04967, Pittsfield, Maine Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04967, Pittsfield, Maine is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 04967**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Access to quality healthcare, particularly specialized cancer centers, is paramount. This review analyzes the hospitals near ZIP code 04967 (Skowhegan, Maine), focusing on their lung cancer care capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth options. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

**Proximity and Primary Considerations**

The immediate area around Skowhegan, Maine, is primarily served by smaller community hospitals. For more comprehensive lung cancer care, residents often need to travel to larger medical centers, particularly those in the Portland and Bangor areas. This review will prioritize those facilities offering advanced oncology services and resources.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center), Bangor, ME**

Approximately a two-hour drive from Skowhegan, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor is a major regional medical center. EMMC is a flagship hospital within the Northern Light Health system. It is a Level II Trauma Center and offers a comprehensive cancer program.

* **Cancer Care:** EMMC's Cancer Care program is a significant draw for lung cancer patients. They have a dedicated oncology unit, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. EMMC is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, a crucial indicator of quality and adherence to national standards.
* **Specialized Services:** EMMC provides multidisciplinary care, including thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and oncology nurses. They offer advanced diagnostic imaging, including PET/CT scans, essential for lung cancer staging and monitoring.
* **Telehealth:** Northern Light Health actively promotes telehealth services. While specific statistics for lung cancer telehealth visits are not readily available, the system-wide adoption of telehealth suggests accessibility to virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.
* **CMS Star Rating:** EMMC's CMS star rating fluctuates, but it generally hovers around 3-4 stars. This rating reflects overall hospital quality, including patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at EMMC vary. It is advisable to check the hospital's website or use online tools to check the current wait times before visiting.

**Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME**

Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland is another critical option, about a two-hour drive from Skowhegan. As the state's largest hospital and a Level I Trauma Center, MMC offers an extensive range of specialized services, including a robust cancer program.

* **Cancer Care:** MMC's MaineHealth Cancer Care program is a leading cancer center in the state. It is a member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative, providing access to cutting-edge research and treatment protocols.
* **Specialized Services:** MMC offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment, with dedicated thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff. They have advanced imaging capabilities, including PET/CT scans and advanced bronchoscopy techniques. MMC also participates in clinical trials, offering patients access to innovative therapies.
* **Telehealth:** MaineHealth has a well-developed telehealth program. Specific telehealth offerings for lung cancer patients include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and support group meetings.
* **CMS Star Rating:** MMC consistently receives a 4-star rating from CMS, reflecting a high level of quality and patient satisfaction.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at MMC can vary, especially during peak hours. The hospital's website provides real-time wait time information.

**Other Considerations**

While EMMC and MMC are the primary options for advanced lung cancer care, several other hospitals in the region may offer some services.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital, Skowhegan, ME:** Located within the 04967 ZIP code, Redington-Fairview General Hospital is a critical access hospital. While it may not have a dedicated lung cancer center, it offers basic diagnostic services and can provide initial care and referrals to larger centers.
* **Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington, ME:** Approximately a 45-minute drive from Skowhegan, Franklin Memorial Hospital is a smaller community hospital. It may provide some outpatient services and referrals for lung cancer patients.

**Factors Influencing Hospital Choice**

Several factors should influence the decision of where to seek lung cancer care:

* **Stage of Cancer:** The stage of the cancer significantly impacts treatment needs. Early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery or radiation, while advanced stages often require chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy.
* **Treatment Preferences:** Patients should discuss their treatment preferences with their oncologist.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its specialists are within your insurance network.
* **Travel Distance:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the impact on travel time for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.
* **Support Services:** Assess the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.

**ER Wait Times and Hospital Capacity**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in emergency situations. Both EMMC and MMC publish real-time ER wait times on their websites. However, wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the number of patients seeking care.

Hospital capacity is another consideration. Larger hospitals, such as EMMC and MMC, generally have more resources and specialized staff. However, they may also experience higher patient volumes, potentially impacting wait times and access to care.

**Telehealth's Role**

Telehealth is increasingly important in cancer care. It offers patients access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services from the comfort of their homes. Both EMMC and MMC have robust telehealth programs, providing patients with virtual access to their care teams.

**Conclusion**

For residents near ZIP code 04967, accessing comprehensive lung cancer care requires travel to larger medical centers. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and Maine Medical Center in Portland are the primary options, offering specialized services, multidisciplinary care teams, and access to advanced treatments. Patients should consider their individual needs, insurance coverage, and the availability of support services when making their decision. Consulting with a primary care physician or oncologist is essential to determine the best course of action.