41129, Catlettsburg, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 41129, Catlettsburg, Kentucky is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 41129

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review examines healthcare options near ZIP code 41129, focusing on key factors like quality of care, access to specialists, and technological capabilities. While this analysis provides valuable insights, it is not a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

ZIP code 41129 is located in Greenup County, Kentucky. Access to specialized medical care, including lung cancer treatment, can be influenced by the area's proximity to larger cities and medical centers. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in the potential for travel to access advanced care.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general measure of quality. However, it's important to note that these ratings are based on a limited set of metrics and should be considered alongside other factors.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** Located approximately 15 miles from 41129, King's Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) is a major regional healthcare provider. While specific CMS star ratings fluctuate, KDMC consistently strives for high standards of care. KDMC has a comprehensive cancer center. It is essential to check the latest CMS ratings and hospital-specific data on their website. KDMC’s cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans. They are likely to have advanced diagnostic tools, including PET/CT scans and advanced imaging.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** Situated across the Ohio River, in Huntington, West Virginia, St. Mary's Medical Center is another significant healthcare option. St. Mary's also has a cancer center that provides a full range of cancer care services. It is crucial to check their current CMS star ratings, which can vary. St. Mary's is likely to have a robust lung cancer program, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

**Access and ER Wait Times:**

Access to timely care is crucial, especially in emergency situations. ER wait times can be a significant indicator of hospital efficiency and patient flow.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** KDMC's ER wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume. Checking the hospital's website or using online tools that track ER wait times can provide real-time information.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** Similar to KDMC, St. Mary's ER wait times vary. Reviewing current wait times through their website or other sources is essential.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs:**

The presence of specialized centers and dedicated lung cancer programs is a strong indicator of a hospital's ability to provide advanced care.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** KDMC's cancer center likely offers a range of services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and potentially advanced treatment options like clinical trials. Inquire about their specific lung cancer program, including the availability of thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and other specialists.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** St. Mary's cancer center will likely have a comprehensive lung cancer program. They will have a multidisciplinary team of specialists and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.

**Diagnostic Capabilities:**

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective lung cancer treatment. Hospitals should have access to advanced diagnostic tools.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** KDMC is likely to have access to advanced imaging technologies, including CT scans, PET/CT scans, and bronchoscopy. They should also offer biopsy services for tissue sampling.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** St. Mary's will have access to similar advanced diagnostic tools, ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis.

**Treatment Options:**

The availability of a wide range of treatment options is crucial for tailoring care to individual patient needs.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** KDMC will likely offer a range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Inquire about their access to clinical trials and immunotherapy.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** St. Mary's will have similar treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques, chemotherapy regimens, and radiation therapy protocols.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** KDMC may offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring programs. Inquire about their telehealth capabilities for lung cancer patients.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** St. Mary's may also offer telehealth services, providing remote access to specialists and potentially facilitating remote monitoring of patients.

**Support Services:**

Comprehensive cancer care involves more than just medical treatment. Support services play a vital role in patient well-being.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** KDMC will likely offer a range of support services, including patient navigation, support groups, counseling, and palliative care.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** St. Mary's will also have support services, including patient education, nutritional counseling, and psychosocial support.

**Patient Outcomes and Survival Rates:**

While survival rates can be complex and influenced by various factors, they provide a general indication of a hospital's effectiveness.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** Information on lung cancer survival rates may be available through the hospital's website or through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) or other sources.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** Similar information on survival rates may be available through the hospital or external sources.

**Research and Clinical Trials:**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** KDMC may participate in clinical trials. Inquire about their current research programs and opportunities for patients.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** St. Mary's may also participate in clinical trials.

**Cost and Insurance:**

Understanding the cost of care and insurance coverage is essential.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** Contact KDMC's billing department to inquire about costs and insurance coverage.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** Contact St. Mary's billing department to inquire about costs and insurance coverage.

**Conclusion:**

For residents near ZIP code 41129, King's Daughters Medical Center and St. Mary's Medical Center represent viable options for lung cancer care. Both hospitals have cancer centers with a range of services. Patients should research each hospital thoroughly, considering CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty programs, and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Consulting with a primary care physician or oncologist is crucial to determine the best course of action and the most appropriate healthcare provider for individual needs.