28574, Richlands, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28574, Richlands, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28574**

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 28574 (Jacksonville, North Carolina), providing a fact-based assessment of their prostate cancer care capabilities, including key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth services. This information will help you make an informed choice.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The Jacksonville area is served by a mix of community hospitals and larger medical centers. Access to specialized prostate cancer care varies, so understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility is essential. This review emphasizes publicly available data, including information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reliable sources.

**Navigating the Options**

**Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL): A Focus on Military Healthcare**

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL) is a significant healthcare provider in the area, serving active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. As a military facility, its primary focus is on the health of its beneficiaries. NMCCL offers urology services, which are crucial for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. While specific prostate cancer statistics may not be readily available to the public in the same format as civilian hospitals, NMCCL’s commitment to military healthcare suggests a robust infrastructure for cancer care. Patients should inquire directly about their prostate cancer treatment protocols, including access to advanced technologies and specialized surgeons. NMCCL's ER wait times are not publicly available, but patients should anticipate the typical wait times associated with a military hospital. Telehealth services are increasingly available through the Department of Defense, so patients should inquire about the availability of virtual consultations.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital: Community-Focused Care**

Onslow Memorial Hospital, located in Jacksonville, is a community hospital serving the local population. It offers a range of medical services, including urology. The hospital's CMS star rating provides a general indication of its overall quality. As of the latest available data, Onslow Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating of three stars. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. The hospital's ER wait times can be found on the hospital's website or through third-party websites that track ER wait times. Onslow Memorial Hospital is likely to have a urology department that provides prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment options. The hospital may offer minimally invasive surgical procedures and radiation therapy options. Telehealth services are expanding in many community hospitals, so patients should check the hospital's website for available virtual consultations.

**Other Considerations**

Beyond the primary hospitals, patients in the 28574 area may consider seeking care at larger regional medical centers, such as those in Wilmington or Greenville, North Carolina. These facilities may offer more specialized prostate cancer treatment options, including access to clinical trials and advanced technologies.

**Accessing Specialized Care: The Role of Specialty Centers**

Specialty centers dedicated to cancer care often provide a more comprehensive approach to prostate cancer treatment. These centers typically have multidisciplinary teams of specialists, including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. Patients seeking advanced treatment options may find these centers particularly beneficial. While the Jacksonville area may not have a dedicated comprehensive cancer center, patients can access specialty care at larger regional medical centers.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Hospitals in the 28574 area are likely to offer some telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with their doctors remotely. This can be especially helpful for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services at their chosen hospital.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times can significantly impact patient experience. Patients should be aware of the average ER wait times at the hospitals they are considering. These times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume. Patients can find ER wait time information on hospital websites or through third-party websites that track ER wait times.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Quick Overview**

CMS star ratings provide a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. Hospitals with higher star ratings generally perform better on these quality measures. However, it is important to remember that CMS star ratings are just one factor to consider when choosing a hospital.

**The Importance of Research and Consultation**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer treatment is a personal decision. Patients should research their options, considering factors such as the hospital's location, the expertise of its physicians, the availability of advanced technologies, and the hospital's overall quality. Patients should also consult with their primary care physician and other healthcare professionals to discuss their specific needs and preferences.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

The hospitals near ZIP code 28574 offer a range of prostate cancer care options. NMCCL provides care for military beneficiaries, while Onslow Memorial Hospital offers community-focused services. Patients should carefully research their options, considering factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialized services. By gathering information and consulting with their healthcare providers, patients can make an informed decision about their prostate cancer treatment. Remember to inquire directly with each hospital about their specific prostate cancer treatment protocols, including access to advanced technologies, specialized surgeons, and telehealth services. This will ensure you receive the best possible care for your individual needs. The availability of clinical trials should also be explored, as they can offer access to cutting-edge treatments.