20004, Washington, District of Columbia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20004, Washington, District of Columbia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Nation's Capital: A Review for ZIP Code 20004

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital, especially in a city like Washington, D.C., can feel overwhelming. This review focuses on hospitals near the 20004 ZIP code, providing a fact-rich overview of their lung cancer care capabilities, from CMS star ratings to telehealth options, to help patients make informed decisions.

**Proximity and Key Players:**

The 20004 ZIP code, encompassing the heart of D.C., offers access to a range of hospitals, each with its strengths and weaknesses in lung cancer treatment. Proximity is a crucial factor, especially during initial diagnoses and frequent treatments. We’ll focus on the most prominent institutions and their lung cancer programs.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital:**

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is a major player in the D.C. healthcare landscape. While its CMS star rating fluctuates, it often hovers around 3 or 4 stars, reflecting its overall quality of care. This is a large teaching hospital with a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated thoracic oncology program. They offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans.

Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, a significant distinction indicating its commitment to research and cutting-edge treatments. This means patients have access to the latest clinical trials and innovative therapies. The hospital’s ER wait times can vary, so it's wise to check current wait times online or by phone before heading to the emergency room. Telehealth services are available, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations, offering convenience for patients. Specific data on lung cancer telehealth utilization is not publicly available, but the hospital actively promotes its telehealth capabilities.

**The George Washington University Hospital:**

The George Washington University Hospital (GW Hospital) is another prominent option. Its CMS star rating also typically falls in the 3-4 star range. Like Georgetown, GW Hospital has a strong cancer program with a dedicated thoracic oncology team. They emphasize a patient-centered approach, focusing on personalized treatment plans.

GW Hospital offers a full spectrum of lung cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. They also have a robust research program, allowing patients to participate in clinical trials. ER wait times can be variable, so checking current estimates is recommended. Telehealth services are available, and the hospital is expanding its telehealth offerings to improve access to care. Specific data on lung cancer telehealth utilization is not publicly available.

**Sibley Memorial Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine):**

Sibley Memorial Hospital, part of the Johns Hopkins Medicine network, offers another option. While located slightly further from the immediate 20004 area, it's easily accessible. Sibley benefits from the resources and expertise of the larger Johns Hopkins system. Its CMS star rating is generally high, often exceeding 4 stars, reflecting a strong commitment to quality.

Sibley's lung cancer program benefits from its affiliation with Johns Hopkins, offering access to advanced treatments and clinical trials. The hospital has a dedicated thoracic surgery team and a comprehensive cancer center. ER wait times are generally competitive. Telehealth services are available, including virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. Specific data on lung cancer telehealth utilization is not publicly available.

**Other Considerations:**

While the above hospitals are the primary contenders, other facilities might be relevant depending on specific needs and preferences. These include smaller community hospitals and specialized clinics. However, their lung cancer programs might be less comprehensive than those of the flagship hospitals.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

Beyond general cancer programs, it's important to consider specialized centers and expertise. Look for hospitals with dedicated thoracic oncology programs, which bring together specialists focused solely on lung cancer. These programs often have dedicated nurses, social workers, and other support staff who specialize in lung cancer care.

**Treatment Options and Technology:**

The availability of advanced treatment options is crucial. This includes minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which can lead to faster recovery times. Access to advanced radiation therapy technologies, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), is also important. Ensure the hospital offers the full range of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy options.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Participation in clinical trials can offer access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. Look for hospitals with active research programs and a strong track record of enrolling patients in clinical trials. NCI-designated cancer centers, like Georgetown’s Lombardi, are particularly strong in this area.

**Telehealth and Access to Care:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. Check which hospitals offer telehealth services and the types of services available, such as virtual visits with oncologists, nurses, and other specialists. This can be particularly helpful for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues.

**ER Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a practical consideration, especially during emergencies. Check current wait times online or by phone before going to the ER. This can help you assess the potential for delays in receiving care.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Patient experience is critical. Consider factors such as the hospital's patient satisfaction scores, the availability of support services (e.g., support groups, counseling, and financial assistance), and the overall atmosphere of the hospital. Look for hospitals that prioritize patient comfort and communication.

**Insurance and Cost:**

Confirm that the hospital accepts your insurance plan and understand the potential costs of treatment. Contact the hospital's billing department to get an estimate of the costs associated with your specific treatment plan.

**Making Your Decision:**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and priorities. Evaluate the factors discussed in this review, including the hospital's location, CMS star rating, specialty programs, treatment options, research capabilities, telehealth services, and patient experience. Consult with your primary care physician and seek recommendations from other healthcare professionals.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals near the 20004 ZIP code offer a range of options for lung cancer care. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, The George Washington University Hospital, and Sibley Memorial Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine) are the primary contenders, each with its strengths and weaknesses. By carefully evaluating the factors discussed in this review, you can make an informed decision and choose the hospital that best meets your needs. Remember to consult with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan.