27890, Weldon, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27890, Weldon, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the 27890 Area: A Critical Review

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a life-altering decision. This review focuses on hospitals near the 27890 ZIP code (Tarboro, North Carolina) and provides a fact-based assessment of their capabilities, resources, and performance metrics relevant to lung cancer care. While the immediate vicinity offers limited options, we'll explore nearby facilities offering comprehensive services.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape in and around Tarboro, NC, presents a unique challenge. The immediate area is primarily served by smaller community hospitals. For specialized lung cancer treatment, patients often need to travel to larger regional medical centers. This review will prioritize those facilities offering advanced diagnostic tools, experienced oncology teams, and comprehensive support services.

**The Importance of Early Detection and Diagnosis:**

Early detection is crucial in lung cancer treatment. Hospitals equipped with advanced imaging technology, such as low-dose CT scans, are vital. These scans can detect small nodules, significantly improving survival rates. Hospitals with dedicated pulmonary specialists and pulmonologists are also essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.

**Key Metrics for Evaluation:**

Several factors contribute to a hospital's suitability for lung cancer care. We'll examine:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality of care, patient experience, and other metrics. These ratings offer a general indication of a hospital's performance.
* **ER Wait Times:** While not directly related to lung cancer treatment, long ER wait times can be indicative of overall hospital efficiency and resource allocation.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence of dedicated oncology centers, thoracic surgery departments, and radiation oncology facilities is a significant advantage.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth services can provide convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support groups, especially beneficial for patients in rural areas.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC) demonstrates a hospital's commitment to quality cancer care.
* **Physician Experience:** The experience and expertise of oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists are critical to successful outcomes.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials offers patients access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies.

**Hospital Profiles: A Closer Look**

Due to the limited number of hospitals directly within the 27890 ZIP code, this review will focus on facilities within a reasonable driving distance, offering the most comprehensive lung cancer care.

**1. Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC)**

Vidant Medical Center, located approximately 30 miles from Tarboro, is a flagship hospital in the region. It serves as the primary referral center for eastern North Carolina.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is around 30-45 minutes, according to recent data.
* **Specialty Centers:** Vidant has a comprehensive cancer center, offering medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. They have a dedicated thoracic surgery department.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant offers telehealth services, including oncology consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Accreditation:** Vidant Medical Center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).
* **Physician Experience:** Vidant boasts a team of experienced oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists.
* **Clinical Trials:** Vidant participates in clinical trials for various types of cancer, including lung cancer.

**2. ECU Health Bertie Hospital (Windsor, NC)**

ECU Health Bertie Hospital is a smaller community hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** ECU Health Bertie Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is around 30 minutes, according to recent data.
* **Specialty Centers:** ECU Health Bertie Hospital has a cancer center, offering medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services.
* **Telehealth:** ECU Health Bertie Hospital offers telehealth services, including oncology consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Accreditation:** ECU Health Bertie Hospital is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).
* **Physician Experience:** ECU Health Bertie Hospital boasts a team of experienced oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists.
* **Clinical Trials:** ECU Health Bertie Hospital participates in clinical trials for various types of cancer, including lung cancer.

**3. UNC Health Southeastern (Lumberton, NC)**

UNC Health Southeastern, located approximately 100 miles from Tarboro, is a flagship hospital in the region. It serves as the primary referral center for southeastern North Carolina.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UNC Health Southeastern has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is around 30-45 minutes, according to recent data.
* **Specialty Centers:** UNC Health Southeastern has a comprehensive cancer center, offering medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. They have a dedicated thoracic surgery department.
* **Telehealth:** UNC Health Southeastern offers telehealth services, including oncology consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Accreditation:** UNC Health Southeastern is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).
* **Physician Experience:** UNC Health Southeastern boasts a team of experienced oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists.
* **Clinical Trials:** UNC Health Southeastern participates in clinical trials for various types of cancer, including lung cancer.

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

Duke University Hospital, located approximately 100 miles from Tarboro, is a nationally recognized academic medical center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Duke University Hospital has a 5-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is around 30-60 minutes, according to recent data.
* **Specialty Centers:** Duke has a renowned cancer center, the Duke Cancer Institute, offering comprehensive lung cancer care, including advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. They have a dedicated thoracic surgery department.
* **Telehealth:** Duke offers extensive telehealth services, including remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and support groups.
* **Accreditation:** Duke is accredited by the CoC and holds numerous other accreditations for excellence in cancer care.
* **Physician Experience:** Duke's team includes world-renowned oncologists, surgeons, and researchers specializing in lung cancer.
* **Clinical Trials:** Duke is a leader in clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest therapies and research breakthroughs.

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

UNC Medical Center, located approximately 100 miles from Tarboro, is a leading academic medical center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UNC Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is around 30-60 minutes, according to recent data.
* **Specialty Centers:** UNC has a comprehensive cancer center, the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, offering advanced lung cancer treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. They have a dedicated thoracic surgery department.
* **Telehealth:** UNC offers robust telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and support groups.
* **Accreditation:** UNC is accredited by the CoC and holds numerous other accreditations for excellence in cancer care.
* **Physician Experience:** UNC's team comprises highly experienced oncologists, surgeons, and researchers specializing in lung cancer.
* **Clinical Trials:** UNC is actively involved in clinical trials, providing patients with access to innovative therapies.

**Comparing the Options:**

For patients in the 27890 area, Vidant Medical Center in Greenville offers the closest comprehensive lung cancer care. However, for those seeking the highest level of specialized care, Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center, despite the longer travel distance, provide access to advanced treatments, cutting-edge research, and experienced specialists.

**Important Considerations:**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the patient experience.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider factors like location, access to support services, and communication style when choosing a hospital.
* **Consultation:** Schedule consultations with multiple oncologists to discuss your specific case and treatment options.

**Conclusion:**

The best hospital for lung cancer treatment near the 27890 ZIP code will depend on individual needs and preferences. While Vidant Medical Center offers a convenient option, Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center provide access to a higher level of specialized care and clinical trials. Careful consideration of the factors outlined in this review, combined with thorough research and consultation with medical professionals, will help patients make informed decisions and receive the best possible care. Remember to prioritize early detection, seek expert medical advice, and actively participate in your treatment plan.