02876, Slatersville, Rhode Island Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02876, Slatersville, Rhode Island is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care in the 02876 Area: A Scorecard of Options

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Finding the right care, close to home, is paramount. This review examines hospitals near the 02876 ZIP code (Warwick, Rhode Island), focusing on their prostate cancer services, quality metrics, and accessibility. We'll delve into the specifics, providing a fact-rich overview to help patients make informed decisions.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Players**

The healthcare landscape near Warwick is dominated by a few key players, each offering a range of services for prostate cancer. These institutions are the primary destinations for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Kent Hospital (Warwick, RI): A Community Anchor**

Kent Hospital, located directly within the 02876 ZIP code, is a significant player in the local healthcare ecosystem. As a community hospital, it provides a comprehensive suite of services, including those relevant to prostate cancer. Kent Hospital is part of Care New England Health System.

Kent Hospital’s urology department offers diagnostic services, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal exams, and biopsies. They offer surgical options, including both open and minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic-assisted) prostatectomy. Radiation therapy is also available, typically through partnerships with regional cancer centers.

Kent Hospital's performance data is publicly available through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS provides star ratings, which are based on a range of quality measures. As of the latest available data, Kent Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects its overall performance compared to other hospitals nationwide.

ER wait times at Kent Hospital are a critical factor for patients seeking immediate care. The most recent data indicates that the average ER wait time at Kent Hospital is around 2 hours. This figure fluctuates depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for follow-up appointments and consultations. Kent Hospital offers telehealth options, particularly for post-operative care and routine check-ups. The availability and specific platforms used for telehealth should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI): A Flagship Institution**

Rhode Island Hospital, located in Providence, is a major referral center and a flagship hospital within the Lifespan health system. While a short drive from Warwick, it offers a broader range of specialized services and advanced treatments.

Rhode Island Hospital boasts a comprehensive urology department with specialized expertise in prostate cancer. They provide advanced diagnostic capabilities, including sophisticated imaging techniques like multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). The hospital is known for its experienced surgical teams and advanced robotic surgery programs.

The hospital's radiation oncology department offers a full spectrum of radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy (seed implants), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). They often participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

Rhode Island Hospital consistently receives high ratings from CMS, often achieving a 4 or 5-star rating. This reflects its strong performance in areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and mortality rates.

ER wait times at Rhode Island Hospital are generally longer than those at Kent Hospital, reflecting its status as a major trauma center. The average ER wait time is typically around 3 hours.

Rhode Island Hospital has invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure. They offer a wide range of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments. They use a variety of platforms, including secure video conferencing and patient portals.

**The Miriam Hospital (Providence, RI): A Focus on Specialized Care**

Also located in Providence, The Miriam Hospital, part of the Lifespan system, offers a more specialized approach to care. While not a primary cancer center, it provides specific services that may be relevant to prostate cancer patients.

The Miriam Hospital has a strong reputation for its focus on specific medical specialties, including cardiology and orthopedics. They may offer supportive services, such as physical therapy and pain management, that are beneficial to prostate cancer patients undergoing treatment.

While The Miriam Hospital may not have a dedicated urology department, patients may be referred to specialists within the Lifespan system, including those at Rhode Island Hospital.

The Miriam Hospital's CMS star rating is generally in the 4-star range, reflecting its strong performance in its core specialties.

ER wait times at The Miriam Hospital are typically similar to those at Rhode Island Hospital, averaging around 3 hours.

Telehealth services are available at The Miriam Hospital, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists.

**Butler Hospital (Providence, RI): Mental Health Support**

Butler Hospital, also within the Lifespan system, focuses on mental health and psychiatric care. While not directly involved in prostate cancer treatment, it can be a crucial resource for patients experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges related to their diagnosis and treatment.

Prostate cancer can have a significant emotional impact. Butler Hospital offers a range of services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management, to support patients and their families.

Butler Hospital's CMS star rating is not directly applicable, as it specializes in behavioral health.

ER wait times at Butler Hospital are generally shorter than those at general hospitals, as it focuses on psychiatric emergencies.

Telehealth services are available at Butler Hospital, providing convenient access to mental health professionals.

**Brown Surgical Associates (Providence, RI): Private Practice Option**

Brown Surgical Associates is a large, multi-specialty private practice affiliated with Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School. While not a hospital, it offers urology services, including prostate cancer care.

Brown Surgical Associates' urology division provides diagnostic services, surgical options, and post-operative care. They often collaborate with the hospitals in the area, providing surgical services at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital.

As a private practice, Brown Surgical Associates does not have a CMS star rating.

ER wait times are not applicable.

Telehealth services are increasingly available, offering consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Comparing the Options: Key Considerations**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer care involves several factors.

* **Proximity:** Kent Hospital offers the most convenient location for residents of Warwick (02876).
* **Specialization:** Rhode Island Hospital provides the most comprehensive and specialized services, including advanced surgical techniques and access to clinical trials.
* **Quality Metrics:** Rhode Island Hospital consistently receives higher CMS star ratings than Kent Hospital.
* **ER Wait Times:** Kent Hospital generally has shorter ER wait times.
* **Telehealth:** Both Rhode Island Hospital and Kent Hospital offer telehealth services, providing convenient access to care.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as physical therapy, pain management, and mental health support.

**Making the Right Choice**

The best choice for prostate cancer care depends on individual needs and preferences. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians, gather information from each hospital, and consider factors like the stage of their cancer, the type of treatment they require, and their personal preferences. Visiting each hospital's website and speaking with the urology departments directly is crucial.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the prostate cancer care options available near the 02876 ZIP code. By carefully considering these factors, patients can make informed decisions and receive the best possible care.