24374, Speedwell, Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 24374, Speedwell, Virginia is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24374**

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires careful consideration of available medical resources. This review analyzes hospitals near ZIP code 24374 (Wytheville, Virginia) to provide a fact-rich overview of their prostate cancer care capabilities. While the immediate area offers limited options, this analysis extends to regional centers to provide a comprehensive perspective.

**Regional Flagship Hospitals & CMS Star Ratings**

The closest major medical centers are located in Roanoke, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Wytheville. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA) serves as a regional hub. As of the latest data, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, including factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While not the highest rating, it provides a baseline for comparison.

Another significant player in the region is LewisGale Medical Center (Salem, VA), also a short drive from Wytheville. LewisGale Medical Center has a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of performance across various quality metrics compared to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

**Prostate Cancer Specialty Centers and Services**

Both Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and LewisGale Medical Center offer specialized services for prostate cancer patients. These include urology departments, radiation oncology facilities, and medical oncology teams. Carilion Clinic Cancer Center, associated with Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, provides comprehensive cancer care, including prostate cancer treatment. This center offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans.

LewisGale Medical Center also features a cancer center offering similar services. The specific details of their prostate cancer programs, such as the availability of advanced technologies like robotic surgery (e.g., da Vinci systems), should be verified directly with each hospital.

**Robotic Surgery and Advanced Technologies**

Robotic-assisted prostatectomy, a minimally invasive surgical technique, is often a preferred option for prostate cancer removal. Both Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and LewisGale Medical Center are likely to offer robotic surgery, given the prevalence of this technology in modern urology. However, confirming the availability of specific robotic systems and the experience of surgeons in utilizing them is crucial. Patients should inquire about the number of robotic prostatectomies performed annually by surgeons and the hospital's overall experience with this technology.

**Radiation Therapy Options**

Radiation therapy plays a vital role in prostate cancer treatment. Both hospitals likely provide external beam radiation therapy, including advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), which aim to deliver precise radiation doses to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy, may also be available at these centers. Patients should inquire about the types of radiation therapy offered and the expertise of the radiation oncology team.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

For advanced prostate cancer, medical oncology and chemotherapy may be necessary. Both Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and LewisGale Medical Center have medical oncology departments that offer chemotherapy and other systemic therapies. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials, which can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

**ER Wait Times and Hospital Capacity**

Emergency room wait times can be an indicator of hospital capacity and efficiency. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but it's a factor to consider, especially in urgent situations. Information on ER wait times can be found on hospital websites, or through resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website. It is important to note that ER wait times are not directly related to prostate cancer care, but they can be a factor in overall hospital experience.

**Telehealth Capabilities**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Both Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and LewisGale Medical Center are likely to offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations with urologists and oncologists. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing patient concerns. The specific telehealth platforms used and the availability of telehealth services should be confirmed directly with each hospital.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience and satisfaction are crucial aspects of healthcare quality. CMS star ratings incorporate patient experience measures, such as the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. Patients should also seek out online reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of other prostate cancer patients at these hospitals.

**Accessibility and Travel Considerations**

For residents of ZIP code 24374, the distance to Roanoke hospitals is a significant factor. Travel time and accessibility should be considered when choosing a hospital. While Roanoke offers the closest comprehensive care, patients may need to travel further for specialized services or second opinions.

**Additional Considerations**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its physicians accept your insurance plan.
* **Physician Qualifications:** Inquire about the urologists' and oncologists' board certifications, training, and experience in treating prostate cancer.
* **Support Services:** Ask about available support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services.
* **Second Opinions:** Consider seeking a second opinion from another specialist to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan.

**Conclusion**

For residents near ZIP code 24374, the primary options for prostate cancer care are in Roanoke, Virginia. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and LewisGale Medical Center offer comprehensive services, including urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. While CMS star ratings provide a general indication of quality, patients should conduct thorough research, including verifying the availability of specific technologies, the experience of physicians, and the availability of support services. This information will help patients make informed decisions about their prostate cancer care.