24225, Cleveland, Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 24225, Cleveland, Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24225**

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 24225 (Clintwood, Virginia), evaluating their prostate cancer care based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide a fact-based overview to assist in informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The healthcare landscape in and around Clintwood, Virginia, is characterized by a blend of regional medical centers and access to larger facilities in neighboring states. Residents often travel for specialized care, especially for complex conditions like prostate cancer. This review prioritizes hospitals offering comprehensive urological services, including advanced diagnostics, surgical interventions, and radiation therapy.

**Key Metrics for Prostate Cancer Care**

Several factors are crucial when evaluating a hospital's prostate cancer program. These include the availability of experienced urologists, the use of advanced technologies like robotic surgery and MRI-guided biopsies, the presence of a dedicated oncology center, and the hospital's overall commitment to patient-centered care. Data on these aspects can be found on hospital websites, CMS, and other public resources.

**Hospitals in Focus**

Unfortunately, the immediate vicinity of ZIP code 24225 is not densely populated with large hospitals. Therefore, the review will expand the radius to include hospitals in surrounding areas, including those in Tennessee and West Virginia, which are common destinations for residents seeking specialized care.

**Norton Community Hospital (Norton, VA)**

Located approximately 30 minutes from Clintwood, Norton Community Hospital is a regional facility. While not a flagship hospital with a plethora of specialized services, it offers basic urological care. Information on specific prostate cancer treatment volumes, the availability of robotic surgery, or a dedicated oncology center is limited in publicly available data. CMS star ratings are not available for this hospital. ER wait times are generally moderate. Patients seeking more advanced treatment options often travel to larger facilities.

**Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN)**

Approximately an hour's drive from Clintwood, Holston Valley Medical Center, part of Ballad Health, is a more comprehensive facility. It is known for its cancer care program, which includes a dedicated oncology center. The hospital offers a range of urological services, including robotic surgery for prostate cancer. Publicly available data indicates that Holston Valley has a strong focus on cancer care. CMS star ratings are not available for this hospital. ER wait times can vary, so it's advisable to check current wait times online. Telehealth services are available, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN)**

Another Ballad Health facility, Bristol Regional Medical Center, is also approximately an hour's drive from Clintwood. Like Holston Valley, Bristol Regional offers a comprehensive cancer program with urological services. Robotic surgery is available. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center. CMS star ratings are not available for this hospital. ER wait times can fluctuate. Telehealth services are available, providing options for remote consultations and follow-up care.

**Mountain States Health Alliance (Johnson City, TN)**

Mountain States Health Alliance, now part of Ballad Health, offers a range of services, including urology and cancer care. It is located in Johnson City, TN, which is approximately 1.5 hours from Clintwood. The hospital offers robotic surgery for prostate cancer and has a dedicated cancer center. CMS star ratings are not available for this hospital. ER wait times can fluctuate. Telehealth services are available, providing options for remote consultations and follow-up care.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV)**

Located approximately 2.5 hours from Clintwood, Cabell Huntington Hospital is a larger facility offering specialized care. The hospital has a comprehensive cancer program, including urological services. Robotic surgery is available. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center. CMS star ratings are not available for this hospital. ER wait times can fluctuate. Telehealth services are available.

**Evaluating Treatment Options**

The availability of treatment options is a crucial factor. Hospitals offering robotic-assisted prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) are often preferred due to the potential for reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (internal radiation), should also be considered. The availability of advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI-guided biopsies, is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.

**Telehealth and Patient Convenience**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Hospitals offering telehealth services can improve patient convenience and reduce the need for frequent travel. The availability of online patient portals and access to medical records is also a plus.

**ER Wait Times and Hospital Quality**

ER wait times can provide insight into a hospital's efficiency and resource allocation. Longer wait times may indicate overcrowding or staffing shortages. However, ER wait times should not be the sole factor in choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care. CMS star ratings, when available, provide a general overview of hospital quality based on various metrics, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise**

Hospitals with dedicated cancer centers often have a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and nurses. This collaborative approach can improve patient outcomes. The experience and expertise of the urologists are also critical. Researching individual physicians' credentials, training, and experience in prostate cancer treatment is highly recommended.

**Research and Clinical Trials**

Hospitals involved in clinical trials may offer access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies. Researching a hospital's involvement in prostate cancer research can be beneficial for patients seeking innovative treatment options.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for prostate cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the recommendations of their physicians. This review provides a starting point for research. It is essential to gather more detailed information from each hospital, including specific treatment options, physician experience, and patient outcomes. Consult with your primary care physician and/or urologist to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options and to determine which hospital best meets your needs. Consider factors such as travel distance, insurance coverage, and the availability of support services.