21770, Monrovia, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21770, Monrovia, Maryland is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 21770**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to quality care, including experienced specialists, advanced treatments, and supportive services, is paramount. This review examines hospitals near ZIP code 21770 (Frederick, Maryland) to provide a factual overview of their lung cancer care capabilities, focusing on key metrics for patients seeking the best possible outcomes.

**Proximity and Major Players**

The immediate vicinity of Frederick, MD, offers a concentrated area of healthcare options. While no single hospital dominates the landscape, several institutions stand out. Proximity to major metropolitan areas like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., expands the available choices, providing access to highly specialized centers.

**Frederick Health Hospital**

Frederick Health Hospital (FHH), the primary hospital in Frederick, is a central point of care for the community. FHH offers a comprehensive cancer center, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. While specific CMS star ratings can fluctuate, it's crucial to check the latest data on the CMS website for the most up-to-date information. FHH's ER wait times are a key consideration; patients should be prepared for potential wait times, which can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. FHH offers telehealth options, which can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits.

**Johns Hopkins Medicine**

Johns Hopkins Medicine, with its flagship hospital in Baltimore (approximately 50 miles from Frederick), represents a major player in lung cancer care. The Johns Hopkins Hospital is consistently ranked among the top hospitals nationally and internationally. Its Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a renowned institution, offering cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary approach to care. Johns Hopkins has a robust lung cancer program with a team of specialists, including thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists. CMS star ratings for Johns Hopkins Hospital are consistently high, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety. ER wait times at Johns Hopkins can vary, but the hospital's size and resources generally allow for efficient management of emergency cases. Johns Hopkins offers extensive telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education programs.

**University of Maryland Medical System**

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), with its flagship hospital in Baltimore (approximately 45 miles from Frederick), is another major option for lung cancer care. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is a leading academic medical center with a comprehensive cancer program. UMMC's Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center provides advanced treatments, clinical trials, and supportive services. UMMC's lung cancer program features a multidisciplinary team of specialists. CMS star ratings for UMMC should be reviewed on the CMS website. ER wait times at UMMC can fluctuate, so it is important to check current data. Telehealth services are available at UMMC, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring options.

**Other Hospitals and Specialty Centers**

Several other hospitals and specialty centers within a reasonable driving distance from Frederick offer lung cancer care. These include:

* **Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD):** Part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Suburban Hospital offers a comprehensive cancer center with lung cancer specialists and advanced treatment options.
* **Shady Grove Medical Center (Rockville, MD):** This hospital, part of Adventist HealthCare, provides cancer care services, including medical oncology and radiation oncology.
* **MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Washington, D.C.):** MedStar Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care, including advanced treatments and clinical trials.

**Treatment Options and Technologies**

The hospitals in the region offer a wide range of lung cancer treatment options, including:

* **Surgery:** Thoracic surgeons perform various surgical procedures, including lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung), pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung), and minimally invasive techniques.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), are used to target tumors with high precision.
* **Chemotherapy:** Chemotherapy regimens are tailored to the specific type and stage of lung cancer.
* **Targeted Therapy:** Targeted therapies, which target specific genetic mutations in cancer cells, are increasingly used in lung cancer treatment.
* **Immunotherapy:** Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, has revolutionized lung cancer treatment.

**Clinical Trials**

Many hospitals in the area participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest experimental treatments. Johns Hopkins, UMMC, and MedStar Georgetown are particularly active in clinical research.

**Supportive Services**

Beyond medical treatments, hospitals provide a range of supportive services, including:

* **Oncology nurses:** Specially trained nurses provide patient education, symptom management, and emotional support.
* **Social workers:** Social workers assist patients with practical and emotional challenges, such as financial concerns and access to resources.
* **Nutritionists:** Nutritionists provide dietary guidance to help patients maintain their strength and well-being.
* **Support groups:** Support groups offer a forum for patients and their families to connect and share experiences.
* **Palliative care:** Palliative care specialists focus on managing pain and other symptoms to improve quality of life.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly common, offering patients convenient access to care. Hospitals in the area provide virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient education programs. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and symptom monitoring.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant consideration for patients. While wait times can vary depending on the hospital and the time of day, it's essential to be aware of the potential for delays. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other sources provide data on ER wait times, which can help patients make informed decisions.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations**

The cost of lung cancer care can be substantial. Patients should understand their insurance coverage, including deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Hospitals offer financial assistance programs to help patients manage the cost of care.

**Choosing the Right Hospital**

Selecting the right hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider the following factors:

* **Expertise and experience:** Look for hospitals with experienced lung cancer specialists and a high volume of patients.
* **Treatment options:** Ensure the hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
* **Clinical trials:** Consider hospitals that participate in clinical trials, offering access to the latest experimental treatments.
* **Supportive services:** Evaluate the availability of supportive services, such as oncology nurses, social workers, and support groups.
* **Telehealth options:** Assess the availability of telehealth services for convenient access to care.
* **Patient reviews and satisfaction scores:** Research patient reviews and satisfaction scores to gain insights into the quality of care.
* **Proximity and convenience:** Consider the hospital's location and ease of access.

**Conclusion**

The area near ZIP code 21770 offers a variety of options for lung cancer care, ranging from community hospitals to major academic medical centers. Patients should carefully research their options, considering factors such as expertise, treatment options, clinical trials, supportive services, and patient satisfaction. By making an informed decision, patients can increase their chances of receiving the best possible care and achieving the best possible outcomes. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and oncologist to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.