21738, Glenwood, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21738, Glenwood, Maryland is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Frederick, MD Area: A Deep Dive for Patients

Finding the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. For residents near ZIP code 21738 (Frederick, MD), several options exist, each with its strengths and weaknesses. This review provides a fact-rich overview to help patients navigate this complex landscape, focusing on key factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape: Key Players and General Considerations**

The primary hospitals serving Frederick County are Frederick Health Hospital (formerly Frederick Memorial Hospital) and closer in proximity, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. These institutions, along with other facilities within a reasonable driving distance, form the core of lung cancer care options for the area. The availability of specialized lung cancer centers, the expertise of oncologists and pulmonologists, and the accessibility of advanced treatments are crucial considerations.

**Frederick Health Hospital: Local Anchor**

Frederick Health Hospital (FHH) is the primary hospital within the 21738 ZIP code. It's a large, comprehensive hospital offering a range of services. While it is a local hospital, it is not a flagship hospital. As of October 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded FHH a 3-star rating. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, and readmission rates. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific metrics relevant to lung cancer care.

FHH has a cancer center that provides chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services. The hospital's website provides information on its cancer program, including its accreditations. Patients should investigate whether the cancer center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons, a mark of quality and comprehensive care.

ER wait times at FHH can vary. The average wait time is generally available on the hospital's website, often updated in real-time. Patients should check these times, particularly if experiencing symptoms that require immediate attention. Telehealth capabilities at FHH are expanding. The hospital offers telehealth consultations for some specialties, including oncology. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments with their oncologist and other specialists.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital: A National Leader**

Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, approximately a 45-60 minute drive from Frederick, is a nationally recognized leader in cancer care. It consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the United States for cancer treatment. Johns Hopkins is a flagship hospital. As of October 2024, CMS awarded Johns Hopkins Hospital a 4-star rating. This rating reflects a higher level of quality and patient care compared to FHH.

The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins offers a comprehensive lung cancer program. This program boasts a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and pathologists. The hospital is known for its advanced treatment options, including clinical trials, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

Johns Hopkins has a dedicated thoracic surgery department that specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques for lung cancer. The hospital also has a robust research program, contributing to advancements in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

ER wait times at Johns Hopkins can be longer than at smaller hospitals, particularly during peak hours. Patients should be prepared for potential delays. Johns Hopkins has a well-developed telehealth program, offering virtual consultations for many specialties, including oncology. The hospital’s telehealth platform allows patients to connect with their care team remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and other services.

**Other Hospitals to Consider: Expanding the Options**

Several other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 21738 offer lung cancer care. These include:

* **University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore):** Located in Baltimore, this hospital is another major academic medical center. It is a flagship hospital. It has a comprehensive cancer center with a lung cancer program. As of October 2024, CMS awarded the University of Maryland Medical Center a 3-star rating.
* **Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD):** Part of the Johns Hopkins Health System, Suburban Hospital offers cancer care services. It is not a flagship hospital. The hospital's website provides information on its cancer program and accreditations. As of October 2024, CMS awarded Suburban Hospital a 4-star rating.
* **Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, VA):** While further afield, Inova Fairfax Hospital is a large, well-regarded hospital with a cancer center. It is a flagship hospital. As of October 2024, CMS awarded Inova Fairfax Hospital a 4-star rating.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise**

When evaluating hospitals, patients should consider the availability of specialized lung cancer centers. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from various fields to provide comprehensive care. Look for centers that:

* **Have a dedicated lung cancer screening program:** Early detection is crucial for lung cancer. Screening programs for high-risk individuals can improve outcomes.
* **Offer advanced diagnostic imaging:** Access to PET/CT scans, MRI, and other advanced imaging techniques is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Provide access to clinical trials:** Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and potentially benefit from new treatments.
* **Employ experienced thoracic surgeons:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer have the expertise to perform complex surgical procedures.
* **Have a dedicated oncology team:** A team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, and support staff is crucial for providing comprehensive care.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important component of healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. Telehealth can:

* **Reduce travel time and costs:** Patients can attend appointments from the comfort of their homes.
* **Improve access to specialists:** Telehealth can connect patients with specialists who may not be available locally.
* **Facilitate remote monitoring:** Telehealth allows healthcare providers to monitor patients' symptoms and progress remotely.

When evaluating hospitals, patients should inquire about their telehealth capabilities, including:

* **The availability of virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists.**
* **The types of telehealth platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, secure messaging).**
* **The hospital's policies on telehealth appointments, including scheduling, billing, and technical support.**

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times can be a significant concern for patients experiencing symptoms that require immediate attention. Patients should check the average ER wait times at each hospital they are considering. This information is often available on hospital websites or through online resources.

**Making the Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a deeply personal decision. Patients should consider the following factors:

* **Their individual medical needs and preferences.**
* **The expertise and experience of the healthcare providers.**
* **The availability of advanced treatments and clinical trials.**
* **The hospital's CMS star rating and other quality metrics.**
* **The convenience of location and access to care.**
* **The hospital's telehealth capabilities.**

It is highly recommended to:

* **Consult with your primary care physician:** Your doctor can provide valuable guidance and referrals.
* **Gather information from multiple sources:** Research hospitals online, read patient reviews, and talk to other cancer patients.
* **Schedule consultations with oncologists at different hospitals:** This will allow you to meet the doctors, ask questions, and get a sense of their approach to care.
* **Trust your instincts:** Choose the hospital and care team that you feel most comfortable with and confident in.

By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, patients in the 21738 area can make informed decisions about their lung cancer care and increase their chances of a successful outcome.