27889, Washington, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27889, Washington, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Tarboro, NC (ZIP Code 27889): A Scorecard

Finding the right care for lung cancer is a critical journey. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near Tarboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27889), focusing on key metrics for lung cancer treatment. We'll examine factors ranging from hospital ratings and ER wait times to specialized centers and telehealth capabilities, offering a clear picture for patients and their families.

**Proximity and Flagship Institutions**

The immediate vicinity of Tarboro offers limited options for advanced lung cancer care. The primary focus, therefore, shifts to hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, primarily in Greenville, NC, and potentially Raleigh, NC. These larger cities house the flagship institutions that often provide the most comprehensive services.

**Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC:** Located approximately 30 minutes from Tarboro, Vidant Medical Center is the closest major hospital. It is a Level 1 Trauma Center, a crucial designation for handling complex medical emergencies that may arise during lung cancer treatment. Vidant is a large, regional referral center, and its oncology department is a central hub for cancer care in Eastern North Carolina.

**Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC:** While further away (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours), Duke University Hospital in Durham is a nationally recognized leader in cancer care. It consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the United States for cancer treatment, particularly in the area of lung cancer.

**UNC Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC:** Similar to Duke, UNC Medical Center (also about 1.5 to 2 hours away) is another highly regarded institution. It offers comprehensive cancer services, including advanced treatments and clinical trials.

**Hospital Quality and Ratings: CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system that offers a general overview of hospital quality. It's important to note that these ratings are a snapshot and don't encompass all aspects of cancer care, but they offer a useful starting point.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Vidant Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Duke University Hospital:** Duke University Hospital consistently receives a 5-star rating from CMS, reflecting its high standards of care.
* **UNC Medical Center:** UNC Medical Center generally receives a 4- or 5-star rating from CMS.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a key indicator of a hospital's capacity and efficiency, especially relevant for patients experiencing complications from cancer treatment. Longer wait times can lead to delays in receiving critical care.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center can fluctuate. It is advisable to check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through online resources like the ER Wait Times app.
* **Duke University Hospital:** Duke University Hospital generally has moderate ER wait times, but it is always best to check current conditions.
* **UNC Medical Center:** UNC Medical Center's ER wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. It is advisable to check their website or online resources for current wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

The presence of specialized cancer centers and dedicated lung cancer programs is a significant advantage. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and specialized nurses, all working together to provide comprehensive care.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Vidant Medical Center's Leo Jenkins Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care. It offers medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. The center has a dedicated lung cancer program, including a multidisciplinary team that meets regularly to discuss patient cases and develop individualized treatment plans.
* **Duke Cancer Institute:** Duke Cancer Institute is a renowned center for cancer care. It has a dedicated lung cancer program with a team of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and pulmonologists. The institute offers advanced treatments, including clinical trials, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center:** UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. It offers a wide range of services for lung cancer patients, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care services. The center is actively involved in research and clinical trials.

**Surgical Capabilities: Thoracic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Techniques**

The availability of skilled thoracic surgeons and advanced surgical techniques is crucial for patients who require surgery. Minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), can lead to faster recovery times and reduced complications.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Vidant Medical Center has thoracic surgeons who perform lung cancer surgery, including VATS.
* **Duke University Hospital:** Duke University Hospital has a highly experienced thoracic surgery department that offers a full range of surgical options, including VATS and robotic-assisted surgery.
* **UNC Medical Center:** UNC Medical Center has a strong thoracic surgery program that offers a variety of surgical approaches, including minimally invasive techniques.

**Radiation Oncology: Advanced Treatment Options**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for lung cancer. The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), can improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Vidant Medical Center's Leo Jenkins Cancer Center offers radiation therapy services, including advanced techniques.
* **Duke University Hospital:** Duke University Hospital has a state-of-the-art radiation oncology department that offers a full range of advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **UNC Medical Center:** UNC Medical Center has a comprehensive radiation oncology program that offers advanced radiation therapy options.

**Medical Oncology: Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapies, and Immunotherapy**

Medical oncologists are responsible for prescribing and managing systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The availability of a wide range of treatment options and access to clinical trials is crucial.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Vidant Medical Center's Leo Jenkins Cancer Center offers medical oncology services, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Duke University Hospital:** Duke Cancer Institute offers a wide range of medical oncology services, including access to clinical trials and advanced therapies.
* **UNC Medical Center:** UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a comprehensive medical oncology program with access to clinical trials and advanced therapies.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring**

Telehealth services can provide convenient access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Remote patient monitoring can help monitor patients' conditions and provide timely interventions.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Vidant Medical Center has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual appointments for certain types of care.
* **Duke University Hospital:** Duke Health offers a variety of telehealth services, including virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring programs.
* **UNC Medical Center:** UNC Health offers a range of telehealth services, including virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring options.

**Supportive Care Services**

Comprehensive cancer care includes supportive services to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients. These services may include:

* **Oncology social work:** Provides counseling, support groups, and assistance with financial and practical issues.
* **Nutrition services:** Offers dietary guidance and support.
* **Physical therapy:** Helps patients manage side effects and improve physical function.
* **Palliative care:** Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Vidant Medical Center's Leo Jenkins Cancer Center offers a range of supportive care services.
* **Duke University Hospital:** Duke Cancer Institute provides comprehensive supportive care services.
* **UNC Medical Center:** UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a wide range of supportive care services.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to the latest treatment options. Hospitals with active research programs are often at the forefront of innovation.

* **Vidant Medical Center:** Vidant Medical Center participates in clinical trials.
* **Duke University Hospital:** Duke Cancer Institute is actively involved in lung cancer research and offers numerous clinical trials.
* **UNC Medical Center:** UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center conducts extensive research and offers a wide range of clinical trials.

**Access to Care and Insurance Considerations**

Access to care can be influenced by factors such as insurance coverage and transportation. Patients should verify that their insurance plan is accepted by the hospitals they are considering and that they have access to transportation to and from appointments.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. This review provides a starting point for patients near Tarboro, NC (ZIP code 27889) to evaluate their options. Vidant Medical Center offers a local option with comprehensive services. Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center, while further away, provide access to nationally recognized expertise and advanced treatments. Patients should carefully consider the factors discussed in this review, consult with their primary care physician, and seek second opinions to make the best decision for their individual needs. This information is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.