27613, Raleigh, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27613, Raleigh, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near Raleigh, NC (ZIP Code 27613)**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to quality care, from early detection to advanced treatment, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near Raleigh, NC (ZIP code 27613), providing a fact-rich assessment of their lung cancer services, performance metrics, and accessibility.

**Understanding the Landscape: Factors in Hospital Selection**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment involves several critical factors. Consider the hospital's expertise in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, including the availability of advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. Patient outcomes, such as survival rates and complication rates, are essential indicators of quality. Access to clinical trials, which offer cutting-edge therapies, is also a significant advantage. Finally, consider the hospital's overall patient experience, including communication, support services, and the availability of telehealth options.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Closer Look**

**Duke University Hospital (Durham, NC)**

Duke University Hospital, located approximately 20 miles from ZIP code 27613, is a nationally recognized institution. Duke consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the United States, particularly in cancer care. The hospital has a comprehensive lung cancer program, offering a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Duke University Hospital holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality and performance, based on various measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Specialty Centers:** Duke Cancer Institute is a major hub for cancer research and treatment. They have a dedicated thoracic oncology program with expertise in all aspects of lung cancer care.
* **ER Wait Times:** While specific ER wait times can fluctuate, Duke generally experiences moderate wait times, often around 30-60 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume.
* **Telehealth:** Duke has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for many cancer patients, including those with lung cancer. This can improve access to care, particularly for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility issues.
* **Clinical Trials:** Duke is a leading center for lung cancer research, with a wide range of clinical trials available. This provides patients with access to the latest therapies and treatment options.
* **Patient Outcomes:** Duke’s lung cancer survival rates are generally above the national average, reflecting their expertise and commitment to quality care.
* **Accreditations:** Duke Cancer Institute is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a program of the American College of Surgeons, demonstrating a commitment to providing high-quality cancer care.

**UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill, NC)**

UNC Medical Center, located approximately 30 miles from ZIP code 27613, is another major academic medical center with a strong reputation for cancer care. UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, signifying its commitment to research, prevention, and treatment.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UNC Medical Center has a 4-star CMS rating.
* **Specialty Centers:** Lineberger Cancer Center provides comprehensive lung cancer services, including advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UNC Medical Center can vary, but are often in the range of 45-75 minutes.
* **Telehealth:** UNC Health Care offers extensive telehealth services, including virtual appointments for cancer patients.
* **Clinical Trials:** Lineberger Cancer Center has a robust clinical trials program, providing access to innovative treatments.
* **Patient Outcomes:** UNC’s lung cancer survival rates are generally favorable, reflecting their expertise and resources.
* **Accreditations:** UNC’s Lineberger Cancer Center is also accredited by the CoC.

**WakeMed Raleigh Campus (Raleigh, NC)**

WakeMed Raleigh Campus is a large community hospital located within ZIP code 27613. While not a major academic center like Duke or UNC, WakeMed provides comprehensive cancer care and is a convenient option for many residents.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WakeMed Raleigh Campus has a 3-star CMS rating.
* **Specialty Centers:** WakeMed offers a cancer center with lung cancer services, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at WakeMed Raleigh Campus are typically shorter than at the larger academic centers, often in the 15-45 minute range.
* **Telehealth:** WakeMed offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Clinical Trials:** WakeMed participates in some clinical trials, but the scope is generally smaller than at Duke or UNC.
* **Patient Outcomes:** Patient outcomes at WakeMed are generally comparable to the national average.
* **Accreditations:** WakeMed’s cancer program is accredited by the CoC.

**Rex Hospital (Raleigh, NC)**

Rex Hospital, part of UNC Health, is another hospital located in Raleigh, offering a comprehensive cancer program.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Rex Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating.
* **Specialty Centers:** Rex Hospital provides a cancer center with lung cancer services.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Rex Hospital are generally in the 30-60 minute range.
* **Telehealth:** Rex Hospital offers telehealth services.
* **Clinical Trials:** Rex Hospital participates in some clinical trials.
* **Patient Outcomes:** Patient outcomes at Rex Hospital are generally favorable.
* **Accreditations:** Rex Hospital's cancer program is accredited by the CoC.

**Other Considerations: Access and Support**

Beyond the major hospitals, consider the availability of support services. Lung cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Look for hospitals that offer:

* **Support Groups:** Access to support groups for patients and their families can provide invaluable emotional support and shared experiences.
* **Patient Navigators:** Patient navigators can help guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and providing resources.
* **Financial Counseling:** Cancer treatment can be expensive. Hospitals with financial counseling services can help patients navigate insurance coverage, identify financial assistance programs, and manage costs.
* **Palliative Care:** Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Look for hospitals that offer palliative care services to manage symptoms and provide emotional support.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in cancer care. It allows patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some treatments remotely. The availability of telehealth can be particularly beneficial for:

* **Patients in Rural Areas:** Telehealth reduces the need for long travel distances.
* **Patients with Mobility Issues:** Telehealth eliminates the need to physically travel to the hospital.
* **Patients Seeking Second Opinions:** Telehealth makes it easier to obtain second opinions from specialists.

**Data Sources and Limitations**

This review relies on publicly available data from CMS, hospital websites, and other reputable sources. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this data.

* **CMS Star Ratings:** CMS star ratings are a general indicator of quality but do not capture all aspects of care.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can fluctuate significantly.
* **Patient Outcomes:** Survival rates and other outcome measures can vary depending on the patient population and other factors.
* **Data Availability:** Data on some specific services and outcomes may not be readily available.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and the factors discussed in this review. Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center, located near Raleigh, NC (ZIP code 27613), are leading institutions with comprehensive lung cancer programs, strong patient outcomes, and robust research capabilities. WakeMed Raleigh Campus and Rex Hospital offer convenient options within the city. Evaluate the hospitals based on their expertise, patient outcomes, access to clinical trials, support services, and telehealth options. Consult with your primary care physician, pulmonologist, and oncologist to determine the best fit for your specific needs. Remember to ask questions, seek second opinions if needed, and advocate for your own care.