27928, Creswell, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27928, Creswell, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Outer Banks: A Review of Hospitals Near 27928

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting, and choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. For residents of the Outer Banks, particularly those near ZIP code 27928 (Duck, NC), access to specialized care requires understanding the regional landscape. This review examines the hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on their lung cancer services, quality indicators, and accessibility, with an emphasis on the facts and figures that matter most.

**Limited Local Options, Regional Focus:**

Directly within the 27928 ZIP code, there are no hospitals. The nearest options necessitate travel, primarily to the north or south. This reality underscores the importance of considering hospitals in a wider geographic area, including those in Virginia. The focus here is on facilities offering comprehensive cancer care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services.

**Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (Elizabeth City, NC):**

Located approximately an hour's drive west of Duck, Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (SAMC) is a key player for healthcare in the region. While not a flagship cancer center, SAMC offers a range of services relevant to lung cancer patients. SAMC is part of the larger Sentara Healthcare system, which provides a network of resources.

* **Accreditation and Quality:** SAMC is accredited by The Joint Commission, a standard measure of quality and safety. While specific lung cancer program accreditation is not readily available, the hospital's overall accreditation provides a baseline of quality.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** SAMC provides essential diagnostic tools, including CT scans, X-rays, and potentially PET scans. These are crucial for initial diagnosis, staging, and monitoring treatment response.
* **Oncology Services:** SAMC has an oncology department offering chemotherapy and supportive care. The availability of medical oncologists is essential for developing and managing treatment plans.
* **Surgical Oncology:** SAMC offers surgical services. The availability of thoracic surgeons, specialists in chest surgery, is critical for lung cancer patients requiring surgical intervention.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be a significant concern. Publicly available data on ER wait times at SAMC should be consulted to assess accessibility in urgent situations.
* **Telehealth:** Sentara Healthcare offers telehealth services. Patients can consult with specialists remotely, which is particularly beneficial for those in remote areas like the Outer Banks.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Albemarle Medical Center currently does not have a CMS star rating.

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

Approximately a two-hour drive southwest of Duck, Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC, is a major referral center and a more comprehensive option for lung cancer care. As a regional medical center, Vidant provides a wider array of specialized services.

* **Cancer Center:** Vidant has a dedicated cancer center, indicating a focus on comprehensive cancer care.
* **Accreditation:** Vidant is accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Specialized Services:** Vidant Medical Center offers a full spectrum of lung cancer services, including diagnostic imaging (CT, PET/CT, MRI), surgical oncology (thoracic surgery), medical oncology (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy), and radiation oncology.
* **Thoracic Surgery:** The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is a major advantage for patients requiring surgical intervention.
* **Medical Oncology:** Vidant has a team of medical oncologists who specialize in treating lung cancer. They develop and manage treatment plans, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Vidant provides radiation therapy services, which are often a crucial component of lung cancer treatment.
* **Clinical Trials:** As a larger medical center, Vidant may participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **ER Wait Times:** Publicly available data on ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center should be consulted.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant Health likely offers telehealth services, potentially including oncology consultations.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Medical Center currently has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Norfolk, VA):**

Traveling north to Norfolk, Virginia, puts Sentara Norfolk General Hospital within reach. This hospital is part of the larger Sentara Healthcare system, similar to SAMC.

* **Cancer Services:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital offers a comprehensive cancer program.
* **Accreditation:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Specialty Care:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital offers comprehensive lung cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.
* **Thoracic Surgery:** The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is a major advantage for patients requiring surgical intervention.
* **Medical Oncology:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital has a team of medical oncologists who specialize in treating lung cancer. They develop and manage treatment plans, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital provides radiation therapy services, which are often a crucial component of lung cancer treatment.
* **ER Wait Times:** Publicly available data on ER wait times at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital should be consulted.
* **Telehealth:** Sentara Healthcare offers telehealth services. Patients can consult with specialists remotely, which is particularly beneficial for those in remote areas like the Outer Banks.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Proximity and Travel Time:** The Outer Banks' geographic isolation necessitates careful consideration of travel time. Patients and their families should factor in travel time, traffic, and potential weather-related delays when choosing a hospital.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the chosen hospital and its specialists are in-network with your health insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews and Experiences:** While not a definitive measure, patient reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the patient experience at different hospitals. Online resources like Healthgrades and Vitals can be helpful.
* **Support Services:** Lung cancer treatment often requires extensive support services, including social work, counseling, and support groups. Inquire about the availability of these services at each hospital.
* **Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist is always a good practice, especially when facing a complex diagnosis like lung cancer.
* **Specialty Centers:** Some hospitals may have specialized lung cancer centers or programs. These centers often offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists from various fields to provide coordinated care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Publicly available data on ER wait times at each hospital should be consulted.

**Telehealth and Accessibility:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially for patients in remote areas. Confirm the availability of telehealth services for oncology consultations, follow-up appointments, and supportive care. This can significantly reduce the need for travel.

**Conclusion:**

For residents near 27928, the best hospital for lung cancer care will depend on individual needs and priorities. Vidant Medical Center and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, with their comprehensive services and specialized cancer centers, are strong contenders, while Sentara Albemarle Medical Center offers a more local option with a range of services. Patients should carefully weigh factors like proximity, insurance coverage, specialist availability, ER wait times, and the availability of supportive services. Thorough research, consultation with primary care physicians, and potentially seeking second opinions are crucial steps in making an informed decision and ensuring the best possible care.