24265, Keokee, Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 24265, Keokee, Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24265

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires access to high-quality healthcare. For residents near ZIP code 24265 (Lebanon, Virginia, and surrounding areas), understanding the local hospital landscape is crucial. This review analyzes the available options, focusing on key factors like hospital ratings, specialized services, and accessibility to provide a comprehensive overview for informed decision-making.

**The Landscape: Limited Options, Focused Care**

The immediate vicinity of 24265 presents a limited number of hospitals, making thorough research and consideration of travel distance vital. The primary healthcare providers serving this region are primarily focused on providing general medical services. Specialized cancer care, including advanced prostate cancer treatments, may necessitate travel to larger regional medical centers.

**Holston Valley Medical Center: A Regional Hub**

While not directly within the 24265 ZIP code, Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee (approximately a 40-minute drive) emerges as a significant healthcare provider for the region. Holston Valley is part of Ballad Health, a large regional healthcare system. Unfortunately, publicly available CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings for Holston Valley are not readily available, making it difficult to assess the hospital's overall quality through this metric. However, it is important to note that CMS star ratings are not the only factor in determining quality of care.

Holston Valley does boast a cancer center, offering a range of services, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The availability of a dedicated cancer center is a significant advantage for prostate cancer patients, as it allows for multidisciplinary care coordination under one roof. Patients should inquire about the center's specific prostate cancer treatment protocols, including the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques (e.g., robotic-assisted prostatectomy), radiation therapy options (e.g., intensity-modulated radiation therapy, IMRT), and access to clinical trials.

**ER Wait Times and Telehealth at Holston Valley**

Emergency room wait times are an important consideration. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, patients should proactively check the hospital's website or use online tools to determine the current wait times. Long wait times can be a sign of high patient volume, potentially impacting overall patient care.

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for cancer patients. Ballad Health offers telehealth services, which can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments with oncologists and urologists at Holston Valley.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center: Another Ballad Health Option**

Bristol Regional Medical Center, also part of Ballad Health, is located in Bristol, Tennessee, and is another potential option for residents near 24265. Similar to Holston Valley, the hospital’s CMS star rating is not readily available. Bristol Regional also has a cancer center, providing similar services to Holston Valley. Patients should inquire about the availability of specific prostate cancer treatments and technologies, such as robotic surgery and advanced radiation techniques.

**The Importance of Specialty Centers**

The presence of a dedicated cancer center is a significant advantage. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, with teams of specialists working together to develop and implement treatment plans. This team may include urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurses, and support staff. Patients should inquire about the experience and expertise of the medical professionals involved in prostate cancer care at each hospital.

**Beyond the Immediate Area: Exploring Further Options**

Given the limited number of hospitals directly serving the 24265 area, patients may need to consider traveling further for specialized prostate cancer care. This could involve exploring hospitals in larger cities like Roanoke, Virginia, or Knoxville, Tennessee. These locations may offer access to more advanced treatment options, specialized expertise, and clinical trials.

**Carilion Clinic in Roanoke: A Potential Option**

Carilion Clinic, a large healthcare system in Roanoke, Virginia, is a potential option for patients willing to travel. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, the flagship hospital within the system, has a mixed CMS star rating, which can be found on the CMS website. This rating provides a snapshot of the hospital's overall performance across various quality measures.

Carilion Clinic offers a comprehensive cancer center, which likely provides advanced prostate cancer treatments, including robotic surgery, advanced radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. Patients should research the specific prostate cancer specialists at Carilion and inquire about their experience and expertise.

**University of Virginia Health System: A Longer Journey**

The University of Virginia Health System (UVA Health) in Charlottesville, Virginia, represents a more distant but potentially valuable option. UVA Health is a major academic medical center, often at the forefront of medical research and innovation. It may offer access to cutting-edge prostate cancer treatments and clinical trials. Patients should research the specific prostate cancer specialists at UVA Health and inquire about their experience and expertise.

**Key Considerations for Prostate Cancer Patients**

When evaluating hospitals for prostate cancer care, patients should consider the following factors:

* **Urologist Expertise:** The experience and expertise of the urologist are critical. Inquire about their training, board certifications, and the number of prostate cancer surgeries they perform annually.
* **Treatment Options:** Ensure the hospital offers a full range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy (IMRT, brachytherapy), hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
* **Robotic Surgery:** If considering surgery, inquire about the availability of robotic-assisted prostatectomy, a minimally invasive technique that can lead to faster recovery times and fewer side effects.
* **Radiation Therapy Technology:** Investigate the availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as IMRT and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), which can target the tumor more precisely and minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Ensure the hospital has a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff, working together to develop and implement treatment plans.
* **Support Services:** Inquire about the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services, to help patients cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer treatment.
* **Clinical Trials:** Explore the availability of clinical trials, which can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to medical advancements.
* **Telehealth:** Inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments for follow-up care and consultations.

**The Bottom Line**

Residents near ZIP code 24265 face a limited number of local hospital options. Holston Valley Medical Center and Bristol Regional Medical Center, both part of Ballad Health, are the closest options, offering cancer centers and a range of services. However, patients should consider traveling to larger regional medical centers like Carilion Clinic in Roanoke or UVA Health in Charlottesville for potentially more specialized care and access to advanced treatment options. Thorough research, including assessing physician expertise, treatment options, and support services, is crucial for making informed decisions about prostate cancer care.