37738, Gatlinburg, Tennessee Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 37738, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 37738

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to top-tier medical care. For residents near ZIP code 37738 (specifically, the greater Clinton, Tennessee area), several hospitals offer varying levels of expertise and resources. This review analyzes the key players, focusing on their prostate cancer services, overall quality, and accessibility.

**Methodology:** This assessment considers factors like hospital quality ratings (CMS Star Ratings), availability of specialized prostate cancer centers, ER wait times (where available), telehealth options, and reported patient outcomes. Information is drawn from publicly available sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and independent healthcare rating organizations. Data is current as of October 26, 2023, but hospital services and metrics can change.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Prostate Cancer Services:**

**University of Tennessee Medical Center (Knoxville, TN):** Located approximately 20 miles from Clinton, UT Medical Center is a major regional referral center. While not directly within the 37738 ZIP code, its proximity and comprehensive services make it a primary consideration. UT Medical Center holds a 3-star CMS rating, indicating average performance compared to other hospitals nationally.

UT Medical Center boasts a robust cancer program, including the Thompson Cancer Survival Center. The center offers a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer, with urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists collaborating on patient care. They provide advanced treatment options, including robotic-assisted surgery (likely using the da Vinci Surgical System), external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy (internal radiation), and chemotherapy. Specific outcomes data for prostate cancer treatment at UT Medical Center is not readily available publicly.

The hospital has a dedicated oncology unit and offers support services such as patient navigation, support groups, and access to clinical trials. Telehealth services are available, though specific details on prostate cancer-related telehealth consultations are not readily accessible. ER wait times at UT Medical Center can vary but are often reported as being above the national average. Patients should be prepared for potential delays.

**Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge, TN):** Situated closer to the 37738 ZIP code, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge (MMCOR) is a community hospital with a focus on providing a range of healthcare services. MMCOR has a 3-star CMS rating, reflecting average performance.

MMCOR offers prostate cancer screening and treatment options. They have a urology department that provides surgical interventions, including minimally invasive procedures. Radiation therapy is available, likely through a partnership with a radiation oncology provider. The hospital also provides medical oncology services, including chemotherapy and hormone therapy. MMCOR does not have a dedicated cancer center like UT Medical Center.

The hospital offers telehealth services, but specific details on prostate cancer-related telehealth consultations are not readily available. ER wait times at MMCOR are generally shorter than at UT Medical Center. Patients can expect a quicker turnaround in the emergency room.

**Covenant Health System Affiliates:**

Covenant Health is a large health system with several hospitals in the East Tennessee region. While no single Covenant Health hospital is located directly in Clinton, TN, several affiliated hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance. These hospitals share resources and often collaborate on patient care.

**Parkwest Medical Center (Knoxville, TN):** Another Covenant Health affiliate, Parkwest Medical Center, is approximately 25 miles from Clinton. Parkwest is a high-performing hospital, holding a 4-star CMS rating.

Parkwest Medical Center offers a comprehensive cancer program, including prostate cancer services. They have a dedicated cancer center, the Thompson Cancer Survival Center (the same as at UT Medical Center, reflecting a shared resource). Parkwest provides advanced treatment options, including robotic-assisted surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. While specific outcomes data for prostate cancer is not readily available publicly, Parkwest benefits from the expertise and resources of the Thompson Cancer Survival Center.

Parkwest Medical Center offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations with specialists. ER wait times at Parkwest are generally shorter than at UT Medical Center, but can fluctuate.

**Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center (Knoxville, TN):** Also a Covenant Health affiliate, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is approximately 25 miles from Clinton. Fort Sanders has a 3-star CMS rating.

Fort Sanders offers a comprehensive cancer program that includes prostate cancer services. They provide surgical interventions, radiation therapy, and medical oncology services. They have a dedicated cancer center, which collaborates with the Thompson Cancer Survival Center. Specific outcomes data for prostate cancer is not readily available.

Fort Sanders offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations with specialists. ER wait times at Fort Sanders are generally similar to Parkwest Medical Center.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

**Specialized Centers and Multidisciplinary Approach:** The presence of a dedicated cancer center, like the Thompson Cancer Survival Center, is a significant advantage. These centers often offer a multidisciplinary team of specialists, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to care. This can lead to improved outcomes and a better patient experience.

**Robotic-Assisted Surgery:** Robotic-assisted surgery, primarily using the da Vinci Surgical System, is a minimally invasive technique that can offer several benefits, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. The availability of this technology is an important consideration for patients who are candidates for surgery.

**Radiation Therapy Options:** Different types of radiation therapy are used to treat prostate cancer. The availability of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy (internal radiation) is crucial, as the best option will depend on the individual patient's needs and cancer stage.

**Telehealth Services:** Telehealth can be a valuable tool for prostate cancer patients, allowing for virtual consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and access to support services. The availability and accessibility of telehealth services should be considered.

**ER Wait Times:** While not directly related to prostate cancer treatment, ER wait times are an important consideration for overall healthcare access. Shorter wait times can be particularly important in the event of complications or emergencies.

**Patient Outcomes Data:** Publicly available data on patient outcomes, such as survival rates and complication rates, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care at a particular hospital. However, this data is not always readily available for specific cancer types.

**Accessibility and Convenience:** The distance from the patient's home to the hospital and the availability of transportation are also important considerations.

**Conclusion:**

For residents near ZIP code 37738, UT Medical Center, Parkwest Medical Center, and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center offer the most comprehensive prostate cancer services, particularly due to their affiliations with the Thompson Cancer Survival Center. Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge provides a more local option, but with a potentially less specialized approach. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and the factors discussed above when making their decision. It is highly recommended to consult with a primary care physician or urologist to discuss treatment options and receive personalized recommendations. Remember that this review provides a general overview, and individual experiences may vary.