21717, Buckeystown, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21717, Buckeystown, Maryland is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Frederick, Maryland: A Deep Dive for Patients Near 21717

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision, demanding careful consideration of factors ranging from specialized expertise to accessibility. This review focuses on the hospitals closest to ZIP code 21717 (Frederick, Maryland) and provides a fact-rich overview to help patients navigate this complex landscape.

**Proximity and Core Considerations:**

Residents of Frederick County, Maryland, have several options for lung cancer care within a reasonable driving distance. The primary considerations for patients should include the hospital's experience in treating lung cancer, the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities, the presence of specialized centers, and the overall patient experience. Accessibility, including wait times for appointments and emergency services, is also a crucial factor.

**Frederick Health Hospital: A Local Anchor**

Frederick Health Hospital, located directly within Frederick (and therefore very accessible to 21717 residents), serves as a central healthcare provider for the community. While it is not a flagship, nationally-recognized cancer center, it offers a comprehensive cancer program, including lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Frederick Health Hospital's cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation signifies that the hospital meets specific standards for cancer care, including multidisciplinary care, patient education, and survivorship programs. They offer surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy, immunotherapy), and radiation therapy. The hospital has a dedicated oncology unit and a team of experienced physicians, nurses, and support staff.

**Important Data Points:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** Frederick Health Hospital has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time at Frederick Health Hospital fluctuates, but data often indicates wait times that are in line with, or slightly better than, the national average. It is crucial to check current wait times through the hospital's website or third-party sources like Google before going to the ER.
* **Telehealth:** Frederick Health Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, including virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education.
* **Specialty Centers:** Frederick Health Hospital has a dedicated cancer center that provides comprehensive care, including access to clinical trials. They also offer support services such as counseling, support groups, and nutritional guidance.

**Johns Hopkins Medicine: A Regional Powerhouse (Relatively Accessible)**

Johns Hopkins Medicine, with its flagship hospital, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, is a renowned healthcare system with a strong presence in the region. While not directly in Frederick, it is within a reasonable driving distance for many residents of 21717, particularly those willing to travel for specialized care.

The Johns Hopkins Hospital is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. Their Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, signifying that it meets the highest standards for cancer research, treatment, and prevention.

**Key Advantages of Johns Hopkins:**

* **Expertise:** Johns Hopkins has a large team of highly specialized lung cancer experts, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists.
* **Advanced Technology:** The hospital utilizes cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies, including advanced imaging techniques, minimally invasive surgical procedures, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Clinical Trials:** The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center conducts extensive clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest experimental therapies and research breakthroughs.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Johns Hopkins emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care, with specialists from various disciplines working together to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.

**Important Data Points:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** The Johns Hopkins Hospital consistently receives a 5-star rating from CMS, reflecting its exceptional performance across a wide range of quality measures.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Johns Hopkins can vary depending on the specific location and time of day. It is advisable to check current wait times online before visiting the emergency room.
* **Telehealth:** Johns Hopkins Medicine has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services to patients.
* **Specialty Centers:** The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a world-renowned cancer center with specialized programs for lung cancer, including early detection, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

**University of Maryland Medical Center: Another Option (Further Distance)**

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), located in Baltimore, is another major healthcare provider within a reasonable driving distance of Frederick. UMMC is a large academic medical center with a comprehensive cancer program.

UMMC's Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-designated cancer center, indicating a commitment to cancer research, treatment, and prevention. They offer a wide range of services for lung cancer patients, including diagnosis, staging, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.

**Key Features of UMMC:**

* **Comprehensive Cancer Center:** The Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care, including access to advanced therapies and clinical trials.
* **Multidisciplinary Team:** UMMC has a multidisciplinary team of lung cancer specialists who work together to develop individualized treatment plans.
* **Research Focus:** UMMC is actively involved in cancer research, providing patients with access to the latest advancements in treatment.

**Important Data Points:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** UMMC has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UMMC can vary. Checking real-time wait times is recommended before visiting.
* **Telehealth:** UMMC offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Specialty Centers:** The Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center has specialized programs for lung cancer, including early detection, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

**In Summary: Weighing the Options**

For residents of 21717, the choice of where to receive lung cancer care depends on individual needs and preferences.

* **Frederick Health Hospital:** Offers convenient local care with a comprehensive cancer program, suitable for many patients.
* **Johns Hopkins Medicine:** Provides access to world-class expertise, advanced technology, and clinical trials, potentially beneficial for patients with complex cases or those seeking cutting-edge treatments.
* **University of Maryland Medical Center:** Offers a comprehensive cancer program with a focus on research and a multidisciplinary approach.

**Making the Decision:**

Patients should discuss their specific needs and preferences with their primary care physician or oncologist. They should also consider factors such as:

* **Stage and type of lung cancer:** The complexity of the cancer may necessitate specialized care.
* **Treatment preferences:** Some patients may prefer to stay close to home, while others may be willing to travel for specific treatments or expertise.
* **Insurance coverage:** Patients should verify their insurance coverage and understand the costs associated with each hospital.
* **Personal preferences:** Patients should consider the hospital's culture, patient experience, and support services.

**Additional Considerations:**

* **Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from a different oncologist or cancer center is always recommended, especially after a diagnosis.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services such as counseling, support groups, and patient navigation programs.
* **Transportation:** Factor in the distance to the hospital and the availability of transportation, especially for patients who may need frequent appointments.

This review provides a starting point for patients in the 21717 area to make informed decisions about their lung cancer care. It is imperative to conduct further research, consult with medical professionals, and make a decision that aligns with individual needs and priorities.