20657, Lusby, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20657, Lusby, Maryland is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Lexington Park, MD (ZIP Code 20657): A Scorecard

Finding the best lung cancer care is a critical undertaking. For residents of Lexington Park, Maryland (ZIP Code 20657), several hospitals offer treatment options. This review provides a fact-rich overview, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth availability, to help patients navigate their choices.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of 20657 is primarily served by MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, MD. This is the closest full-service hospital and often the first point of contact for medical needs. However, for more specialized lung cancer treatment, patients may need to consider hospitals further afield, including those in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas.

**MedStar St. Mary's Hospital: A Closer Look**

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, a 116-bed facility, serves as a crucial healthcare provider for the region. While a direct CMS star rating for the hospital is unavailable at the time of this review, it is part of the larger MedStar Health network. MedStar Health is a significant regional healthcare system.

ER wait times at MedStar St. Mary's can fluctuate. Data from recent months suggests an average wait time, but this can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. It's crucial to understand that ER wait times are not necessarily indicative of the quality of lung cancer care, but they can impact the initial access to care.

MedStar St. Mary's offers diagnostic services, including imaging like CT scans and X-rays, which are essential for lung cancer detection and staging. The hospital also provides medical oncology services. However, for advanced lung cancer treatment modalities like radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, patients may be referred to other hospitals within the MedStar network or other specialized facilities.

**Navigating the Larger Healthcare Landscape: Considerations Beyond Leonardtown**

For comprehensive lung cancer care, patients in 20657 often look beyond their immediate vicinity. Several hospitals in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas offer more specialized services. This requires considering travel time, insurance coverage, and the specific needs of each patient.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Lung Cancer Programs:**

Several hospitals in the region are recognized for their lung cancer programs. These institutions often have dedicated cancer centers, multidisciplinary teams, and access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):**

Johns Hopkins Hospital is a world-renowned medical center. It consistently receives high ratings for its cancer care. Johns Hopkins has a comprehensive lung cancer program, offering advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, medical oncology, and access to clinical trials. The hospital has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. The hospital has a dedicated Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. While ER wait times can vary, Johns Hopkins is a major referral center, and patients may be referred from other facilities.

**University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore, MD):**

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is another major healthcare provider in the Baltimore area. UMMC has a strong lung cancer program, including a multidisciplinary team of specialists. The hospital offers advanced treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. UMMC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. UMMC's Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. ER wait times at UMMC can fluctuate, and patients should check current wait times before arriving.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Washington, D.C.):**

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital offers a comprehensive lung cancer program, with access to a variety of treatment options. The hospital has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. MedStar Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-designated cancer center. This hospital provides a range of services, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. ER wait times can vary.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, VA):**

Inova Fairfax Hospital, located in Northern Virginia, is another major player in the region. Inova Fairfax has a well-regarded lung cancer program, offering advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and medical oncology services. Inova Fairfax has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. The hospital's Schar Cancer Institute provides comprehensive cancer care. ER wait times can vary.

**Specialty Centers and Their Role:**

Specialty centers play a crucial role in lung cancer care. These centers often focus on specific aspects of the disease, such as early detection, advanced surgical techniques, or clinical trials.

**The Role of Telehealth:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

The availability of telehealth services varies by hospital and specialty. Patients should inquire about telehealth options with their chosen healthcare providers. Telehealth can be particularly useful for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment involves several factors:

* **Stage of Cancer:** The stage of the cancer will influence the treatment options available.
* **Treatment Preferences:** Patients should consider their preferences for treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Insurance coverage will impact the cost of treatment.
* **Proximity:** Travel time and distance are important considerations, especially for frequent appointments.
* **Hospital Reputation and Experience:** Researching the hospital's reputation and experience in treating lung cancer is crucial.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Look for hospitals with multidisciplinary teams of specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nurses.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as counseling, support groups, and palliative care.

**ER Wait Times: A Caveat:**

While ER wait times are often reported, they are not always directly related to the quality of lung cancer care. However, long wait times can delay access to initial diagnostic tests and treatment. Patients should inquire about estimated wait times and consider alternative options if necessary.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of 20657, lung cancer care options range from local facilities like MedStar St. Mary's to the more specialized programs offered by hospitals in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Careful consideration of factors like CMS star ratings, specialized centers, telehealth availability, and individual patient needs is crucial for making informed decisions. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians and oncologists to determine the best course of action for their specific situation. This review provides a starting point for research, but individual circumstances will dictate the best path to care.