44439, Mesopotamia, Ohio Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 44439, Mesopotamia, Ohio is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 44439**

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to high-quality medical care. This review examines the hospitals near ZIP code 44439, focusing on factors crucial for patients: hospital ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized cancer centers, and the availability of telehealth services. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to aid in informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape: ZIP Code 44439**

ZIP code 44439 encompasses the city of Hubbard, Ohio, and surrounding areas. Proximity to larger metropolitan centers like Youngstown and Akron expands the available healthcare options. The following analysis considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those that provide comprehensive cancer care, including prostate cancer treatment.

**Hospital Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

Hospital quality is often gauged through various rating systems. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on a range of quality measures. These ratings provide a readily accessible snapshot of overall hospital performance.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Located in Youngstown, approximately 15 miles from Hubbard, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital is a key regional provider. CMS data is crucial here. As of the latest available data, the hospital’s star rating should be checked on the CMS website. This rating reflects performance across various categories, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The hospital is part of the Mercy Health system.

**Akron General Medical Center:** While further afield (approximately 50 miles), Akron General Medical Center, part of the Summa Health System, is a major healthcare provider. Its CMS star rating is also a key factor to assess. This hospital often serves as a referral center for complex cases, potentially offering specialized prostate cancer treatments.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a practical consideration, particularly in urgent situations. Shorter wait times can indicate efficient operations and potentially better overall care.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital ER:** Publicly available data on ER wait times should be researched on the hospital's website or through platforms like ProPublica or the CMS Hospital Compare website. This data provides insights into the average time a patient spends in the ER before being seen by a provider.

**Akron General Medical Center ER:** Similar to St. Elizabeth Youngstown, researching the ER wait times for Akron General is essential. Factors like the time of day and day of the week can influence wait times, so reviewing data across different periods is beneficial.

**Specialty Centers: Focusing on Cancer Care**

Specialized cancer centers offer comprehensive services, including advanced diagnostics, treatment options, and supportive care.

**The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center (Youngstown):** While focused on breast cancer, this center, located at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, demonstrates the hospital's commitment to cancer care. It often reflects the availability of advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach, which can extend to other cancer types, including prostate cancer.

**Summa Health Cancer Institute (Akron):** The Summa Health Cancer Institute at Akron General is a dedicated cancer center. It offers a wide range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care. This center is a potential resource for advanced prostate cancer treatments, including clinical trials.

**Telehealth Services: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Telehealth:** Mercy Health, the parent organization of St. Elizabeth Youngstown, has likely expanded its telehealth offerings. Checking the Mercy Health website or contacting the hospital directly will reveal the availability of telehealth services for oncology patients. These services may include virtual consultations with oncologists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of symptoms.

**Akron General Telehealth:** Summa Health, the parent organization of Akron General, has also invested in telehealth. Information on telehealth services for oncology patients can be found on the Summa Health website. These services may include virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring, and access to educational resources.

**Specific Prostate Cancer Treatment Options**

The availability of specific treatment options is a critical consideration.

**Surgery:** Both St. Elizabeth Youngstown and Akron General likely offer surgical options for prostate cancer, including robotic-assisted prostatectomy. This minimally invasive approach offers potential benefits like reduced recovery time and less pain.

**Radiation Therapy:** Both hospitals likely offer radiation therapy, including external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy (internal radiation). The availability of advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is important to assess.

**Medical Oncology:** Both hospitals have medical oncology departments that provide chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies for prostate cancer. The availability of clinical trials is also a factor to consider.

**Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities**

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

**Imaging:** Both hospitals likely offer advanced imaging techniques, including MRI, CT scans, and bone scans, to diagnose and stage prostate cancer. Access to advanced imaging can help doctors determine the extent of the cancer and guide treatment decisions.

**Biopsy Services:** Both hospitals likely offer prostate biopsy services, including transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy.

**Patient Support Services**

Cancer treatment is often a challenging experience.

**Support Groups:** Both hospitals likely offer support groups for cancer patients and their families. These groups provide a forum for patients to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies.

**Patient Navigation:** Both hospitals likely have patient navigators who can help patients navigate the healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and access resources.

**Financial Counseling:** Both hospitals likely offer financial counseling services to help patients understand their insurance coverage and manage the costs of treatment.

**Research and Clinical Trials**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown Research:** Research the hospital's involvement in clinical trials for prostate cancer. This information can be found on the hospital's website or through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical trials database.

**Akron General Research:** Investigate the hospital's involvement in clinical trials. The Summa Health Cancer Institute is likely involved in clinical trials.

**Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer treatment is a personal decision. Consider the following factors:

* **Hospital Ratings:** CMS star ratings provide a general indication of quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are generally desirable.
* **Specialty Centers:** Dedicated cancer centers offer comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Services:** Telehealth can improve access to care.
* **Treatment Options:** Ensure the hospital offers the specific treatments needed.
* **Patient Support:** Consider the availability of support services.
* **Proximity:** Travel distance is a practical consideration.

By researching these factors, patients near ZIP code 44439 can make informed decisions about their prostate cancer care. Consulting with a primary care physician or urologist is essential to discuss individual needs and preferences.