13648, Harrisville, New York Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 13648, Harrisville, New York is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13648

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires careful consideration of available resources. For residents near ZIP code 13648 (Massena, NY), understanding the quality and accessibility of local healthcare is crucial. This review examines the hospitals in the area, focusing on their capabilities in prostate cancer care, including surgical expertise, radiation therapy options, and overall patient experience. The information presented is based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings.

**A Regional Overview**

The immediate vicinity of Massena, NY, presents a healthcare landscape that, while offering essential services, may require patients to consider regional options for specialized prostate cancer care. The availability of advanced treatment modalities and experienced specialists can vary. Patients should be prepared to travel for optimal care, particularly for complex cases or access to cutting-edge technologies.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital: A Community Focus**

Canton-Potsdam Hospital, located approximately 20 miles from Massena, is a key healthcare provider in the region. It’s a community hospital, focusing on a broad range of medical services. Its CMS star rating is a useful indicator of overall quality, reflecting performance across various metrics. While a specific CMS star rating for Canton-Potsdam Hospital can fluctuate, it’s essential to check the latest data on the CMS website (Medicare.gov) for the most up-to-date information.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital likely offers standard urological services, including prostate cancer screening and initial diagnostic procedures. The availability of advanced treatment options, such as robotic-assisted surgery or advanced radiation therapy, may be limited. Patients needing these specialized services might need to be referred to larger regional centers. ER wait times are a significant factor in healthcare accessibility, and data on Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s ER wait times can be found on the hospital’s website or through resources like ProPublica’s Hospital Compare tool.

**St. Lawrence Health System: A Network of Care**

St. Lawrence Health System, encompassing Canton-Potsdam Hospital and other facilities, provides a network of care within the region. This integrated system can potentially offer coordinated services, including referrals and follow-up care, for prostate cancer patients. Understanding the specific capabilities of each facility within the St. Lawrence Health System is vital.

The system's telehealth capabilities are worth investigating. Telehealth can provide convenient access to specialists, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations. Check the St. Lawrence Health System website for information on telehealth services, including the types of specialists available and the platforms used.

**Potential Considerations: Limited Specialized Oncology**

While local hospitals provide essential services, the region may lack a dedicated, comprehensive cancer center with all the specialized resources needed for complex prostate cancer cases. This could mean that patients require travel to access advanced radiation therapy techniques (e.g., brachytherapy, IMRT) or robotic-assisted surgery.

**Expanding the Search: Seeking Flagship Centers**

For residents of 13648, the search for top-tier prostate cancer care may extend beyond the immediate vicinity. Several flagship hospitals, often located further afield, offer comprehensive cancer centers and specialized expertise. These centers typically have higher CMS star ratings and access to advanced technologies.

**University of Vermont Medical Center: A Regional Leader**

The University of Vermont Medical Center, located in Burlington, VT, is a major regional referral center, approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Massena. It boasts a comprehensive cancer center and a strong reputation for oncology services. Its CMS star rating is a key indicator of its quality. Check the CMS website for the most recent rating.

The UVM Medical Center likely offers a full spectrum of prostate cancer treatments, including robotic-assisted surgery, advanced radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. The hospital's specialty centers, such as its urology department and cancer center, would be key areas to investigate. Look for information on the specific expertise of their urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists.

Telehealth is increasingly important. UVM Medical Center likely has robust telehealth offerings, providing remote consultations and follow-up care. Check their website for details on telehealth services, including the types of specialists available and the platforms used.

**Upstate University Hospital: A Syracuse Option**

Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, NY, is another potential option, roughly a 2-hour drive from Massena. As a teaching hospital, it often has access to the latest technologies and research. Its CMS star rating should be reviewed on the CMS website.

Upstate University Hospital likely offers a comprehensive cancer program, including advanced prostate cancer treatments. Investigate their urology department and cancer center for details on their specialists, surgical capabilities, and radiation therapy options.

**Navigating the Choices: Key Questions to Ask**

When evaluating hospitals for prostate cancer care, patients should ask specific questions:

* **Surgical Expertise:** What is the surgeon’s experience with robotic-assisted prostatectomy? How many procedures have they performed?
* **Radiation Therapy:** What types of radiation therapy are available (e.g., IMRT, brachytherapy)? What is the expertise of the radiation oncologists?
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Does the hospital offer a multidisciplinary team approach, including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists?
* **Clinical Trials:** Does the hospital participate in clinical trials for prostate cancer?
* **Support Services:** What support services are available, such as patient navigators, support groups, and psychological counseling?
* **Telehealth Availability:** What telehealth services are offered for consultations, follow-up appointments, and support?
* **ER Wait Times:** What are the average ER wait times?

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times can be a significant factor in healthcare access, especially in emergencies. Check hospital websites or resources like ProPublica's Hospital Compare tool for information on average ER wait times at local hospitals.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for patients in rural areas. Look for hospitals that offer telehealth services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and support. Check the hospital's website for details on available telehealth services.

**The Importance of Research and Consultation**

Choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should conduct thorough research, consult with their primary care physicians, and seek second opinions from specialists before making a decision. The information provided in this review is a starting point for that research.

**Conclusion**

For residents near ZIP code 13648, access to comprehensive prostate cancer care requires careful consideration of local and regional resources. While Canton-Potsdam Hospital and the St. Lawrence Health System provide essential services, patients may need to travel to access advanced treatment options and specialized expertise. The University of Vermont Medical Center and Upstate University Hospital are potential options for more comprehensive care. Patients should actively research hospitals, ask specific questions, and consider their individual needs when making this critical healthcare decision. The CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings are important factors to consider.