28310, Fort Bragg, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28310, Fort Bragg, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28310**

Finding the best care for lung cancer is a critical undertaking. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 28310 (Fort Bragg, North Carolina) to provide a factual overview of available resources, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. This information is intended to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The healthcare landscape near Fort Bragg is shaped by the presence of military facilities and the broader regional network of hospitals. Access to specialized lung cancer care varies, and understanding the strengths and limitations of each facility is essential.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general indication of quality. These ratings are based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (Fayetteville, NC):** This is a major regional hospital. As of the latest available data, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has a CMS star rating. This rating is a snapshot of the hospital's performance across several key areas. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center, which is a crucial resource for lung cancer patients.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in emergencies. Longer wait times can impact the timely delivery of care.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** ER wait times fluctuate. Patients should check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through online platforms. These times are an average and do not reflect the severity of your condition.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

Specialized cancer centers and dedicated lung cancer programs are essential for comprehensive care. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** The hospital's cancer center offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The availability of these services is a critical factor in determining the quality of care.

**Diagnostic Capabilities**

Accurate diagnosis is the first step in lung cancer treatment. Hospitals should offer advanced diagnostic tools.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** The hospital likely provides advanced imaging capabilities, including CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopy. These tools are essential for staging the disease and guiding treatment decisions.

**Surgical Oncology**

Surgery is a common treatment for lung cancer. The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is a key factor.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** The hospital likely has thoracic surgeons who perform lung resections, including lobectomies and pneumonectomies. Surgical expertise is crucial for successful outcomes.

**Radiation Oncology**

Radiation therapy is a vital component of lung cancer treatment.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** The hospital should have radiation oncology services, including external beam radiation therapy and potentially advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

Medical oncologists administer chemotherapy and other systemic therapies.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** The hospital's cancer center provides medical oncology services, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Access to clinical trials is also a crucial factor.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services are increasingly important for cancer care.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** The hospital may offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. The availability of remote monitoring tools can help track patient symptoms and manage side effects.

**Supportive Care Services**

Comprehensive cancer care includes supportive services.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** The hospital may offer supportive care services, including pain management, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and psychosocial support. These services are essential for improving patients' quality of life.

**Clinical Trials**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** The hospital may participate in clinical trials for lung cancer. Patients should inquire about available trials and eligibility criteria.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of care.

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** Patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews provide insights into the patient experience. These sources offer valuable information on communication, compassion, and overall satisfaction.

**Additional Considerations**

* **Proximity and Travel:** The distance to the hospital and travel time are important factors, especially for frequent appointments.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its providers are within your insurance network.
* **Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist can provide additional insights and confirm treatment plans.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Hospital information can change, so it is essential to verify the details directly with the hospitals. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. The CMS star ratings and ER wait times are snapshots and can change over time.