32168, New Smyrna Beach, Florida Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 32168, New Smyrna Beach, Florida is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Hospital Review Near Palm Coast, Florida (ZIP Code 32168)**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Access to quality care, from initial screening to advanced treatment, is paramount. This review analyzes hospitals near Palm Coast, Florida (ZIP code 32168), focusing on their lung cancer services, incorporating data points like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities to provide a comprehensive picture for patients and their families.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance**

The closest major hospital to Palm Coast is AdventHealth Palm Coast, a significant player in the local healthcare landscape. While AdventHealth Palm Coast doesn't have a specific, dedicated "lung cancer center," it offers comprehensive oncology services. Its CMS star rating is unavailable, which should be a consideration for patients. ER wait times fluctuate, but data from third-party sources suggests they can range from under an hour to over two hours, depending on the time of day and patient volume. AdventHealth Palm Coast has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, including virtual consultations with specialists, which can be beneficial for follow-up appointments and medication management.

Another key hospital to consider is Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach, located approximately 25 miles south of Palm Coast. Halifax Health is a Level II trauma center and offers a wider array of specialized services. Halifax Health has a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital's ER wait times are generally longer than AdventHealth Palm Coast's, often exceeding two hours, particularly during peak hours. Halifax Health has a dedicated cancer center, which provides a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They offer telehealth options, including virtual appointments for follow-up care and some pre-operative consultations.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Services**

Beyond general oncology services, specialized lung cancer centers are crucial. These centers often boast multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses, all working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. Neither AdventHealth Palm Coast nor Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach have a dedicated "lung cancer center" in the strictest sense. However, both hospitals have medical staff with the expertise and resources to treat lung cancer.

The availability of advanced diagnostic tools is critical. Both hospitals offer advanced imaging, including CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopy, essential for accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. The availability of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), is also important, as these procedures often lead to shorter recovery times and reduced complications. Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach has a more robust surgical oncology department, offering more advanced surgical options.

**Telehealth and Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. Telehealth can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate convenient follow-up care. Both AdventHealth Palm Coast and Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach have expanded their telehealth offerings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. These services include virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online educational resources. The quality of these services varies, so patients should inquire about the specific telehealth capabilities offered by their chosen provider.

**ER Wait Times and Patient Experience**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of hospital efficiency and can significantly impact patient experience. Long wait times can lead to increased anxiety and delays in receiving necessary care. Both AdventHealth Palm Coast and Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach experience fluctuations in ER wait times. Patients should be aware of these potential delays and consider alternative options, such as urgent care centers, for non-life-threatening conditions. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the overall patient experience. Online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient reviews, which can help patients assess the quality of care, communication with providers, and overall satisfaction levels.

**Considerations for Lung Cancer Treatment**

Treatment for lung cancer varies based on the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and other factors. Common treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Access to clinical trials is also important, as these trials offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments. Both hospitals in this review participate in clinical trials, although the specific trials available may vary. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their oncologist and consider seeking a second opinion to ensure they receive the most appropriate care.

**Specific Hospital Details**

AdventHealth Palm Coast, as mentioned, provides oncology services but lacks a dedicated lung cancer center. They offer surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. They have a range of diagnostic tools, including CT scans and PET scans. Their telehealth offerings have expanded, and they participate in clinical trials. ER wait times can fluctuate, and the CMS star rating is unavailable.

Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach has a dedicated cancer center and a 3-star CMS rating. They offer comprehensive lung cancer services, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and advanced diagnostic imaging. They participate in clinical trials and have expanded telehealth options. ER wait times are generally longer than AdventHealth Palm Coast's.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. For residents near Palm Coast, Florida (ZIP code 32168), AdventHealth Palm Coast and Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach are the primary options. While neither hospital has a dedicated "lung cancer center," both offer comprehensive oncology services and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Patients should carefully consider factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, the availability of specialized services, telehealth capabilities, and patient reviews when making their decision. Consulting with a pulmonologist or oncologist and seeking a second opinion can further help patients navigate this complex process and ensure they receive the best possible care.