Lung Cancer Score

41843, Pine Top, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 stars

0 Reviews

Health Scores

Hospital Score in 41843, Pine Top, Kentucky

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 41843, Pine Top, Kentucky is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

Health Scores in 41843, Pine Top, Kentucky

Lung Cancer Score 44
People Score 40
Provider Score 68
Hospital Score 41
Travel Score 35

Hospital Score Review of 41843, Pine Top, Kentucky

## Lung Cancer Care in the Vicinity of 41843: A Comprehensive Review

The ZIP code 41843, encompassing the city of Hazard, Kentucky, and its surrounding areas, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare, particularly in the realm of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review delves into the available resources, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of hospitals and healthcare providers within a reasonable radius, focusing on factors crucial to lung cancer patients: access to specialists, advanced treatment options, and overall quality of care.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Hazard and Beyond**

Hazard, Kentucky, is a rural community, and the healthcare landscape reflects this reality. Residents often face the challenge of traveling significant distances for specialized medical care. While local hospitals provide essential services, advanced treatments and specialized expertise are often concentrated in larger facilities located further afield. This review will primarily focus on hospitals within a 100-mile radius of 41843, considering the practical limitations of travel for patients and their families.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Measure of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, benchmark for hospital quality. These ratings, based on a variety of factors including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience, provide a readily accessible overview of a hospital's performance.

Within a reasonable distance of Hazard, several hospitals stand out. Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, is a flagship facility. As of the most recent data, Saint Joseph Hospital has a CMS star rating, indicating a generally positive performance across various quality metrics. This hospital is a member of the CHI Saint Joseph Health network, which provides a broad range of services.

Another significant player in the region is the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. As the primary teaching hospital for the University of Kentucky, Chandler Hospital often has a strong focus on research and advanced treatments.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

For patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer, or those undergoing treatment, timely access to emergency care is paramount. Long ER wait times can significantly impact patient outcomes. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, publicly available data can offer insights into average wait times at various hospitals.

Both Saint Joseph Hospital and the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital typically report their ER wait times publicly. The information can be found on their websites.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

The availability of specialized lung cancer centers is a critical factor in determining the quality of care. These centers typically bring together a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses, all focused on the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington has a dedicated cancer center, which provides comprehensive cancer care, including lung cancer treatment. The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, also in Lexington, is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center. NCI designation signifies a commitment to cutting-edge research, advanced treatment options, and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. The Markey Cancer Center is a major resource for lung cancer patients in the region.

**Access to Advanced Treatment Options**

Lung cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, with the development of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. The availability of these advanced treatment options is a key indicator of a hospital's ability to provide high-quality care.

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center excels in this area, offering a wide range of advanced treatment options, including clinical trials, which can provide access to the latest therapies. Saint Joseph Hospital also provides advanced treatment options.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth and remote patient monitoring technologies are increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. These technologies can help bridge the distance between patients and their healthcare providers, improving access to care and facilitating ongoing monitoring.

Both Saint Joseph Hospital and the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital offer telehealth services, including consultations with specialists and remote monitoring of patients. The specific availability of telehealth services for lung cancer patients should be confirmed with each hospital.

**Specific Hospital Profiles: A Closer Look**

**Saint Joseph Hospital (Lexington, KY):** This hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including a cancer center. Patients can expect access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists. The hospital’s CMS star rating provides a general indication of its quality, but further investigation into specific lung cancer treatment outcomes is recommended.

**University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital (Lexington, KY):** The University of Kentucky’s flagship hospital, with its Markey Cancer Center, is a major resource for lung cancer patients. The Markey Cancer Center's NCI designation signifies a commitment to advanced research and treatment. Patients have access to clinical trials and the latest therapies.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Hospitals**

While hospitals are central to lung cancer care, other factors contribute to the overall quality of care. These include:

* **Availability of Supportive Services:** Access to support groups, counseling, and palliative care services can significantly improve the quality of life for lung cancer patients.
* **Insurance Coverage:** The acceptance of various insurance plans is crucial for ensuring access to care. Patients should verify their insurance coverage with each hospital and provider.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital.

**The Importance of Early Detection and Screening**

Early detection is critical in improving lung cancer outcomes. Individuals at high risk for lung cancer, such as current or former smokers, should discuss lung cancer screening with their primary care physician. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are a recommended screening tool for eligible individuals.

**Navigating the Healthcare System: A Practical Guide**

For residents of the 41843 ZIP code and surrounding areas, navigating the healthcare system can be complex. Here are some practical tips:

* **Consult Your Primary Care Physician:** Your primary care physician is your first point of contact and can provide referrals to specialists.
* **Research Hospitals and Specialists:** Utilize online resources, such as hospital websites, patient reviews, and CMS data, to research hospitals and specialists.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions about treatment options, costs, and potential side effects.
* **Seek a Second Opinion:** Consider seeking a second opinion from another specialist to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan.
* **Advocate for Yourself:** Be an active participant in your healthcare and advocate for your needs.

**Conclusion: A Path Forward for Lung Cancer Care in the 41843 Area**

Lung cancer patients in the vicinity of 41843 have access to a range of healthcare resources, with Lexington, Kentucky, serving as a primary hub for specialized care. The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center stands out as a leading center for lung cancer treatment and research. Saint Joseph Hospital also offers comprehensive cancer care. Patients should proactively research their options, consult with their physicians, and advocate for their needs to ensure they receive the best possible care. The ongoing advancements in lung cancer treatment offer hope for improved outcomes, and access to these advancements is critical for patients in this region.

Reviews

Recent Reviews

No reviews yet.

Leave a review
Health Scores Near 41843, Pine Top, Kentucky

You may also like

41836, Mallie, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 2.64 Miles

Total Population: 897

41834, Littcarr, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 3.74 Miles

Total Population: 344

41844, Pippa Passes, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 3.99 Miles

Total Population: 1,497

41828, Kite, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 4.09 Miles

Total Population: 691

41847, Redfox, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 5.71 Miles

Total Population: 210

41824, Isom, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 5.84 Miles

Total Population: 769

41817, Garner, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 6.37 Miles

Total Population: 619

41862, Topmost, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 6.45 Miles

Total Population: 854

41822, Hindman, Kentucky
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 41843: 6.67 Miles

Total Population: 1,789

Health Scores in 41843, Pine Top, Kentucky