36345, Headland, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36345, Headland, Alabama is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36345)

Finding the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision, especially when navigating the complexities of diagnosis, staging, and treatment options. For residents near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP code 36345), access to quality care is a significant factor. This review examines the hospitals within a reasonable radius, focusing on their lung cancer programs, resources, and performance indicators.

**Proximity and Primary Considerations:**

The immediate area surrounding Enterprise offers a limited selection of hospitals. The primary focus will be on those within a driving distance that allows for timely access to care, considering factors like emergency response and specialist availability. This review will prioritize facilities within a 60-mile radius, acknowledging that some patients may need to travel further for specific specialized treatments.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general overview of quality and performance. These ratings are based on various factors, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

Unfortunately, no hospitals within the immediate vicinity of Enterprise boast a 5-star CMS rating. However, several facilities warrant consideration.

**Southeast Health Medical Center (Dothan, AL):** Located approximately 30 miles from Enterprise, Southeast Health is a major regional hospital. While its CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally scores in the 3-4 star range. It is a comprehensive healthcare provider with a significant oncology program. Southeast Health has a dedicated cancer center, which offers a range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. They also have a lung cancer screening program.

**Flowers Hospital (Dothan, AL):** Also in Dothan, Flowers Hospital is another prominent healthcare facility, about 30 miles from Enterprise. Flowers Hospital is also a major regional hospital with a strong reputation. Flowers Hospital generally scores in the 3-4 star range. Flowers Hospital has a comprehensive cancer program, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs:**

Beyond general CMS ratings, the specific strength of a hospital's lung cancer program is paramount. This involves evaluating the availability of specialized physicians, advanced diagnostic tools, and treatment modalities.

**Southeast Health Medical Center:** Southeast Health Medical Center features a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care. This typically involves a team of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and supportive care specialists. The hospital offers advanced imaging capabilities, including PET/CT scans, crucial for accurate staging and treatment planning. They also provide access to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They also have a lung cancer screening program.

**Flowers Hospital:** Flowers Hospital also has a comprehensive cancer program. They have a multidisciplinary team of specialists to treat lung cancer. They offer advanced imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services.

**Surgical Oncology:**

The availability of skilled thoracic surgeons is essential for patients requiring surgical intervention. Both Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital have surgical oncology teams capable of performing lung resections, including minimally invasive techniques.

**Radiation Oncology:**

Radiation therapy plays a vital role in treating lung cancer. Both Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital have radiation oncology departments equipped with advanced technologies, such as linear accelerators, to deliver precise radiation doses.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy:**

Medical oncologists are crucial in developing and administering chemotherapy regimens. Both hospitals have medical oncology teams who provide chemotherapy and targeted therapies.

**Diagnostic Capabilities:**

Accurate diagnosis and staging are critical for effective treatment. Both hospitals offer advanced imaging services, including CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopy, to diagnose and stage lung cancer.

**ER Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times are an important consideration, especially for patients experiencing symptoms or complications related to their cancer. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate. However, checking the hospital's website or a reliable source like the CMS Hospital Compare website can provide insights into average wait times.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments and remote monitoring. Both Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital are likely to offer some telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely. The specific availability of telehealth for oncology patients should be verified directly with the hospital.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. While the availability of clinical trials may be limited in smaller regional hospitals, patients should inquire about any ongoing research programs or opportunities to participate in clinical trials.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Patient experience is a critical factor. Hospitals should offer comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care. Patient satisfaction scores, often available through CMS Hospital Compare or other patient surveys, can provide insights into the overall patient experience.

**Specific Considerations for Patients Near Enterprise:**

Residents of Enterprise, Alabama, face the challenge of accessing specialized care. The primary options are Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital, both located in Dothan. Patients may need to travel further for specific treatments or clinical trials.

**Navigating the Healthcare System:**

Patients should proactively gather information about the available hospitals. They should consult with their primary care physician for referrals and recommendations. They should also contact the hospitals directly to inquire about specific services, physician availability, and insurance coverage.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP code 36345), Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital in Dothan are the primary choices for lung cancer care. Both offer comprehensive oncology programs with multidisciplinary teams, advanced diagnostic tools, and treatment modalities. Patients should carefully evaluate each hospital based on their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. They should also consider factors like ER wait times, telehealth options, and patient support services. Thorough research and open communication with healthcare providers are essential to making informed decisions and receiving the best possible care.