41132, Denton, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 41132, Denton, Kentucky is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Heart of Appalachia: A Hospital Review for ZIP Code 41132

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review focuses on the best options for residents near ZIP code 41132 (Grayson, Kentucky), considering factors like quality of care, access, and specialized services. The goal is to provide a clear, fact-based overview to assist in navigating this complex healthcare landscape.

**Proximity and Primary Options**

The immediate vicinity of Grayson, Kentucky, offers a limited number of hospitals. Residents often look to larger regional centers for comprehensive lung cancer care. The closest options with significant resources are in Ashland, Kentucky, and Huntington, West Virginia.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY)**

King's Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) in Ashland, KY, is a major player in the region. It's a large, comprehensive facility and a common choice for residents of 41132. KDMC holds a respectable **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. While not the highest rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of quality, particularly in areas like patient safety and mortality rates.

KDMC’s cancer center provides a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They offer diagnostic imaging, including advanced CT scans and PET scans, crucial for lung cancer detection and staging. They also have a dedicated lung cancer screening program for high-risk individuals, adhering to the guidelines set by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

**ER Wait Times at KDMC:** Average ER wait times at KDMC fluctuate. Data from recent months shows wait times ranging from 1 to 2 hours, which is typical for a hospital of its size. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers and Telehealth:** KDMC has a strong cardiology department, which is often relevant for lung cancer patients due to potential cardiovascular complications. They also offer telehealth services, which are increasingly important for follow-up appointments, medication management, and access to specialists. Telehealth availability is a key factor in improving access for patients in rural areas.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV)**

Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, is another prominent option for lung cancer care, located a reasonable distance from Grayson. It is a large, tertiary care center and often draws patients from a wide geographic area. Cabell Huntington Hospital currently holds a **4-star CMS rating**, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to KDMC.

Cabell Huntington Hospital has a dedicated cancer center, the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is known for its multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. This means patients benefit from a team of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and pulmonologists, who collaborate on treatment plans.

**ER Wait Times at Cabell Huntington:** Cabell Huntington Hospital generally experiences slightly shorter ER wait times than KDMC, often averaging around 1 to 1.5 hours. However, these times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers and Telehealth:** Cabell Huntington Hospital boasts several specialty centers, including a renowned heart and vascular institute. They also offer robust telehealth capabilities, including remote monitoring and virtual consultations, which are valuable for lung cancer patients. The hospital actively promotes its telehealth services to improve access to care for patients in the surrounding areas.

**Comparing KDMC and Cabell Huntington Hospital**

When comparing KDMC and Cabell Huntington Hospital, several factors come into play. Cabell Huntington Hospital's higher CMS star rating suggests a potentially better overall quality of care. However, KDMC is closer to Grayson, which can be a significant factor for patients and their families. Both hospitals offer comprehensive lung cancer services, but the specific expertise and resources available may vary. Patients should consider their individual needs and preferences when making their choice, including the availability of specific treatments, the experience of the medical team, and the convenience of location.

**Other Considerations**

**Specialized Lung Cancer Treatment:** Both hospitals offer standard lung cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. However, access to cutting-edge treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, may vary. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials and the expertise of the medical team in these newer approaches.

**Thoracic Surgery:** The skill and experience of the thoracic surgeons are critical for lung cancer patients. Patients should ask about the surgeons' experience with minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which can lead to faster recovery times.

**Pulmonary Specialists:** Lung cancer often affects the lungs, so the expertise of pulmonologists is also essential. Patients should inquire about the pulmonologists' experience in diagnosing and managing lung conditions related to cancer.

**Patient Support Services:** Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Both hospitals offer patient support services, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance. These services can be invaluable for patients and their families.

**Telehealth Statistics:** Telehealth utilization has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in rural areas. Both KDMC and Cabell Huntington Hospital have expanded their telehealth services. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth for their specific needs, including follow-up appointments, medication management, and access to specialists. Telehealth can significantly reduce travel burdens and improve access to care for patients in 41132.

**The Importance of Research and Second Opinions**

Patients should actively research their options and seek second opinions from other specialists. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute are valuable resources for information about lung cancer and treatment options.

**Access to Care and Travel Considerations**

Residents of 41132 face challenges related to access to care, including travel distances and transportation costs. While KDMC is closer, Cabell Huntington Hospital offers potentially better quality of care. Patients should consider the trade-offs between proximity and quality when making their decision.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. For residents near ZIP code 41132, KDMC and Cabell Huntington Hospital are the primary options. Both hospitals offer comprehensive services, but they differ in their CMS ratings, ER wait times, and specialty centers. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences, research their options, and seek second opinions to make an informed decision. The availability of telehealth services is a significant advantage for patients in this rural area, improving access to care and reducing the burden of travel.