital:**

Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) is the primary healthcare provider within the 28504 ZIP code. It is a community hospital offering a range of services, including cancer care. While OMH may not have a dedicated prostate cancer center, it provides access to urology specialists who manage prostate health issues. OMH's website should be consulted for details on specific physicians and services offered. The hospital’s CMS star rating can be found on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website. This rating reflects overall hospital quality based on various factors, including patient outcomes and patient experience. Emergency room wait times at OMH are publicly available on websites like ER Wait Times. This data can fluctuate, so it’s important to check the most recent information. Telehealth services are increasingly common; confirm the availability of urology consultations or cancer support services via telehealth directly with OMH.

**Coastal Carolina Health Care:**

Coastal Carolina Health Care (CCHC) is a network of providers serving the Jacksonville area. While not a hospital, CCHC offers primary care and specialist referrals, including urology. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer through CCHC may be referred to specialists at OMH or other facilities. Information on CCHC's network of providers and their specialties can be found on their website.

**Regional Options: New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, NC):**

Approximately an hour's drive from Jacksonville, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), now part of Novant Health, in Wilmington, NC, is a larger regional facility with a more extensive cancer program. NHRMC's Zimmer Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer care, including services for prostate cancer. The Zimmer Cancer Center provides a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists. NHRMC's CMS star rating should be reviewed on the CMS website. ER wait times at NHRMC can be found on various online platforms, including the hospital’s website. The Zimmer Cancer Center may offer specialized prostate cancer treatments, such as advanced radiation therapy techniques or access to clinical trials. Telehealth services, including oncology consultations, are likely available at NHRMC.

**Regional Options: Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC):**

Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC, is another major regional medical center, located approximately an hour and a half from Jacksonville. As an academic medical center, Vidant often offers a broader range of specialized services and advanced treatment options. The hospital's cancer center provides comprehensive care for various cancers, including prostate cancer. Vidant Medical Center's CMS star rating is available on the CMS website. ER wait times are published on various online resources, including the hospital's website. Vidant is likely to have a robust telehealth program, including oncology consultations and support services. Vidant may offer advanced prostate cancer treatments, such as robotic surgery, brachytherapy, and access to clinical trials.

**Key Considerations for Prostate Cancer Care:**

* **Diagnosis:** The initial diagnosis of prostate cancer typically involves a digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and potentially imaging studies like an MRI. The availability of these diagnostic tools is crucial.
* **Staging:** Determining the stage of the cancer is critical for treatment planning. This involves imaging, such as bone scans and CT scans, to assess the extent of the cancer's spread.
* **Treatment Options:** Treatment options vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatments include:
* **Active Surveillance:** For low-risk cancers, active surveillance involves monitoring the cancer with regular PSA tests, DREs, and biopsies.
* **Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy):** Surgical removal of the prostate gland.
* **Radiation Therapy:** External beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation).
* **Hormone Therapy:** Used to slow the growth of cancer cells.
* **Chemotherapy:** Used for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** The best prostate cancer care often involves a team of specialists, including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals.
* **Support Services:** Access to support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling, is important for patients and their families.

**Specific Hospital Strengths and Weaknesses:**

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** The primary advantage is its proximity to the 28504 ZIP code. However, it may have fewer specialized resources compared to larger regional centers. Access to specialists and the availability of advanced treatments should be confirmed.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Novant Health):** NHRMC offers a more comprehensive cancer program with a multidisciplinary approach. It is a good option for patients seeking a broader range of treatment options and specialized expertise. The Zimmer Cancer Center is a key asset.
* **Vidant Medical Center:** As an academic medical center, Vidant Medical Center often has access to the latest research and clinical trials. It is a strong option for patients seeking advanced treatment options and a high level of expertise.

**Telehealth and Digital Health:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Confirm the availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations with urologists, oncologists, and support staff, at each hospital. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from medical centers or have mobility limitations. The use of patient portals and digital health tools for managing appointments, accessing medical records, and communicating with healthcare providers is also becoming more common.

**Research and Clinical Trials:**

Inquire about the availability of clinical trials at each hospital. Clinical trials offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments and may be a good option for those with advanced or aggressive prostate cancer. Research programs and affiliations with academic institutions are often indicative of a hospital's commitment to advancing cancer care.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores are important indicators of a hospital's quality of care. Check online resources, such as the hospital's website and third-party review sites, to gather information on patient experiences. Consider factors such as communication with healthcare providers, wait times, and the overall quality of care.

**Financial Considerations:**

Understand the costs associated with prostate cancer care, including doctor's fees, diagnostic tests, treatments, and hospital stays. Inquire about insurance coverage and financial assistance programs. The hospital's billing department can provide information on costs and payment options.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer care is a significant decision. This review provides a starting point for evaluating the available resources near ZIP code 28504. Consider factors such as the hospital's expertise, treatment options, access to specialists, patient experience, and financial considerations. Contact the hospitals directly to gather more specific information and schedule consultations. Consulting with your primary care physician and seeking referrals to specialists can also help you make an informed decision. Remember that the best hospital for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.