04259, Monmouth, Maine Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04259, Monmouth, Maine is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Lewiston, Maine: A Scorecard for Patients

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting task, and choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Lewiston, Maine (ZIP code 04259), offering a fact-based assessment of their lung cancer care capabilities. We’ll examine key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings to help patients make informed decisions.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Lewiston, Maine, is served by a mix of local and regional healthcare providers. While specialized lung cancer centers are not directly within the town, several hospitals offer oncology services and are accessible for residents. Access to specialized care often necessitates travel, a factor that needs careful consideration. This review highlights the most relevant options, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses in the context of lung cancer treatment.

**Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC): A Local Hub**

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston is a primary healthcare provider for the local community. CMMC, a 250-bed facility, has a comprehensive cancer care program. CMMC is a Level II Trauma Center. As of November 2023, CMMC does not have a CMS star rating. The absence of a star rating doesn't automatically indicate poor quality, but it does mean that CMS data wasn't sufficient for a rating.

CMMC's oncology services include medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They offer diagnostic imaging, including CT scans and PET scans, crucial for lung cancer detection and staging. The hospital has a multidisciplinary tumor board, where specialists from various fields collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans.

ER wait times at CMMC are a key consideration for patients. The most recent data indicates an average ER wait time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This is a crucial factor, particularly for patients experiencing symptoms or side effects related to their cancer treatment.

CMMC has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. Telehealth appointments are available for some oncology consultations and follow-up visits, offering patients increased convenience and reduced travel burdens. The hospital's telehealth platform facilitates remote monitoring of patients and allows for virtual communication with healthcare providers.

**St. Mary's Regional Medical Center: A Partner in Care**

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, also located in Lewiston, is another key player in the local healthcare ecosystem. St. Mary's is a 233-bed hospital. Like CMMC, St. Mary's does not have a CMS star rating (as of November 2023). This doesn't necessarily indicate a problem, but it does mean that the hospital's performance data was not sufficient for a star rating.

St. Mary's offers a range of cancer services, including medical oncology and radiation oncology. They provide diagnostic imaging and access to surgical specialists. St. Mary's emphasizes a patient-centered approach, with support services like counseling and support groups available to patients and their families.

ER wait times at St. Mary's are a critical factor. Data indicates an average ER wait time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is a significant factor, especially for patients requiring immediate medical attention.

St. Mary's has also invested in telehealth capabilities. Telehealth services are available for certain oncology consultations and follow-up appointments, providing patients with increased flexibility and access to care. The hospital's telehealth platform supports remote monitoring and virtual communication.

**Maine Medical Center (MMC): A Regional Leader**

Located in Portland, Maine, approximately 35 miles from Lewiston, Maine Medical Center (MMC) is a major regional referral center. MMC is a 637-bed hospital. MMC has a 4-star CMS rating (as of November 2023). This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality metrics.

MMC boasts a comprehensive cancer center, including specialized lung cancer care. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic imaging, including PET/CT scans and advanced bronchoscopy techniques. They have a dedicated team of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer.

MMC's cancer center is equipped with state-of-the-art radiation therapy equipment, including advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). They participate in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

ER wait times at MMC are a consideration. The average ER wait time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. While longer than local hospitals, MMC often sees more complex cases, impacting wait times.

MMC has a robust telehealth program. Telehealth appointments are available for oncology consultations, follow-up visits, and remote monitoring. The hospital's telehealth platform is designed to improve patient access to care and reduce travel burdens.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Northern Light Health): A Bangor Option**

Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), part of Northern Light Health, is located in Bangor, Maine, approximately 120 miles from Lewiston. EMMC is a 411-bed hospital. EMMC has a 3-star CMS rating (as of November 2023).

EMMC has a comprehensive cancer center, including lung cancer specialists. The hospital provides advanced diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services. They have a multidisciplinary team that collaborates on patient care.

ER wait times at EMMC are a factor. The average ER wait time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

EMMC has expanded its telehealth offerings. Telehealth appointments are available for oncology consultations and follow-up visits.

**Specialty Centers and Considerations**

Beyond the primary hospitals, specialized centers can play a crucial role in lung cancer care. While not directly within the immediate vicinity of Lewiston, patients may need to consider these options.

**Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston):** This world-renowned cancer center is approximately a 3-hour drive from Lewiston. Dana-Farber offers cutting-edge lung cancer treatments, including clinical trials and access to leading experts. However, access to Dana-Farber requires significant travel and is often reserved for complex cases or patients seeking specific clinical trials.

**The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care**

Effective lung cancer treatment necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Patients should seek hospitals with tumor boards, where specialists from various disciplines (pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, and radiology) collaborate on treatment plans. This ensures a comprehensive and individualized approach to care.

**Telehealth: A Growing Resource**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in cancer care. It offers patients the convenience of virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. When evaluating hospitals, patients should inquire about their telehealth capabilities and how they can be used to support their care.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

ER wait times are a practical consideration, especially for patients experiencing treatment side effects or needing urgent medical attention. Longer wait times can be stressful and delay necessary care. Patients should consider the average ER wait times at each hospital when making their choice.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Innovation**

Clinical trials offer patients access to innovative treatments and therapies. Patients should inquire about clinical trial participation at the hospitals they are considering.

**The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Patients should consider factors such as proximity, CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, telehealth offerings, and the availability of multidisciplinary care. While local hospitals like CMMC and St. Mary's offer convenient access, regional centers like MMC and EMMC provide specialized expertise and advanced treatment options. For highly specialized care or clinical trial access, Dana-Farber may be an option, though it requires significant travel. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual patient's needs, preferences, and the complexity of their case. Consulting with a primary care physician and a pulmonologist can help patients navigate this process and make an informed decision.