27861, Parmele, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27861, Parmele, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Vicinity of Rocky Mount, NC (ZIP Code 27861): A Scorecard

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting task. Finding the right care, close to home, can alleviate some of the stress. This review analyzes the hospitals offering lung cancer services near Rocky Mount, North Carolina (ZIP code 27861), focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability. This information is intended to provide a snapshot of the available options, not a substitute for professional medical advice.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape around Rocky Mount is primarily served by a network of hospitals and clinics. The nearest major medical centers offering comprehensive cancer care are located in Greenville, Raleigh, and Durham, each presenting different strengths and considerations for patients. Proximity, specialization, and access to cutting-edge treatments are crucial factors in choosing a hospital.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC):**

Vidant Medical Center, located in Greenville (approximately 45 minutes east of Rocky Mount), is a flagship hospital in the region. It serves as the primary teaching hospital for East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. Vidant is a large, Level I trauma center, indicating its capacity to handle complex medical cases, including advanced lung cancer treatments.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality based on various measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's essential to delve deeper into specific service lines like oncology to assess the quality of lung cancer care.
* **Cancer Center:** Vidant has a dedicated cancer center offering a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. This typically includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, and support staff. They offer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical options for lung cancer patients.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at Vidant can fluctuate. Publicly available data from sources like CMS and third-party platforms provide estimates, but these are averages and can vary significantly based on the time of day and the volume of patients. Patients should expect to encounter potential delays, especially during peak hours. Checking current wait times before arriving at the ER is advisable.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients who may have mobility limitations or live in more rural areas. Telehealth can facilitate access to specialists and ongoing care.
* **Specialty Centers:** Vidant Medical Center has specialized centers for various cancers, including thoracic oncology. This means that a dedicated team of specialists focuses specifically on lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management.
* **Lung Cancer Screening:** Vidant offers lung cancer screening programs for individuals at high risk, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). These screenings, typically using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, can detect lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

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

Duke University Hospital, located in Durham (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes west of Rocky Mount), is a nationally recognized academic medical center. It is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States and is renowned for its cutting-edge research and advanced treatments.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Duke University Hospital has a 5-star rating from CMS, reflecting its high overall quality and patient outcomes. This is a significant indicator of excellence in healthcare.
* **Cancer Center:** The Duke Cancer Institute is a comprehensive cancer center offering a full range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care. The institute is known for its innovative research and clinical trials, providing access to the latest treatment options.
* **ER Wait Times:** Duke University Hospital's ER wait times can vary. As a major referral center, it often handles a high volume of patients. Real-time wait time information is usually available on the hospital's website or through third-party apps.
* **Telehealth:** Duke has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources. This is particularly valuable for patients who need access to specialists or ongoing care.
* **Specialty Centers:** Duke has specialized centers for thoracic oncology, providing expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. They offer advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, and access to clinical trials.
* **Lung Cancer Screening:** Duke offers lung cancer screening programs, including low-dose CT scans, for eligible individuals. They emphasize early detection and prevention.

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

UNC Medical Center, located in Chapel Hill (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes west of Rocky Mount), is another leading academic medical center in North Carolina. It is affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is known for its comprehensive cancer care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UNC Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS, reflecting its strong performance in various quality metrics.
* **Cancer Center:** The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. This designation signifies a commitment to research, education, and patient care. The center offers a wide range of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UNC Medical Center can vary. Information is typically available on the hospital's website or through online platforms.
* **Telehealth:** UNC Health Care has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring.
* **Specialty Centers:** The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has a thoracic oncology program with specialized expertise in lung cancer.
* **Lung Cancer Screening:** UNC offers lung cancer screening programs for eligible individuals.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Community Hospitals:** Smaller community hospitals in the area, such as Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky Mount, may offer basic cancer services, including chemotherapy and supportive care. However, they may not have the same level of specialization or access to advanced treatments as the larger academic medical centers.
* **Oncologists and Specialists:** The qualifications and experience of the oncologists and specialists are crucial. Research the credentials, board certifications, and areas of expertise of the physicians at each hospital.
* **Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Online reviews and patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital. However, consider these reviews as one data point among many.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, social workers, and support groups, which can be essential for patients and their families.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. Research the availability of clinical trials at each hospital.
* **Transportation:** Consider the distance to each hospital and the availability of transportation options.

**Conclusion:**

For lung cancer patients near Rocky Mount (27861), Vidant Medical Center in Greenville provides a local option with a comprehensive cancer center. However, for those seeking the highest levels of specialization, research, and advanced treatments, Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center, while further away, offer significant advantages. The best choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and the stage and type of lung cancer. Thorough research, consultation with medical professionals, and consideration of all factors are crucial in making an informed decision. This review serves as a starting point for that process.