21757, Keymar, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21757, Keymar, Maryland is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Frederick, MD (ZIP Code 21757): A Comprehensive Review

Frederick, Maryland, nestled in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, offers a blend of suburban and rural living. For residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, access to quality healthcare is paramount. This review delves into the landscape of lung cancer care available near the 21757 ZIP code, focusing on hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Proximity and Key Players:**

The immediate vicinity of Frederick, MD (21757) is served primarily by Frederick Health Hospital, a central hub for medical services in the region. However, residents also have access to hospitals in nearby metropolitan areas, notably the Washington D.C. and Baltimore corridors, expanding their options for specialized care. This review will examine key hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on their lung cancer treatment capabilities.

**Frederick Health Hospital: A Local Anchor**

Frederick Health Hospital, located directly within Frederick, MD, is a crucial point of access for residents. As of the latest available data, Frederick Health Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not a top-tier CMS rating, it indicates a hospital that meets established standards.

Frederick Health Hospital has a dedicated cancer center, offering a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They provide diagnostic imaging, including CT scans and PET scans, essential for lung cancer detection and staging. The hospital also has a multidisciplinary team, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, who collaborate on patient care.

Regarding Emergency Room (ER) wait times, Frederick Health Hospital typically reports wait times that fluctuate. Publicly available data, often updated on hospital websites or through third-party sources, should be consulted for the most current information. Shorter wait times are generally indicative of efficient emergency care.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital: A National Leader (Baltimore, MD)**

Approximately an hour's drive from Frederick, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is a nationally recognized leader in cancer care. Johns Hopkins consistently earns high ratings from U.S. News & World Report for its cancer program, and is a flagship hospital. It is known for its innovative research, cutting-edge treatments, and comprehensive cancer services.

Johns Hopkins Hospital boasts a 5-star CMS rating, reflecting exceptional performance across a wide range of quality metrics. Their Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a major draw for lung cancer patients. The center offers a full spectrum of services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.

The hospital's thoracic surgery program is particularly renowned, with surgeons specializing in complex lung cancer procedures. Johns Hopkins also has a robust pulmonary medicine division, providing expert care for lung-related conditions. While ER wait times can vary, the hospital's reputation and specialized services often attract patients from a wide geographical area.

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

Also located in Baltimore, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) provides another option for advanced lung cancer care. UMMC also has a cancer center and offers a range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The hospital is known for its expertise in treating complex cancer cases.

UMMC's CMS star rating is generally competitive, reflecting its commitment to quality patient care. The hospital has a strong focus on research and clinical trials, providing patients with access to the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment.

UMMC's ER wait times are subject to change, so checking the hospital’s website or third-party sources for the most up-to-date information is advisable.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital: Northern Virginia Option (Fairfax, VA)**

Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Frederick, Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia, offers another option for lung cancer care. Inova Fairfax is a major regional medical center with a comprehensive cancer program.

Inova Fairfax Hospital generally receives a high rating from CMS. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center that offers a full range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital's thoracic surgery program is well-regarded, and they provide access to advanced diagnostic imaging and treatment technologies.

Inova Fairfax Hospital's ER wait times are subject to change, so checking the hospital’s website or third-party sources for the most up-to-date information is advisable.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

Beyond the general cancer centers, several specialized programs and centers can be crucial for lung cancer patients. These include:

* **Thoracic Surgery Centers:** Hospitals with specialized thoracic surgery programs, such as Johns Hopkins and Inova Fairfax, are vital for patients requiring surgical intervention. These centers often employ minimally invasive techniques, leading to faster recovery times.
* **Radiation Oncology Centers:** Advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), are increasingly used in lung cancer treatment. Hospitals with state-of-the-art radiation oncology departments are essential.
* **Clinical Trial Participation:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative therapies. Major cancer centers like Johns Hopkins and UMMC are often involved in a wide range of clinical trials.
* **Support Services:** Comprehensive cancer care includes support services such as oncology social work, palliative care, and survivorship programs. These services help patients and their families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

**Telehealth and Accessibility:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients in rural or suburban areas. Many hospitals offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. The availability of telehealth services can improve access to care and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits.

Frederick Health Hospital, along with other hospitals in the region, has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years. Patients should inquire about telehealth options when scheduling appointments.

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

When selecting a hospital for lung cancer care, several factors should be considered:

* **Expertise and Experience:** The experience and expertise of the medical team, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, are crucial.
* **Treatment Options:** The availability of a full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, is essential.
* **Technology and Resources:** Access to advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, and radiation therapy technologies is important.
* **Patient Experience:** Consider the hospital's patient satisfaction scores, which reflect the quality of care and the patient experience.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Location and Accessibility:** Consider the travel distance and ease of access to the hospital.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as oncology social work, palliative care, and survivorship programs, is important.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of the 21757 ZIP code have access to a range of hospitals for lung cancer care, from the local Frederick Health Hospital to the nationally renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. The best choice for each patient will depend on their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. Careful consideration of the factors outlined in this review, along with consultation with a primary care physician and oncologist, will help patients make informed decisions about their care. Staying informed about hospital ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth options is crucial in navigating the healthcare landscape and ensuring the best possible outcomes.