21530, Flintstone, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21530, Flintstone, Maryland is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Your Backyard: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 21530

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. This review, focusing on hospitals near the 21530 ZIP code (Germantown, Maryland), provides a fact-rich overview of available resources, from overall quality ratings to specialized centers and telehealth options. The goal is to equip you with the information needed to make an informed choice.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The 21530 ZIP code is situated within a region offering a range of healthcare options. Proximity to major metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C., and Baltimore expands the possibilities. This review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those that are likely to be primary choices for residents of Germantown.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Care:**

When evaluating hospitals for lung cancer treatment, several factors are paramount. These include:

* **Expertise:** Does the hospital have a dedicated pulmonology department and experienced oncologists?
* **Technology:** Are advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, such as robotic surgery and targeted therapies, available?
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Does the hospital offer a coordinated team of specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and support staff?
* **Patient Experience:** Are patient satisfaction scores and wait times reasonable?
* **Accreditation:** Does the hospital hold accreditations from reputable organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC)?

**Hospital Profiles:**

**1. Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD):**

Suburban Hospital, part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, is a major player in the region's healthcare landscape. While not directly in Germantown, its proximity and affiliation with Johns Hopkins make it a significant option. Suburban Hospital boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), indicating a solid level of overall quality.

* **Lung Cancer Services:** Suburban Hospital has a comprehensive lung cancer program. They have a dedicated thoracic surgery team, medical oncologists specializing in lung cancer, and radiation oncologists. They offer advanced imaging, including PET/CT scans, and a range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.
* **Specialty Centers:** Suburban Hospital is known for its cancer center, which provides multidisciplinary care. They have a lung cancer screening program and participate in clinical trials.
* **Telehealth:** Johns Hopkins Medicine has expanded its telehealth offerings, which likely include consultations and follow-up appointments for lung cancer patients. Specific telehealth statistics for Suburban Hospital are not readily available, but the Johns Hopkins system is known for its telehealth initiatives.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Suburban Hospital can vary. It's advisable to check real-time wait times on their website or through third-party apps before visiting.

**2. Shady Grove Medical Center (Rockville, MD):**

Shady Grove Medical Center, part of Adventist HealthCare, is another prominent hospital serving the Germantown area. It is a large, full-service hospital with a strong presence in the community. Shady Grove has a 3-star CMS rating.

* **Lung Cancer Services:** Shady Grove offers a lung cancer program with a team of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They provide diagnostic services, including bronchoscopy and advanced imaging. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **Specialty Centers:** Shady Grove has a cancer center that provides comprehensive care. They offer support services such as patient navigation and support groups.
* **Telehealth:** Adventist HealthCare has expanded its telehealth services. Shady Grove likely offers telehealth consultations and follow-up appointments for lung cancer patients. Specific telehealth statistics for Shady Grove are not readily available.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Shady Grove Medical Center can fluctuate. It's recommended to check real-time wait times before visiting.

**3. Frederick Health Hospital (Frederick, MD):**

Located further northwest, Frederick Health Hospital is a regional hospital serving Frederick County. While a bit further from Germantown, it is a viable option. Frederick Health Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

* **Lung Cancer Services:** Frederick Health Hospital has a lung cancer program with a team of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They offer diagnostic services, including bronchoscopy and advanced imaging. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **Specialty Centers:** Frederick Health Hospital has a cancer center that provides comprehensive care. They offer support services such as patient navigation and support groups.
* **Telehealth:** Frederick Health Hospital offers telehealth services, including consultations and follow-up appointments. Specific telehealth statistics are not readily available.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Frederick Health Hospital can vary. It's recommended to check real-time wait times before visiting.

**4. MedStar Montgomery Medical Center (Olney, MD):**

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is another option, located in Olney, closer to Germantown than Frederick. It is part of the MedStar Health system. The CMS rating for this hospital is not readily available.

* **Lung Cancer Services:** MedStar Montgomery Medical Center provides lung cancer care. They offer a team of specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists. They offer diagnostic services and treatment options, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital offers cancer care services.
* **Telehealth:** MedStar Health offers telehealth services, which likely include consultations and follow-up appointments. Specific telehealth statistics for MedStar Montgomery Medical Center are not readily available.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center can vary. It's recommended to check real-time wait times before visiting.

**5. Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring, MD):**

Holy Cross Hospital is located in Silver Spring and is another potential option for residents of Germantown. It has a 3-star CMS rating.

* **Lung Cancer Services:** Holy Cross Hospital has a lung cancer program. They offer diagnostic services and treatment options, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital offers cancer care services.
* **Telehealth:** Holy Cross Hospital offers telehealth services, which likely include consultations and follow-up appointments. Specific telehealth statistics are not readily available.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Holy Cross Hospital can vary. It's recommended to check real-time wait times before visiting.

**Beyond the Hospitals: The Role of Specialists**

Beyond the hospitals themselves, it's crucial to consider the availability of specialized physicians and clinics. Many pulmonologists and oncologists have private practices in the area, and some may have affiliations with multiple hospitals. Researching the specific expertise and experience of individual physicians is an essential part of the decision-making process.

**Accessing Information and Making Your Choice:**

* **Hospital Websites:** Each hospital's website is a valuable resource. Look for information on their lung cancer programs, physician directories, and patient resources.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews can provide insights into patient experiences. However, consider them as one piece of the puzzle and weigh them against other factors.
* **Consultations:** Schedule consultations with pulmonologists and oncologists at different hospitals to discuss your specific needs and preferences.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify your insurance coverage for each hospital and treatment option.
* **Second Opinions:** Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from another specialist to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan.

**Telehealth Considerations:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare. While specific telehealth statistics for each hospital are not always readily available, inquire about the availability of telehealth consultations and follow-up appointments. Telehealth can provide convenience and access to specialists, especially for those with mobility issues or who live a distance from the hospital.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer care is a significant decision. The hospitals near the 21530 ZIP code offer a range of options, from large, affiliated hospitals like Suburban Hospital to community hospitals like Shady Grove Medical Center. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, researching individual physicians, and seeking consultations, you can make an informed choice that best meets your needs. Remember to prioritize expertise, technology, a multidisciplinary approach, patient experience, and accreditation when making your decision.