06248, Hebron, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06248, Hebron, Connecticut is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care Near Putnam, CT (ZIP Code 06248): A Comprehensive Review**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Access to quality care, from initial screening to advanced treatment, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near Putnam, CT (ZIP code 06248), providing a fact-rich overview of their lung cancer services, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The information is current as of late October 2024, though hospital policies and statistics can change. Always confirm details directly with the hospitals.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a star rating system to evaluate hospital quality, based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. This rating is a useful, though not definitive, starting point for assessing hospital performance.

**Day Kimball Hospital (Putnam, CT):** Day Kimball Hospital, located directly within the 06248 ZIP code, is a critical access hospital. CMS data for Day Kimball is limited due to its size and classification. The hospital offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, and a cancer care program. Information on specific lung cancer treatment volumes and outcomes is typically not available for critical access hospitals. ER wait times at Day Kimball are generally shorter than larger facilities, often under an hour. Telehealth services are available, focusing on primary care and some specialty consultations.

**Hartford Hospital (Hartford, CT):** Approximately an hour's drive from Putnam, Hartford Hospital is a major referral center and a flagship institution in the Hartford HealthCare system. Hartford Hospital consistently receives high ratings from CMS, often achieving four or five stars. The hospital boasts a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated thoracic oncology program. They have a multidisciplinary team specializing in lung cancer, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and specialized nurses. Hartford Hospital’s ER wait times can vary, but typically average between one and two hours. They have a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations for oncology patients, remote monitoring, and support groups.

**Yale New Haven Hospital (New Haven, CT):** Another major hospital option, about a two-hour drive from Putnam, is Yale New Haven Hospital. It is affiliated with Yale School of Medicine and is a nationally recognized center for cancer care. Yale New Haven consistently earns high CMS star ratings. The Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven offers a world-class lung cancer program. They provide advanced diagnostics, including advanced imaging techniques and genetic testing. Their thoracic surgery department is renowned, performing complex procedures with high success rates. ER wait times at Yale New Haven can be longer, often exceeding two hours, particularly during peak hours. Yale New Haven has a well-developed telehealth program, including virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and access to online resources.

**Other Hospitals in the Region**

**Backus Hospital (Norwich, CT):** Located about a 30-minute drive from Putnam, Backus Hospital is part of the Hartford HealthCare system. Backus Hospital offers a cancer center with a range of services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They collaborate with Hartford Hospital for more complex cases. ER wait times at Backus are generally shorter than at Hartford Hospital. Telehealth services are available, with a focus on primary care and some specialty consultations. CMS ratings for Backus Hospital are generally in the average range, with three or four stars.

**Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (New London, CT):** Approximately a 45-minute drive from Putnam, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital provides cancer care services. They have a cancer center that offers medical oncology and radiation therapy. They may refer patients to larger centers for complex surgical procedures or advanced treatments. ER wait times are typically shorter than at larger hospitals. Telehealth services are available, often focusing on follow-up appointments and consultations. CMS ratings are generally in the average range.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Services**

Beyond CMS ratings, the presence of specialized centers and specific lung cancer services is crucial.

**Thoracic Surgery:** The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is vital for lung cancer treatment. Hartford Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital have established thoracic surgery departments that perform a high volume of lung cancer surgeries, including minimally invasive techniques.

**Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy is a key component of lung cancer treatment. Hartford Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, and Backus Hospital all offer radiation oncology services, with access to advanced technologies like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

**Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists specialize in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. All the hospitals listed above have medical oncology departments that provide comprehensive care.

**Pulmonary Services:** Pulmonologists are essential for diagnosing and managing lung cancer. All the hospitals have pulmonology departments that offer diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy and pulmonary function testing.

**Diagnostic Imaging:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as CT scans, PET scans, and MRI, is critical for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring treatment response. All the hospitals have advanced imaging capabilities.

**Genetic Testing and Molecular Profiling:** The ability to perform genetic testing and molecular profiling is becoming increasingly important for guiding treatment decisions. Hartford Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital offer comprehensive genetic testing services.

**Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials provides access to cutting-edge treatments. Hartford Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital are actively involved in clinical trials for lung cancer.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in cancer care, providing convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services.

**Virtual Consultations:** All the hospitals offer virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists.

**Remote Patient Monitoring:** Some hospitals use remote patient monitoring systems to track patients' symptoms and vital signs.

**Support Groups:** Virtual support groups provide emotional support and peer-to-peer interaction.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times can significantly impact patient care, especially for individuals experiencing cancer-related emergencies.

**Day Kimball Hospital:** Generally shorter wait times, often under an hour.

**Backus Hospital:** Shorter wait times compared to larger hospitals.

**Lawrence + Memorial Hospital:** Shorter wait times.

**Hartford Hospital:** Wait times typically between one and two hours.

**Yale New Haven Hospital:** Longer wait times, often exceeding two hours.

**Factors Influencing Hospital Choice**

Several factors should be considered when choosing a hospital for lung cancer care.

**Proximity:** Day Kimball Hospital offers the most convenient location for residents of Putnam.

**Specialized Expertise:** Hartford Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital offer specialized expertise and advanced treatment options.

**Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.

**Patient Preferences:** Consider your preferences regarding hospital size, location, and communication style.

**Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist is often advisable.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. This review provides a comprehensive overview of hospitals near Putnam, CT (ZIP code 06248), including their CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. While Day Kimball Hospital offers local access, Hartford Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital provide more specialized expertise and advanced treatment options. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when making their decision, consulting with their primary care physician and other healthcare professionals. Always confirm specific details and services directly with the hospitals.