02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in the 02744 Vicinity: A Comprehensive Hospital Review**

The 02744 ZIP code, encompassing Fall River, Massachusetts, and its surrounding areas, presents a specific landscape for lung cancer patients seeking the best possible care. Access to high-quality oncology services, including diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care, is crucial. This review delves into the leading hospitals in and around Fall River, focusing on their lung cancer programs, resources, and performance indicators.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

One of the primary considerations for patients is the overall quality of care, often reflected in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, provide a general assessment of a hospital's performance based on various quality and patient satisfaction metrics.

**Saint Anne's Hospital (Fall River):** Located directly within the 02744 ZIP code, Saint Anne's Hospital is a significant healthcare provider. While specific CMS star ratings fluctuate, it's essential to check the most current data available on the CMS website. Saint Anne's offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Patients should inquire about the hospital's lung cancer program, including its multidisciplinary team approach, which typically involves pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and supportive care specialists.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River):** Also situated in Fall River, Charlton Memorial Hospital is another key player in the local healthcare ecosystem. Its CMS star rating is another factor to assess. Similar to Saint Anne's, patients should investigate the hospital's lung cancer program, including its access to advanced technologies like PET/CT scans, which are vital for accurate staging and monitoring of lung cancer.

**Other Nearby Hospitals:**

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI):** While outside the immediate 02744 ZIP code, Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, is a major regional medical center. It often attracts patients from the Fall River area. Rhode Island Hospital, a teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University, typically has a strong reputation for specialized care. Patients should evaluate its lung cancer program, including its access to clinical trials, which offer cutting-edge treatment options. Its CMS star rating is also an important factor.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA):** Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a highly regarded academic medical center. It is a significant option for patients seeking comprehensive lung cancer care. Beth Israel Deaconess has a reputation for advanced cancer treatment and research. Its CMS star rating should be reviewed. The hospital's lung cancer program often includes specialized clinics, access to novel therapies, and a strong focus on patient-centered care.

**Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA):** Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), another flagship hospital in Boston, is frequently considered a leader in cancer care. MGH consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation. Its lung cancer program is known for its expertise in all aspects of the disease, from early detection to advanced treatment. The hospital’s CMS star rating should be considered. MGH's resources include state-of-the-art technology, a robust research program, and a multidisciplinary team approach.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, especially for patients experiencing symptoms or complications related to lung cancer. These wait times can vary significantly depending on the hospital and the time of day.

**Saint Anne's Hospital:** Patients should inquire about the average ER wait times at Saint Anne's Hospital. Shorter wait times can be crucial in situations requiring immediate medical attention.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Similarly, information on the ER wait times at Charlton Memorial Hospital is essential.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** As a regional center, Rhode Island Hospital may experience higher patient volumes, which could affect ER wait times.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** Due to its location in a major city, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s ER wait times should be investigated.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH, as a high-volume hospital, may have longer ER wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond general hospital services, patients should seek hospitals with dedicated specialty centers or programs focused on lung cancer.

**Saint Anne's Hospital:** Inquire about any specialized lung cancer clinics or programs at Saint Anne's Hospital, such as those focused on early detection, targeted therapies, or palliative care.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Investigate if Charlton Memorial Hospital has any specific lung cancer programs or affiliations with cancer centers.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Rhode Island Hospital's cancer center should be thoroughly evaluated, including its lung cancer-specific services.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's cancer center is a significant resource, offering specialized lung cancer care.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH's cancer center is a leading destination for lung cancer treatment, offering a wide range of specialized programs.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care.

**Saint Anne's Hospital:** Determine if Saint Anne's Hospital offers telehealth options for lung cancer patients.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Investigate whether Charlton Memorial Hospital provides telehealth services.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Rhode Island Hospital's telehealth capabilities are important to assess.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's telehealth offerings should be considered.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH likely has a robust telehealth program.

**Specific Lung Cancer Treatments and Technologies**

Patients should inquire about the specific treatments and technologies available at each hospital.

**Saint Anne's Hospital:** Determine the availability of advanced technologies like robotic surgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and access to targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Investigate the availability of these advanced treatments at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Rhode Island Hospital's access to advanced technologies and therapies should be evaluated.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is likely to offer a wide range of advanced treatments and technologies.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH is at the forefront of lung cancer treatment, offering cutting-edge technologies and therapies.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to innovative treatments.

**Saint Anne's Hospital:** Inquire about Saint Anne's Hospital's involvement in lung cancer clinical trials.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Investigate any clinical trial participation at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Rhode Island Hospital's clinical trial program should be assessed.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has a strong research program and often participates in clinical trials.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH is a major research center and offers numerous clinical trial opportunities.

**Patient Support Services**

Comprehensive care includes support services.

**Saint Anne's Hospital:** Inquire about support services at Saint Anne's Hospital, such as support groups, counseling, and patient navigation.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Investigate the availability of support services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Rhode Island Hospital's support services should be assessed.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center likely offers a wide range of support services.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH has comprehensive support services.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care requires careful consideration of various factors. Patients in the 02744 area have several options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. By evaluating CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty programs, telehealth capabilities, treatment options, and support services, patients can make informed decisions and access the best possible care for their individual needs. It is crucial to consult with a primary care physician and oncologist to determine the most appropriate hospital and treatment plan.