37902, Knoxville, Tennessee Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 37902, Knoxville, Tennessee is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care in Knoxville: A Look at Hospitals Near 37902

Finding the right hospital for prostate cancer care requires careful consideration. This review focuses on the hospitals near the 37902 ZIP code in Knoxville, Tennessee, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and key metrics relevant to prostate cancer patients. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities to provide a comprehensive overview.

**University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC): A Flagship Institution**

The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC), located at 1924 Alcoa Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, is a major player in the region. UTMC is a teaching hospital and the primary teaching hospital for the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine. It is a Level I Trauma Center, indicating its capacity to handle complex medical cases.

UTMC holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality, with the hospital scoring well in areas like patient safety and readmission rates, but potentially facing challenges in patient experience. While CMS star ratings offer a general indication, they are not the sole determinant of quality.

UTMC houses the Thompson Cancer Survival Center, a dedicated facility for cancer treatment. The center offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and support staff to provide comprehensive care. The center is known for its advanced technologies, including advanced radiation therapy options.

**Emergency Room Considerations at UTMC**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for patients. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, it's essential to check the hospital's website or third-party sites for the most current information. UTMC, as a large, busy hospital, may experience longer wait times, especially during peak hours. Patients should be prepared for potential delays.

**Telehealth and Prostate Cancer Care at UTMC**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare. UTMC has expanded its telehealth services, allowing for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. This can be particularly beneficial for prostate cancer patients, reducing travel burdens and improving access to care. The availability of telehealth services for specific prostate cancer-related needs should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Parkwest Medical Center: A Community Hospital Option**

Parkwest Medical Center, located at 9352 Parkwest Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37923, offers another option for prostate cancer care. Parkwest is a community hospital and part of Covenant Health.

Parkwest has earned a 4-star rating from CMS, suggesting a higher overall quality score than UTMC. The hospital has a strong reputation in the community.

Parkwest has a dedicated cancer center, which offers a range of services, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. The center emphasizes a patient-centered approach, focusing on individualized treatment plans.

**Emergency Room Considerations at Parkwest**

ER wait times at Parkwest may be shorter than those at UTMC, though this can vary. Patients should check current wait times before visiting the ER.

**Telehealth and Prostate Cancer Care at Parkwest**

Parkwest, like UTMC, has invested in telehealth services. Patients can inquire about the availability of telehealth options for prostate cancer consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources.

**Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge: A Regional Option**

While not directly in the 37902 ZIP code, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, located at 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, is within a reasonable driving distance and may be a viable option for some patients.

Methodist Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating.

The hospital has a cancer center that provides comprehensive cancer care, including treatment for prostate cancer. The hospital's proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory means it may have access to specialized resources.

**Emergency Room Considerations at Methodist Medical Center**

ER wait times at Methodist Medical Center should be checked before visiting.

**Telehealth and Prostate Cancer Care at Methodist Medical Center**

The availability of telehealth services at Methodist Medical Center should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Other Considerations: Specialty Centers and Expertise**

Beyond general hospital ratings, patients should research the specific expertise of physicians and the availability of specialized prostate cancer centers. Look for hospitals with experienced urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists specializing in prostate cancer.

* **Robotic Surgery:** Robotic-assisted surgery is a common technique for prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate). Inquire about the hospital's experience and outcomes with robotic surgery.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Hospitals should offer a range of radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and brachytherapy (internal radiation).
* **Clinical Trials:** Consider hospitals participating in clinical trials, which may offer access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Cancer treatment involves more than just medical care. Look for hospitals with robust support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and counseling.

**Accessing Information: Websites and Resources**

* **Hospital Websites:** Visit the websites of UTMC, Parkwest Medical Center, and Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge for detailed information about their prostate cancer programs, physician profiles, and patient resources.
* **CMS Hospital Compare:** The CMS Hospital Compare website (Medicare.gov/carecompare) provides detailed information on hospital quality, including star ratings, patient satisfaction scores, and readmission rates.
* **Cancer.org:** The American Cancer Society website (Cancer.org) offers valuable information on prostate cancer, including treatment options, side effects, and support resources.
* **Physician Reviews:** Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide patient reviews and ratings of physicians.

**ER Wait Time Data**

ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume. It's essential to check real-time wait times before going to the ER. Many hospitals post this information on their websites or use third-party apps.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care is a personal decision. The best choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and the stage of the cancer. This review provides a starting point for research, but patients should consult with their primary care physicians and specialists to determine the most appropriate care plan. Consider the CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, telehealth capabilities, and the expertise of the medical team when making your decision.