ANNUAL SURVEY OF AMERICA’S TOP HOSPITALS REINFORCES VALUE OF 2007 PATIENT RESOURCE CANCER GUIDE

U.S. News & World Report Notes Top-Notch Medical Facilities
Are Best for Difficult, Complex Cases

KANSAS CITY – The highly acclaimed annual survey of America’s top hospitals has been released by U.S. News & World Report, and its findings resonate why Baby Boomers are turning to the 2007 Patient Resource Cancer Guide for access to information.

According to officials with Patient Resource, the 2007 guide is the only comprehensive, easy to use directory to locate top cancer treatment facilities in the country.

“We are being deluged with Baby Boomers -- America’s newest generation of cancer consumers -- who are seeking accurate, reliable information on top-notch hospitals and treatment centers,” said Linette Atwood, founder of the cancer guide. “They understand that information is power, and that Patient Resource is the ‘go to’ source for that information across the country.”

U.S. News & World Report considered 5,462 U.S. hospitals for their annual survey, with only 18 hospitals making the list. Hospitals were chosen based on service quality in 16 medical specialties, with cancer treatment chief among them. Surveys were also submitted to 850,000 U.S. doctors asking them to rank the top five hospitals in their specialty for difficult cases, regardless of location or expense.

The Medical Editor for the 2007 Patient Resource Cancer Guide is Dr. Charles M. Balch, currently Professor of Surgery and Oncology for Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. U.S. News & World Report lists Johns Hopkins as the top hospital in the country for 2007.

“Dr. Balch brings invaluable expertise and compassion to this year’s guide,” Atwood stated. “The top hospital recognition for Johns Hopkins is well deserved.”

But how important is it to seek a top rated hospital when its hundreds of miles away?

Interestingly, U.S. News & World Report states that for most people most of the time, the hospital their doctor recommends is fine. The report goes on to say that going to a hometown hospital means being close to family and friends, and patients draw strength from their comforting presence.

However, the report notes that top-notch hospitals might be best for difficult or complex conditions.

“That means cancer,” Atwood is quick to point out. “Surviving cancer means finding the best treatment facility, the best medical team, the best care for your diagnosis.”

Talking to your doctor may help you decide whether a highly ranked hospital is the right place to get treatment, Atwood said.

“These survey results validate what we’ve always known to be true for cancer patients and their families,” Atwood stated. “Patient Resource Cancer Guide is absolutely essential for that road to recovery.”

The new guide, Patient Resource: A Cancer Treatment and Facilities Guide For Patients and Their Families is available at physician’s offices around the country and is free of charge. It can also be ordered online for $6.95 shipping and handling by visiting www.PatientResource.net.

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For more information or to schedule an interview call Betsy Donnelly at 913.236.7757 or email Bdonnelly@PatientResource.net.

SOURCES: U.S.News & World Report: "America's Best Hospitals 2007." U.S. News & World Report, "What It Takes to Be the Best," July 13, 2007; online edition.