08251, Villas, New Jersey Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 08251, Villas, New Jersey is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 08251

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 08251 (Ocean City, NJ) and provides a fact-rich overview of their prostate cancer care capabilities, including performance metrics, specialty centers, and telehealth options. This information is intended to assist in making informed decisions, but it is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional.

**Proximity and Flagship Hospitals**

The immediate vicinity of 08251 offers limited hospital options. Residents often look to hospitals further afield, particularly those in Atlantic County and Philadelphia. Given this, the review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those with established reputations and specialized cancer care.

**AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) - Atlantic City Campus**

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, located in Atlantic City, is a major healthcare provider in the region. ARMC has a comprehensive cancer program, including a dedicated oncology department. While specific prostate cancer survival rates are not publicly available on a granular level, the hospital's overall cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, a positive indicator of quality. ARMC offers radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services. The hospital's emergency room wait times, according to recent data, average around 30-60 minutes, which can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume. ARMC has a 3-star CMS rating. Telehealth options are available, though specifics on prostate cancer-specific telehealth are best confirmed directly with the hospital.

**AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) - Mainland Campus**

The Mainland Campus of AtlantiCare, located in Pomona, offers similar services to the Atlantic City campus, including cancer care. Patients can access a full range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The Mainland Campus is also accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. ER wait times at the Mainland Campus are generally comparable to the Atlantic City campus. This campus also has a 3-star CMS rating. Telehealth options are available.

**Shore Medical Center**

Shore Medical Center, located in Somers Point, is another significant healthcare provider in the area. Shore Medical Center provides comprehensive cancer care, including surgical oncology and medical oncology. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center and offers a range of treatment modalities, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Shore Medical Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. ER wait times at Shore Medical Center are generally in line with the regional average. Shore Medical Center has a 4-star CMS rating. Telehealth options are available.

**Cooper University Health Care**

Cooper University Health Care, located in Camden, NJ, is a major academic medical center with a strong reputation for cancer care. Cooper’s MD Anderson Cancer Center provides advanced treatment options, including specialized prostate cancer services. Cooper’s prostate cancer program offers a multidisciplinary approach, including urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. They are leaders in robotic surgery. While specific survival rates for prostate cancer are not always readily available, the hospital's overall cancer program is highly regarded. ER wait times at Cooper can vary but are generally longer than those at community hospitals due to the higher volume of patients and complex cases. Cooper has a 3-star CMS rating. Cooper offers a wide range of telehealth services, including oncology consultations.

**Jefferson Health**

Jefferson Health, with multiple locations in the Philadelphia area, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, is another major contender for prostate cancer care. Jefferson's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center offers advanced treatment options, including cutting-edge research and clinical trials. The hospital has a dedicated urology department with specialists in prostate cancer. Jefferson Health is known for its expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery. ER wait times at Jefferson can be longer than those at community hospitals. Jefferson has a 3-star CMS rating. Jefferson Health has a robust telehealth program, including oncology services.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise**

When evaluating hospitals for prostate cancer care, it is essential to consider the availability of specialty centers and the expertise of the medical staff. Look for hospitals with dedicated urology departments, radiation oncology centers, and medical oncology services.

* **Robotic Surgery:** The use of robotic surgery has become increasingly common in prostate cancer treatment. Hospitals with robotic surgery capabilities often have experienced surgeons who can perform minimally invasive procedures, leading to faster recovery times and fewer complications. Cooper and Jefferson are known for their robotic surgery programs.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Hospitals should offer a range of radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy (internal radiation), and advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). ARMC, Shore, Cooper, and Jefferson all offer radiation therapy services.
* **Medical Oncology:** Access to medical oncologists is critical for patients who require chemotherapy or other systemic therapies. Hospitals should have a dedicated medical oncology team that specializes in cancer treatment.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** The best prostate cancer programs take a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists working together to develop individualized treatment plans.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. Telehealth can provide convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

* **Virtual Consultations:** Many hospitals offer virtual consultations with urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. This allows patients to receive expert advice without having to travel to the hospital.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Some hospitals use remote monitoring tools to track patients' symptoms and side effects. This can help doctors adjust treatment plans and provide timely support.
* **Telehealth Statistics:** While specific telehealth statistics for prostate cancer are not always publicly available, it's important to inquire about the availability of telehealth services during the initial consultation.

**CMS Star Ratings and Hospital Performance**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, based on quality measures, patient experience, and other factors. While these ratings are not the sole determinant of hospital quality, they can provide a general indication of performance.

* **Star Ratings:** The CMS star ratings for the hospitals mentioned in this review are as follows: ARMC (Atlantic City Campus): 3 stars, ARMC (Mainland Campus): 3 stars, Shore Medical Center: 4 stars, Cooper University Health Care: 3 stars, Jefferson Health: 3 stars.
* **Limitations:** It is important to note that CMS star ratings are just one metric of hospital quality. They do not capture all aspects of care, and they may not reflect the specific expertise of a hospital's prostate cancer program.

**ER Wait Times**

ER wait times are another factor to consider, especially in an emergency. These times can vary depending on the hospital, the time of day, and the volume of patients.

* **General Trends:** ER wait times in the region can fluctuate. Hospitals like Cooper and Jefferson, being larger academic centers, may have longer wait times than community hospitals.
* **Specific Data:** While specific, real-time ER wait times are constantly changing, checking the hospital's website or calling the ER directly can provide the most up-to-date information.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer care is a significant decision. This review has provided a fact-rich overview of the hospitals near ZIP code 08251, focusing on their cancer care capabilities, specialty centers, and telehealth options. While ARMC, Shore Medical Center, Cooper, and Jefferson are all potential options, it is essential to research each hospital further, consider individual needs and preferences, and consult with a medical professional to make the best decision for your care. Remember to inquire about the specific expertise of the medical staff, the availability of advanced treatment options, and the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care.