02762, Plainville, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02762, Plainville, Massachusetts is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Southeastern Massachusetts: A Deep Dive for 02762 Residents

Finding the best lung cancer care is a critical undertaking. For residents of ZIP code 02762 (Seekonk, Massachusetts), a comprehensive review of nearby hospitals is essential. This analysis considers factors ranging from overall hospital quality, to specialized cancer centers, to accessibility of care, including telehealth options.

**Proximity and Flagship Institutions**

The primary hospitals serving the 02762 area are located in Providence, Rhode Island, and Taunton, Massachusetts. These are the closest options for emergency care and specialty consultations.

**Rhode Island Hospital: A Flagship with Mixed Reviews**

Rhode Island Hospital, part of Lifespan Health System in Providence, is a major player. It's a Level I Trauma Center, making it a crucial resource for immediate medical needs. However, its overall performance, as reflected in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings, fluctuates. Recent CMS data show a 3-star rating, indicating average performance. This rating considers factors like patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

Rhode Island Hospital houses the Lifespan Cancer Institute. This institute provides comprehensive cancer care, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services. The institute offers specialized programs for various cancer types, including lung cancer. It is important to note that specific lung cancer program data, such as survival rates or participation in clinical trials, are not readily available in a consolidated format. Patients should directly inquire about these metrics during consultations.

ER wait times at Rhode Island Hospital can vary. Publicly available data, often accessible through resources like ProPublica's Hospital Checkup, can offer insights into average wait times. However, these times can fluctuate depending on the day of the week and the time of day. It is always advisable to call ahead to the ER to check on wait times.

**Miriam Hospital: A Lifespan Partner with a Focus on Specialized Care**

Also part of the Lifespan system in Providence, The Miriam Hospital is another significant option. While it doesn't have a dedicated, standalone lung cancer center, it offers oncology services and often collaborates with Rhode Island Hospital for specialized care. The Miriam Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating. This suggests a generally better performance in areas considered by CMS.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital: A Community Hospital in Taunton**

Located in Taunton, Massachusetts, Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a community hospital offering a range of services. It has a 3-star CMS rating. Sturdy Memorial has a cancer center that provides oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients may need to be referred to larger centers for advanced surgical procedures or clinical trials.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs**

The presence of dedicated lung cancer centers is a crucial factor. While both Rhode Island Hospital and Sturdy Memorial offer oncology services, it is essential to investigate the specifics of their lung cancer programs. Key questions to ask include:

* **Multidisciplinary Teams:** Does the program involve a team of specialists (pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists) who collaborate on treatment plans?
* **Advanced Diagnostics:** Does the hospital offer advanced diagnostic tools like PET/CT scans, bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), and genetic testing for targeted therapies?
* **Surgical Expertise:** Does the hospital have experienced thoracic surgeons who perform minimally invasive procedures (e.g., video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or VATS) and complex resections?
* **Radiation Therapy:** Does the hospital offer advanced radiation therapy techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)?
* **Clinical Trials:** Does the program participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments?
* **Supportive Services:** Does the program provide supportive services such as smoking cessation programs, nutritional counseling, and psychosocial support?

**Accessibility and Wait Times**

Accessibility is a key consideration. Travel time from 02762 to Providence or Taunton should be factored in. Traffic conditions, especially during peak hours, can impact access to care.

ER wait times are another crucial aspect. As mentioned earlier, these times can vary. Checking online resources or calling the ER before heading to the hospital is recommended.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important. They can provide convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Patients should inquire about telehealth options offered by the hospitals they are considering. This could include virtual visits with oncologists, nurses, or other members of the care team.

**Specific Program Data: A Challenge**

Obtaining specific program data, such as survival rates for lung cancer patients or the number of patients enrolled in clinical trials, can be challenging. This information is not always readily available in a standardized, easily accessible format. Patients should directly ask these questions during consultations with physicians and program administrators.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations**

Insurance coverage is a critical factor. Patients should confirm that the hospitals and physicians they are considering are in their insurance network. They should also inquire about the hospital's financial assistance policies and the availability of financial counselors to help navigate the costs of care.

**Patient Experience and Reviews**

Patient experience is a vital component of care. Reviewing online patient reviews on sites like Healthgrades, Vitals, or Google Reviews can provide insights into the experiences of other patients. However, it is important to consider these reviews in context, as they may not always reflect the full picture of care.

**The Importance of Second Opinions**

Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist or thoracic surgeon is always recommended, especially when dealing with a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. This allows patients to gather additional information, explore different treatment options, and gain confidence in their care plan.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. Residents of 02762 should carefully weigh the factors discussed above, including hospital quality ratings, specialized services, accessibility, and patient experience. They should also actively engage with their healthcare providers, ask questions, and seek second opinions to make an informed choice that aligns with their individual needs and preferences.

**Ongoing Research and Updates**

The landscape of lung cancer care is constantly evolving. New treatments, diagnostic tools, and surgical techniques are continually being developed. Patients should stay informed about the latest advances and discuss them with their healthcare providers. They should also be aware that hospital ratings and program offerings can change over time. Regularly checking for updates and seeking the most current information is essential.