47584, Spurgeon, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 47584, Spurgeon, Indiana is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Your Backyard: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 47584

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to quality care, close to home, is paramount. This review examines hospitals near ZIP code 47584 (Vincennes, Indiana), focusing on factors critical for lung cancer patients: expertise, technology, and patient experience. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options, providing a snapshot of the landscape to help you make informed decisions.

**The Landscape: Primary Options**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Vincennes area include Good Samaritan Hospital (Vincennes, IN) and Daviess Community Hospital (Washington, IN). Further afield, larger tertiary care centers in Evansville, Indiana, and Terre Haute, Indiana, offer additional specialized services.

**Good Samaritan Hospital (Vincennes, IN): The Local Hub**

Good Samaritan Hospital, located directly in Vincennes, is the most immediate choice for residents of ZIP code 47584. It's a community hospital, offering a range of services, including oncology. While it doesn't boast the same level of specialization as larger regional centers, its proximity and established presence in the community are significant advantages.

**CMS Star Rating:** Good Samaritan Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality, based on factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care. It's crucial to remember that CMS ratings are a snapshot, and individual experiences can vary.

**Oncology Services:** Good Samaritan Hospital provides cancer care through its Oncology Department. This includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The hospital likely collaborates with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, potentially through visiting specialists or partnerships. The availability of these services locally minimizes travel burdens for patients undergoing treatment.

**ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time at Good Samaritan Hospital is a key consideration. Publicly available data from CMS and other sources provides information on this metric. Shorter wait times are generally indicative of better efficiency and potentially improved patient flow. Patients should check the most recent data available on the CMS Hospital Compare website or through local sources.

**Specialty Centers:** Good Samaritan Hospital may have specialized clinics or programs for certain types of cancer. Checking their website or contacting the hospital directly is essential to determine the presence of a dedicated lung cancer program or multidisciplinary cancer team. This is crucial for coordinated care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is increasingly important. Good Samaritan Hospital's telehealth offerings should be investigated. This might include virtual consultations with oncologists, follow-up appointments, or access to remote monitoring tools. Telehealth can significantly reduce travel time and improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas.

**Daviess Community Hospital (Washington, IN): A Nearby Alternative**

Daviess Community Hospital, located in Washington, Indiana, offers another option for residents near ZIP code 47584. This hospital is approximately a 30-minute drive from Vincennes, making it a convenient choice.

**CMS Star Rating:** Daviess Community Hospital's CMS star rating should be researched. Comparing its rating to Good Samaritan Hospital's provides a comparative perspective on overall quality.

**Oncology Services:** Daviess Community Hospital also provides oncology services. The scope of these services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to specialists, should be investigated. The hospital's website or direct inquiries are the best sources for this information.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Daviess Community Hospital should be compared to those at Good Samaritan Hospital. This is a practical consideration for patients seeking immediate care.

**Specialty Centers:** Daviess Community Hospital's website should be checked for any specialized cancer programs. The presence of a dedicated lung cancer program or a multidisciplinary cancer team is a strong indicator of comprehensive care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Daviess Community Hospital's telehealth offerings should be reviewed. The availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring options can significantly enhance patient convenience and access to care.

**Regional Powerhouses: Expanding the Scope**

While Good Samaritan Hospital and Daviess Community Hospital are the closest options, patients may consider traveling to larger regional centers for specialized care.

**Evansville, Indiana: A Regional Hub**

Evansville, Indiana, approximately an hour's drive from Vincennes, is home to several larger hospitals. These hospitals often offer a broader range of specialized services, including advanced lung cancer treatment options.

**Deaconess Health System:** Deaconess Health System is a major healthcare provider in Evansville. It likely has a comprehensive cancer program, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The system's CMS star rating should be investigated. Deaconess might have a dedicated lung cancer center or a multidisciplinary team specializing in lung cancer care. They may offer advanced treatments such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.

**St. Vincent Evansville:** St. Vincent Evansville is another major hospital in Evansville. Similar to Deaconess, it likely has a robust cancer program. Their CMS star rating, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities should be researched. The hospital's website or direct inquiries are the best sources for this information.

**ER Wait Times in Evansville:** ER wait times at both Deaconess and St. Vincent Evansville should be compared to those at Good Samaritan Hospital and Daviess Community Hospital. Larger hospitals often experience longer wait times, but they may also have more resources to handle complex cases.

**Telehealth in Evansville:** The telehealth capabilities of Deaconess and St. Vincent Evansville should be thoroughly investigated. These larger systems are more likely to have extensive telehealth programs, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.

**Terre Haute, Indiana: Another Option**

Terre Haute, Indiana, is another regional center, located approximately an hour and a half from Vincennes.

**Union Health:** Union Health is the primary hospital system in Terre Haute. It likely has a cancer center with a range of services. Their CMS star rating, specialty programs, and telehealth capabilities should be researched.

**ER Wait Times in Terre Haute:** ER wait times at Union Health should be compared to the other hospitals.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients**

Beyond hospital-specific factors, certain elements are crucial for lung cancer patients:

* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Look for hospitals with multidisciplinary cancer teams. This means a team of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, and nurses, working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
* **Advanced Technology:** Access to advanced imaging technology (e.g., PET/CT scans), radiation therapy techniques (e.g., IMRT, stereotactic body radiation therapy), and minimally invasive surgical options (e.g., VATS) is essential.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can offer access to cutting-edge treatments. Research if hospitals offer clinical trials for lung cancer.
* **Patient Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer patient support services, such as support groups, counseling, nutritional counseling, and financial assistance.
* **Second Opinions:** Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from another oncologist, especially if you have any doubts or concerns about your treatment plan.

**Making the Right Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. The best choice depends on individual circumstances, including the stage and type of cancer, treatment preferences, and access to care. This review provides a starting point for your research. Consult with your primary care physician, oncologist, and other healthcare professionals to make an informed decision. Consider factors like proximity, CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth capabilities, and patient support services. Remember to prioritize your comfort, access to quality care, and overall well-being throughout your treatment journey.