47713, Evansville, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 47713, Evansville, Indiana is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Scorecard for Hospitals Near Evansville, IN (47713)

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Evansville, Indiana (ZIP code 47713), providing a fact-based assessment of their lung cancer care capabilities. We’ll examine key metrics, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings, to help you make an informed decision.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The Evansville area is served by a mix of large regional health systems and smaller community hospitals. The availability of specialized lung cancer care can vary significantly between these facilities. Factors like the presence of dedicated oncology centers, advanced imaging technology, and access to clinical trials are crucial considerations.

**The Flagship: Deaconess Health System**

Deaconess Health System stands out as a major player in the region. It's a multi-hospital system, and its flagship hospital, **Deaconess Hospital (600 Mary St, Evansville, IN 47710)**, is a primary focus. Deaconess Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive facility in the area.

**CMS Star Rating:** Deaconess Hospital generally receives a respectable rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While these ratings fluctuate, it typically maintains a 3- or 4-star rating, indicating a solid level of quality and patient care. The CMS star rating is a useful, albeit imperfect, indicator of overall hospital performance, encompassing factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**Lung Cancer Specialty:** Deaconess has a dedicated cancer center, the **Deaconess Cancer Center**, which is a significant asset. This center offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment, bringing together oncologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists. This collaborative approach is crucial for developing individualized treatment plans.

**Advanced Technology:** Deaconess invests in advanced imaging technologies, including PET/CT scans, which are essential for accurate lung cancer diagnosis and staging. They also likely offer advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which can target tumors with high precision.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical factor, especially during a cancer crisis. Deaconess Hospital's ER wait times tend to be in line with the national average, which can fluctuate. Patients should check the latest data on the hospital's website or through resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website for the most up-to-date information.

**Telehealth:** Deaconess has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, consultations, and managing side effects. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility issues. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual lung cancer consultations performed, are not always publicly available, but the hospital's website or patient portal may offer more details.

**Research and Clinical Trials:** Deaconess often participates in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. Inquiring about active lung cancer trials at Deaconess is essential for patients seeking innovative therapies.

**Other Deaconess Facilities:**

* **The Women's Hospital (4199 Gateway Blvd, Newburgh, IN 47630)** is part of the Deaconess system. While it primarily focuses on women's health, its proximity to Deaconess Hospital allows for seamless access to specialized lung cancer services if needed.

**St. Vincent Evansville Hospital:**

**St. Vincent Evansville Hospital (3700 Washington Ave, Evansville, IN 47714)** is another major healthcare provider in the area. It is part of the Ascension Health system.

**CMS Star Rating:** St. Vincent Evansville Hospital typically receives a CMS star rating that is comparable to Deaconess, often in the 3- or 4-star range.

**Lung Cancer Specialty:** St. Vincent Evansville has a comprehensive cancer center, the **St. Vincent Cancer Center**. This center offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including lung cancer.

**Advanced Technology:** St. Vincent Evansville Hospital has advanced imaging capabilities, including PET/CT scans, and offers radiation therapy options.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at St. Vincent Evansville Hospital are similar to those at Deaconess, with fluctuations based on the time of day and patient volume.

**Telehealth:** St. Vincent Evansville Hospital also offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Research and Clinical Trials:** St. Vincent Evansville Hospital participates in clinical trials, providing patients with access to innovative treatments.

**Other Hospitals in the Area:**

* **Good Samaritan Hospital (520 S 7th St, Vincennes, IN 47591):** Located in Vincennes, Indiana, this hospital is a smaller community hospital. While it may offer basic cancer care, it likely does not have the same level of specialized resources as Deaconess or St. Vincent. Patients may need to travel to Evansville for more complex lung cancer treatment.

* **Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center (1100 W 13th St, Jasper, IN 47546):** Located in Jasper, Indiana, this hospital is another option. It's important to assess its capabilities. Patients may need to travel to Evansville for specialized lung cancer services.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

* **Specialized Expertise:** Look for hospitals with dedicated lung cancer specialists, including medical oncologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** A multidisciplinary team ensures that all aspects of your care are considered.
* **Advanced Technology:** Access to advanced imaging and radiation therapy techniques is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
* **Patient Experience:** Research patient reviews and testimonials to gauge the hospital's reputation for patient care and satisfaction.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.
* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the ease of access, especially for frequent appointments.
* **Support Services:** Inquire about support services, such as patient navigation, support groups, and financial counseling.

**ER Wait Time Caveats:**

ER wait times are dynamic. They can be influenced by various factors, including the time of day, day of the week, and the overall volume of patients. It's important to check the latest data available on hospital websites or through resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Telehealth: The New Normal**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in cancer care. It can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent follow-up appointments. When evaluating hospitals, inquire about their telehealth capabilities, including the types of services offered and the availability of virtual consultations with lung cancer specialists.

**Making the Decision:**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a deeply personal decision. This review provides a starting point for your research. Deaconess Health System and St. Vincent Evansville Hospital are the primary contenders in the Evansville area, offering comprehensive cancer centers and access to advanced technologies. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when making your final decision. Consulting with your primary care physician and seeking referrals from specialists is also highly recommended.