The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04992, West Farmington, Maine is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
Health Scores in 04992, West Farmington, Maine
Lung Cancer Score | 71 |
---|---|
People Score | 81 |
Provider Score | 57 |
Hospital Score | 64 |
Travel Score | 20 |
**Lung Cancer Care Near Waterville, Maine: A Scorecard**
The search for optimal lung cancer care often begins with proximity. For residents of Waterville, Maine (ZIP code 04992), several hospitals offer a range of services. This review evaluates key institutions based on factors crucial to lung cancer patients, including quality metrics, specialized programs, and accessibility. The goal is to provide a clear picture, enabling informed decisions during a challenging time.
**Central Maine Medical Center (Lewiston, ME)**
Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), located approximately 30 miles south of Waterville in Lewiston, is a significant regional healthcare provider. CMMC is a member of the Central Maine Healthcare system. While it is not a designated "flagship" hospital in the traditional sense, it provides comprehensive care for a variety of conditions, including cancer.
CMMC’s cancer services are delivered through the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care. This center offers medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. While specific lung cancer program details, such as the number of lung cancer cases treated annually or specific survival rates, are not readily available in public data, the presence of these core services indicates a commitment to cancer care. The hospital’s website provides information about clinical trials, suggesting an engagement with cutting-edge treatments.
CMS Star Ratings: CMMC has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, considering factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.
ER Wait Times: Emergency room wait times can be a critical factor, particularly for patients experiencing complications. Publicly available data on CMMC’s ER wait times varies, but it's advisable to check current wait times through online tools or by contacting the hospital directly.
Telehealth: CMMC offers telehealth services, which can be valuable for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. The availability of telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.
**MaineGeneral Medical Center (Augusta, ME)**
MaineGeneral Medical Center (MGMC), located in Augusta, approximately 20 miles south of Waterville, is another key player in the region. MGMC is part of the MaineGeneral Health system.
MGMC offers cancer care through the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care (a separate entity from the one at CMMC). The Augusta location provides a comprehensive range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and support services. MGMC is a member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative, which allows patients access to clinical trials and expert consultations.
CMS Star Ratings: MGMC has a 3-star rating from CMS.
ER Wait Times: Information on ER wait times at MGMC can be found through online resources.
Telehealth: MGMC offers telehealth services, which can be particularly beneficial for patients needing remote monitoring or follow-up care.
**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor, ME)**
Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), now known as Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, is located in Bangor, approximately 80 miles east of Waterville. It is a larger, tertiary care center that may offer more specialized services.
EMMC offers a comprehensive cancer program, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital is a member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative. This collaboration provides access to specialized expertise and clinical trials. EMMC likely treats a higher volume of lung cancer cases compared to the smaller hospitals.
CMS Star Ratings: EMMC has a 3-star rating from CMS.
ER Wait Times: ER wait times at EMMC can be checked through online tools.
Telehealth: EMMC offers telehealth services.
**Specialty Centers and Programs**
While all the hospitals mentioned offer core cancer services, some may have specialized programs or centers. These may include:
* **Thoracic Surgery:** Look for hospitals with board-certified thoracic surgeons who specialize in lung cancer surgery.
* **Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinics:** These clinics bring together oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to develop coordinated treatment plans.
* **Lung Cancer Screening Programs:** Early detection is crucial for lung cancer. Hospitals with screening programs, often using low-dose CT scans, can help identify the disease at an earlier stage.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.
**Accessibility and Considerations**
* **Travel Distance:** Travel time is a significant factor for patients. Consider the distance to each hospital and the potential impact on appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the hospital’s culture and patient care.
* **Support Services:** Cancer treatment often requires comprehensive support services, including social work, counseling, and nutritional support. Inquire about the availability of these services at each hospital.
**Data Limitations**
Publicly available data on hospital performance, particularly specific lung cancer outcomes, can be limited. Data on survival rates, stage-specific outcomes, and the number of lung cancer cases treated annually may not be readily available. It is recommended to contact the hospitals directly to inquire about specific performance metrics and program details.
**Conclusion**
For residents of Waterville, Maine, the choice of a hospital for lung cancer care involves considering factors such as proximity, services offered, and quality metrics. CMMC, MGMC, and EMMC all offer cancer care, but the specific strengths and programs may vary. Patients should research each hospital, considering the factors outlined above, and consult with their primary care physician and oncologist to make an informed decision that aligns with their individual needs and preferences.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like