28544, Midway Park, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28544, Midway Park, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28544)

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can be daunting. Access to quality healthcare is paramount, and for residents of Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28544), several hospitals offer varying levels of care. This review provides a fact-rich overview of the key players, focusing on their prostate cancer services, overall quality metrics, and accessibility.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape near Jacksonville is primarily influenced by the presence of military personnel and their families due to the nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. This impacts the types of medical facilities available and the patient demographics they serve. The closest major cities with more extensive medical infrastructure are Wilmington, NC, and Raleigh, NC, which are within driving distance.

**Key Hospitals in the Area:**

**1. Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL):**

As a military treatment facility, NMCCL is a primary care provider for active-duty service members, their families, and retirees. NMCCL offers urology services, including prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. While specific data on prostate cancer outcomes is not readily available to the public, NMCCL adheres to the standards of care set by the Department of Defense and the Veterans Health Administration. Patients can expect access to a multidisciplinary team, including urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. NMCCL utilizes advanced imaging technologies for diagnosis and staging. Telehealth services are available, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Emergency room wait times are generally managed within the parameters of military healthcare standards.

**2. Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, NC):**

Onslow Memorial Hospital is the primary civilian hospital serving Jacksonville and the surrounding area. It is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives specific federal funding and has certain regulatory requirements. Onslow Memorial has a urology department that offers prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment options, including surgery and radiation therapy. While specific prostate cancer statistics are not publicly available, the hospital participates in quality reporting initiatives. The hospital’s emergency room wait times are tracked and reported, with average wait times available on the hospital's website and through platforms like Google. Onslow Memorial offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. Telehealth services are expanding, particularly for follow-up care and consultations. The hospital's CMS star rating is not readily available, as critical access hospitals are not typically rated in the same way as larger facilities.

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

Located approximately an hour's drive from Jacksonville, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) is a larger, more comprehensive hospital offering a wider range of specialized services. NHRMC has a robust cancer center, the Zimmer Cancer Institute, which provides comprehensive prostate cancer care. The Zimmer Cancer Institute offers advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI fusion biopsy, and a full spectrum of treatment options, including robotic-assisted surgery, brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. NHRMC participates in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments. The hospital has a CMS star rating, reflecting its overall quality of care. Emergency room wait times are tracked and reported. Telehealth services are available, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**4. Duke Health (Durham/Raleigh, NC):**

While further afield (approximately a two-hour drive), Duke Health offers highly specialized prostate cancer care. Duke University Hospital, a flagship hospital within the Duke Health system, is renowned for its expertise in oncology. The Duke Cancer Institute provides comprehensive prostate cancer services, including advanced diagnostic techniques, innovative treatment options, and access to clinical trials. Duke has a highly regarded urology department, with specialists in various prostate cancer treatment modalities. Duke University Hospital consistently receives high ratings from CMS, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety. Emergency room wait times are available. Telehealth services are widely available, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Comparing Treatment Options and Technologies:**

The availability of specific treatment options varies among the hospitals. NMCCL and Onslow Memorial Hospital offer standard treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy. New Hanover Regional Medical Center offers a broader range of options, including robotic-assisted surgery and brachytherapy. Duke Health provides the most comprehensive range of treatment options, including access to clinical trials and cutting-edge technologies.

**Robotic-Assisted Surgery:** Robotic-assisted prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that offers several advantages, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Duke Health offer robotic-assisted surgery.

**Radiation Therapy:** External beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy are both used to treat prostate cancer. New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Duke Health offer both modalities.

**Brachytherapy:** This involves placing radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland.

**Advanced Diagnostics:** The use of advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI fusion biopsy, allows for more accurate diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Duke Health offer these advanced diagnostic capabilities.

**Telehealth and Accessibility:**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, especially for patients in rural areas. NMCCL, Onslow Memorial Hospital, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and Duke Health all offer telehealth services to varying degrees. These services can include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times are a key indicator of hospital efficiency and accessibility. Onslow Memorial Hospital, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and Duke Health all track and report their emergency room wait times. These times can vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the volume of patients.

**CMS Star Ratings:**

CMS star ratings provide a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality of care. Duke University Hospital consistently receives high ratings from CMS. New Hanover Regional Medical Center also has a CMS star rating. Onslow Memorial Hospital, as a critical access hospital, is not typically rated in the same way.

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

When choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care, several factors should be considered:

* **Specialty Expertise:** The experience and expertise of the urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists are crucial.
* **Treatment Options:** The availability of a full range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, is important.
* **Advanced Technologies:** Access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment technologies can improve outcomes.
* **Patient Support Services:** The availability of patient support services, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance, can be beneficial.
* **Accessibility:** The hospital's location, ease of access, and telehealth options should be considered.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of Jacksonville, NC (ZIP code 28544) have access to several hospitals offering prostate cancer care. While NMCCL serves a specific population, Onslow Memorial Hospital provides local care. New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington offers a more comprehensive range of services. For highly specialized care and access to cutting-edge treatments, Duke Health in Durham/Raleigh is an option, though it requires a longer travel time. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care. Consulting with a primary care physician and seeking a second opinion from a specialist is always recommended.