27956, Maple, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27956, Maple, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near Manteo, NC (27956)

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Access to quality care, from initial screening to advanced treatment, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Manteo, North Carolina (ZIP code 27956), providing a factual overview of their lung cancer services, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. While this review aims to offer informative insights, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician for personalized recommendations.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The Outer Banks region, encompassing Manteo, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access. While the area is geographically isolated, several hospitals within a drivable distance offer lung cancer services. The focus here will be on those most readily accessible, considering travel times and the availability of specialized care.

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

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, located approximately 45 minutes from Manteo, is a key healthcare provider for the region. It is a crucial point of access for residents in the Outer Banks. While it doesn't have a dedicated cancer center, it does provide a range of services relevant to lung cancer care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Albemarle Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a hospital's overall quality of care based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room:** The hospital's ER wait times are a critical factor. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate and are best obtained directly from the hospital or through online resources like the ER Wait Time app. Generally, the hospital strives to maintain reasonable wait times, particularly for emergent cases.
* **Oncology Services:** Sentara Albemarle Medical Center offers oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are essential components of lung cancer treatment. They collaborate with specialists to provide comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth is increasingly important. The hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, allowing patients to connect with specialists remotely, which is particularly beneficial for those in rural areas. This can include consultations with oncologists, follow-up appointments, and support services.
* **Specialty Centers:** While not a dedicated cancer center, Sentara Albemarle Medical Center offers access to various specialists, including pulmonologists, who play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing lung conditions.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC): A Regional Referral Center**

Vidant Medical Center, located approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Manteo, serves as a regional referral center. It offers a more comprehensive range of specialized services, making it a potential option for more complex lung cancer cases.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Medical Center has a 2-star rating from CMS.
* **Cancer Center:** Vidant Medical Center has a dedicated cancer center, which is a significant advantage. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, bringing together oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, and other specialists under one roof.
* **Specialized Lung Cancer Programs:** The hospital likely has specialized programs for lung cancer, including advanced diagnostic tools like PET/CT scans and access to clinical trials.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of cases. As a larger regional hospital, it often sees a higher volume of patients. Real-time wait times are available through online sources.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, including remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. This is particularly useful for patients who live a distance from the hospital.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Vidant Medical Center offers surgical oncology services, including thoracic surgery for lung cancer. This is a critical component of treatment for many patients.

**Duke Health (Durham, NC): A Premier Option (Further Distance)**

Duke Health, located in Durham, NC, is a nationally recognized healthcare system. While a longer drive (approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes from Manteo), it offers access to world-class cancer care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Duke University Hospital, a flagship facility within Duke Health, has a 5-star rating from CMS. This is a strong indicator of high-quality care.
* **Duke Cancer Institute:** The Duke Cancer Institute is a leading cancer center, offering comprehensive services for lung cancer. This includes cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
* **Specialized Programs:** Duke Health has highly specialized programs for lung cancer, including advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and targeted therapies.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Duke University Hospital can vary. Due to its reputation and the complexity of cases it handles, wait times may be longer than at smaller hospitals. Real-time information is available online.
* **Telehealth:** Duke Health has a well-developed telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and support services.
* **Research and Clinical Trials:** Duke Health is at the forefront of cancer research, offering patients access to the latest clinical trials and innovative treatments.

**Other Considerations: Additional Factors**

Beyond the core services, several other factors influence the quality of lung cancer care:

* **Pulmonologists:** The availability and expertise of pulmonologists are crucial for diagnosis and staging.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Access to radiation therapy, including advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), is vital.
* **Medical Oncology:** The expertise of medical oncologists in administering chemotherapy and targeted therapies is critical.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery are essential for patients who require surgical intervention.
* **Support Services:** Access to support services, such as social workers, patient navigators, and support groups, can significantly improve the patient experience.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Understanding your insurance coverage and the hospitals that are in-network is essential.
* **Patient Experience:** Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the patient experience at each hospital.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Gap**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural areas. It allows patients to access specialists remotely, reducing the need for frequent travel. This can be especially beneficial for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support services. When evaluating hospitals, consider the availability and quality of their telehealth programs.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in emergency situations. While this review provides general information, real-time wait times fluctuate. Checking online resources or contacting the hospital directly is essential to understand current wait times.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a complex decision. This review provides a factual overview of the hospitals near Manteo, NC (27956), highlighting their key services, CMS star ratings, and other relevant factors. The best choice depends on individual needs, the stage of the cancer, and other personal preferences. It is highly recommended that patients consult with their primary care physician and, if necessary, a pulmonologist or oncologist, to discuss their specific situation and determine the most appropriate course of action. The information provided here is a starting point for research, not a substitute for expert medical advice.