27235, Colfax, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27235, Colfax, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in the Piedmont Triad: A Review for ZIP Code 27235**

Finding the best lung cancer care is a critical decision, especially when facing a diagnosis. For residents of ZIP code 27235 (Greensboro, NC, and surrounding areas), several hospitals offer comprehensive services. This review provides an overview of key facilities, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer patients, including quality metrics, specialized programs, and accessibility.

**Cone Health: A Major Player**

Cone Health, a large healthcare system, is a prominent presence in the Greensboro area. Its flagship hospital, **Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital**, located in Greensboro, is a central point of care. Moses Cone Memorial Hospital consistently receives a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. While not the highest rating, it indicates a standard of care that meets federal requirements. This rating is based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

Moses Cone Memorial Hospital's cancer services are centralized at the **Cone Health Cancer Center**. This facility offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans. They provide services such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions, including minimally invasive techniques.

**Specialized Programs and Technology**

Cone Health invests in advanced technology for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This includes advanced imaging capabilities, such as PET/CT scans, which are crucial for staging the disease and monitoring treatment response. They also offer advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which allows for precise targeting of tumors.

Cone Health has a robust telehealth program, which is increasingly important for cancer patients. Telehealth can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Specific statistics on telehealth utilization for lung cancer patients were not readily available but should be inquired about directly.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

Emergency room wait times are a factor for all patients. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, Moses Cone Memorial Hospital typically reports wait times that are in line with or slightly above the national average. It's important to note that ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition. For those with lung cancer, timely access to care in an emergency is critical, and patients should be aware of the potential for longer waits.

**Other Cone Health Facilities**

Cone Health also operates other hospitals and outpatient facilities in the area. These facilities may offer additional services, such as diagnostic imaging and supportive care. Patients should inquire about the availability of these services at the most convenient locations.

**Novant Health: Another Major System**

Novant Health is another significant healthcare provider in the Piedmont Triad. **Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center**, located in Winston-Salem, is a large hospital that serves a broad geographic area, including some residents near ZIP code 27235. Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center holds a **4-star CMS rating**, which is considered a good rating.

**Comprehensive Cancer Care at Novant**

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center offers comprehensive cancer services, including a dedicated cancer center. They provide a range of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. They also have a multidisciplinary approach, with teams of specialists working together to provide patient-centered care.

**Specialized Programs and Technology at Novant**

Novant Health invests in advanced technology for lung cancer care. They offer advanced imaging capabilities, including PET/CT scans and advanced radiation therapy techniques. They also have a strong focus on clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Telehealth at Novant**

Novant Health has a robust telehealth program. They offer telehealth appointments for various cancer-related services, including follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. Inquiries should be made directly for statistics on telehealth utilization for lung cancer patients.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center's ER wait times can vary. Patients should be aware of the potential for wait times, particularly during peak hours.

**Smaller Hospitals and Outpatient Centers**

In addition to the major hospital systems, several smaller hospitals and outpatient centers in the Greensboro area may offer some cancer-related services. These facilities may provide diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. It's important to investigate the scope of services offered at these facilities and whether they have a multidisciplinary approach to care.

**The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach**

Lung cancer treatment is complex, and a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. This means that patients benefit from a team of specialists working together, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, pathologists, and supportive care providers. These specialists collaborate to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the patient's specific needs.

**Access to Clinical Trials**

Access to clinical trials is an important consideration for lung cancer patients. Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments that may not be available through standard care. Both Cone Health and Novant Health participate in clinical trials, providing patients with opportunities to participate in research and potentially benefit from new therapies.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Patient experience is a critical factor in cancer care. Both Cone Health and Novant Health offer a range of support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and psychosocial support. These services can help patients and their families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

When choosing a hospital for lung cancer care, patients should consider several factors:

* **Quality Metrics:** CMS star ratings and other quality metrics can provide insights into the hospital's performance.
* **Specialized Programs:** Look for hospitals with dedicated lung cancer programs and a multidisciplinary approach.
* **Technology:** Access to advanced imaging and radiation therapy techniques is important.
* **Clinical Trials:** Consider whether the hospital participates in clinical trials.
* **Patient Experience:** Evaluate the hospital's support services and patient satisfaction scores.
* **Location and Accessibility:** Consider the hospital's location and ease of access, including ER wait times.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a significant decision. Residents of ZIP code 27235 have access to several excellent hospitals. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, patients can make an informed decision and receive the best possible care. Further research, including consultations with physicians and discussions with patient navigators, is highly recommended. Always inquire directly with the hospitals for the most up-to-date information on services, technology, and wait times.