27265, High Point, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27265, High Point, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Greensboro Area: A Deep Dive for Patients Near 27265

Finding the best lung cancer care is a critical journey, and for residents near ZIP code 27265 (Greensboro, North Carolina), several hospitals offer comprehensive services. This review provides a detailed look at the major players, focusing on their strengths, potential weaknesses, and key performance indicators to help patients make informed decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Overall Considerations**

The Greensboro area is well-served by a network of hospitals, with Cone Health (specifically, Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital) and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (and its associated facilities) being the dominant forces. These institutions offer a range of services, from initial diagnosis and staging to advanced treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

When evaluating hospitals for lung cancer care, several factors are paramount. These include the expertise of the medical staff (oncologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons), the availability of advanced technology (imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, radiation therapy equipment), the hospital’s experience with lung cancer cases (volume of patients treated), participation in clinical trials, and patient outcomes (survival rates, complication rates). Patient satisfaction, access to supportive care services (support groups, palliative care), and the overall patient experience are also vital considerations.

**Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital: A Cornerstone of Care**

Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, the flagship facility of Cone Health, is a major provider of healthcare in the Greensboro area. Located within the city, it is a large, acute-care hospital with a comprehensive cancer program. The hospital is a designated cancer center and offers a full spectrum of lung cancer services.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on several quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, readmission rates, and patient experience. While the 3-star rating indicates an average performance, it’s important to delve deeper into specific aspects of their lung cancer program.

The Cone Health Cancer Center provides multidisciplinary care, bringing together pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans. They offer advanced imaging technologies, including PET/CT scans, to aid in diagnosis and staging. Their radiation oncology department utilizes advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Cone Health has a robust telehealth program, which can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients who may have mobility issues or live in rural areas. Telehealth services may include virtual consultations with oncologists, remote monitoring of vital signs, and support group meetings. Specific statistics on telehealth utilization within the lung cancer program are not readily available in public sources, but it is a service they offer.

ER wait times at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital vary, but the hospital generally strives to keep them within acceptable limits. Publicly available data on average ER wait times can be found on the CMS Hospital Compare website, and it is recommended that patients check this data before seeking emergency care.

**Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center: A Regional Leader**

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, located in Winston-Salem (approximately 40 miles from Greensboro), is a major academic medical center and a regional referral center. While not directly within the 27265 ZIP code, its proximity and reputation make it a significant option for lung cancer patients in the area.

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center holds a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. This rating reflects their strong performance across a range of quality metrics.

The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist offers a highly specialized lung cancer program. Their team includes experienced pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and other specialists. They are known for their expertise in advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Wake Forest Baptist is actively involved in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies and research opportunities. They have a dedicated research program focused on lung cancer, contributing to advances in treatment and understanding of the disease.

Wake Forest Baptist has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to support services. They have invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure and are committed to expanding their virtual care offerings. Specific data on telehealth utilization within their lung cancer program is available through their website and patient portals.

ER wait times at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Patients can find up-to-date information on ER wait times on the Atrium Health website.

**Other Considerations and Potential Options**

While Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are the primary options, other hospitals in the broader region may offer lung cancer care. These include smaller community hospitals and facilities associated with the larger health systems.

**Patient Outcomes and Survival Rates**

Publicly available data on lung cancer survival rates for specific hospitals can be found on the CMS Hospital Compare website and the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) program. This data allows patients to compare the performance of different hospitals in terms of survival outcomes. It's crucial to remember that survival rates are just one piece of the puzzle and should be considered alongside other factors, such as the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the specific treatment plan.

**Access to Clinical Trials**

Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative therapies and cutting-edge treatments. Patients should inquire about clinical trial opportunities at each hospital they are considering. Information on ongoing clinical trials can be found on the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) website, ClinicalTrials.gov.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

The patient experience is a critical aspect of lung cancer care. Hospitals should provide a supportive environment, with access to resources such as support groups, counseling services, and palliative care. Patients should inquire about the availability of these services and assess the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care.

**Making the Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific characteristics of each hospital. Factors to consider include:

* **Expertise of the medical team:** Look for experienced oncologists, pulmonologists, and surgeons specializing in lung cancer.
* **Availability of advanced technology:** Ensure the hospital has access to advanced imaging, surgical techniques, and radiation therapy equipment.
* **Participation in clinical trials:** If you are interested in accessing cutting-edge therapies, consider hospitals with active research programs.
* **Patient outcomes and survival rates:** Review publicly available data on survival rates and complication rates.
* **Patient experience and support services:** Evaluate the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care, including access to support groups, counseling, and palliative care.
* **Telehealth options:** If you prefer or require virtual consultations, inquire about the hospital's telehealth capabilities.
* **Convenience and access:** Consider the hospital's location, ER wait times, and ease of access.

**Conclusion: A Path Forward**

For residents near ZIP code 27265, Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are the primary choices for lung cancer care. Each institution offers a range of services, and the best choice will depend on individual patient needs and preferences. By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this review, patients can make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of lung cancer treatment with confidence. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and seek second opinions to ensure you receive the best possible care.