27311, Pelham, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27311, Pelham, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in Central North Carolina: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 27311**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Access to high-quality medical care is paramount, and for residents near ZIP code 27311 (Burlington, North Carolina), several hospitals offer specialized services. This review examines the prominent healthcare facilities in the area, focusing on their lung cancer treatment capabilities, accessibility, and overall quality of care.

**Cone Health: A Leading Regional Provider**

Cone Health, a large, integrated health network, is a significant player in the region. The flagship hospital, **Wesley Long Hospital** in Greensboro, is a primary focus. While it’s a bit outside the immediate 27311 area, its comprehensive services make it a crucial option. Wesley Long Hospital holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**, indicating an average level of performance based on various quality metrics. This rating should be viewed in context, as CMS ratings can sometimes be limited in their scope.

Cone Health offers a dedicated **Lung Cancer Screening Program**, which is a vital first step in early detection. They utilize low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, including those with a smoking history. The network's oncology services are centralized at the **Cone Health Cancer Center**, which provides a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. This means patients have access to a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and supportive care staff.

Cone Health's **ER wait times** can fluctuate, so checking current wait times on their website or through third-party apps is always recommended before heading to the emergency room. Telehealth services are available, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations, offering convenience for patients. Specific statistics on telehealth usage for lung cancer patients are not readily available, but Cone Health is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities.

**Duke Health: A National Leader with Local Presence**

Duke Health, a nationally recognized healthcare system, provides specialized care options for patients in the region. **Duke University Hospital** in Durham, a short drive from 27311, is a flagship facility. Duke University Hospital consistently receives high ratings and is known for its advanced treatments and research capabilities. It boasts a **5-star CMS rating**, reflecting its strong performance across a range of quality indicators.

Duke's **Thoracic Oncology Program** is a major draw. This program features a team of experts who specialize in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. They offer cutting-edge therapies, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and advanced surgical techniques. Duke's commitment to research means patients have access to clinical trials and the latest advancements in lung cancer care.

**Duke Cancer Institute** is a major hub, offering comprehensive cancer services. Patients can expect a multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on personalized treatment plans. Duke’s ER wait times are typically longer than those at smaller hospitals, so planning accordingly is essential. Telehealth services are a significant part of Duke's offerings, with a robust platform for virtual consultations and follow-up care. Duke actively tracks and reports telehealth utilization, but specific data for lung cancer patients may require a direct inquiry.

**UNC Health: A State-of-the-Art Option**

UNC Health, with its flagship hospital **UNC Medical Center** in Chapel Hill, offers another high-quality option. UNC Medical Center, like Duke, is a major academic medical center, and it also holds a **5-star CMS rating**. This signifies a high level of quality and patient care.

UNC's **Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center** is a major regional resource. The center has a dedicated lung cancer program with a multidisciplinary team. They provide a full spectrum of services, from screening and diagnosis to surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. UNC is also at the forefront of research, offering access to clinical trials and innovative treatments.

UNC's ER wait times can vary, so checking current wait times is advisable. Telehealth services are available, and UNC is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities. Specific data on telehealth usage for lung cancer patients may be available upon request.

**Alamance Regional Medical Center: A Community Hospital Option**

**Alamance Regional Medical Center** in Burlington, within the 27311 ZIP code, is a community hospital that serves the local population. It is part of Cone Health, and patients have access to the broader Cone Health network's resources. Alamance Regional does not have a separate CMS star rating, but as part of the Cone Health system, it benefits from the network's quality initiatives.

Alamance Regional offers lung cancer screening services and access to oncology services. Patients can receive chemotherapy and other treatments locally, reducing the need to travel to larger hospitals. While it may not have the same level of specialized expertise as Duke or UNC, Alamance Regional provides convenient access to care within the community. ER wait times are generally shorter than at larger hospitals. Telehealth services are available through the Cone Health network.

**Other Considerations**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors influence the quality of lung cancer care.

* **Specialty Centers:** The presence of specialized lung cancer centers, such as those within the Duke and UNC systems, is a significant advantage. These centers often have dedicated teams of experts and access to advanced technologies.
* **Surgical Capabilities:** The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons and advanced surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery, is crucial for patients requiring surgical intervention.
* **Radiation Therapy:** The presence of advanced radiation therapy technologies, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), can improve treatment outcomes.
* **Medical Oncology:** The expertise of medical oncologists in administering chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies is essential.
* **Supportive Care:** Access to supportive care services, such as palliative care, pain management, and psychosocial support, can significantly improve the quality of life for lung cancer patients.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and improve outcomes. Duke and UNC are particularly strong in this area.
* **Accessibility:** The ease of access to care, including travel time, appointment availability, and telehealth options, is critical.

**Conclusion**

For residents near ZIP code 27311, several excellent options exist for lung cancer care. Cone Health, Duke Health, and UNC Health all offer comprehensive services, with Duke and UNC boasting national reputations and advanced treatment options. Alamance Regional Medical Center provides convenient access to care within the community. The best choice for each patient will depend on their individual needs, preferences, and the specific stage and type of their lung cancer. Consulting with a primary care physician and a pulmonologist is the best first step to determine the best course of action. Thoroughly researching each hospital's specific programs, specialists, and patient outcomes is highly recommended.