28379, Rockingham, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28379, Rockingham, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28379**

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 28379 (Raeford, North Carolina) to provide a fact-based overview of available resources, including key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to equip patients and their families with the information needed to make informed choices.

**Proximity and Key Players**

The immediate vicinity of Raeford, NC, presents a landscape where larger, regional hospitals become the primary options for specialized care. The closest major medical centers will be the focal points of this review. While smaller community hospitals may offer some services, comprehensive lung cancer treatment often necessitates access to advanced technology and a multidisciplinary team, found more readily at larger facilities.

**Cape Fear Valley Health System**

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, located in Fayetteville, NC, is a major healthcare provider serving the region. It is a large, multi-facility system, and its flagship hospital is a significant player for residents of 28379.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Cape Fear Valley Medical Center typically holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. The CMS star rating is a valuable, publicly available metric, though it's essential to consider it in conjunction with other factors.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial consideration. Data from sources like Medicare.gov and third-party healthcare analytics platforms provide insights into average wait times at Cape Fear Valley. These times fluctuate, but generally, patients can expect to wait for an assessment and treatment. It's advisable to check real-time wait times through the hospital's website or local healthcare resources before visiting the ER.
* **Cancer Center:** Cape Fear Valley operates a dedicated cancer center, which is a central hub for lung cancer treatment. This center typically offers a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Access to a multidisciplinary team is vital for lung cancer care, and the presence of a dedicated cancer center signifies a commitment to comprehensive treatment.
* **Specialty Centers:** Beyond the cancer center, Cape Fear Valley has specialized departments, including pulmonology and thoracic surgery. These departments are essential for diagnosis, staging, and surgical intervention for lung cancer.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. Cape Fear Valley offers telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely. The availability of telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility issues.
* **Lung Cancer Screening:** The hospital likely offers lung cancer screening programs, typically involving low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers). Early detection through screening is crucial for improving lung cancer survival rates.
* **Clinical Trials:** The cancer center may participate in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies. This is an important consideration for patients who may not respond to standard treatments.
* **Patient Support Services:** The cancer center typically offers patient support services, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance programs. These services are essential for helping patients and their families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

**FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital**

Located in Pinehurst, NC, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital is another prominent healthcare provider within a reasonable driving distance of 28379.

* **CMS Star Rating:** FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital generally receives a 4-star rating from CMS, often indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to Cape Fear Valley.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times at Moore Regional are also subject to fluctuation. As with Cape Fear Valley, checking real-time wait times is recommended.
* **Cancer Center:** FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital has a well-regarded cancer center that offers a comprehensive range of lung cancer services.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital features departments specializing in pulmonology and thoracic surgery.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital has expanded its telehealth services.
* **Lung Cancer Screening:** The hospital likely offers lung cancer screening programs.
* **Clinical Trials:** The cancer center may participate in clinical trials.
* **Patient Support Services:** The cancer center offers patient support services.

**Comparing the Options**

When comparing Cape Fear Valley and FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, several factors come into play. The CMS star ratings suggest a potential difference in overall quality, though it's crucial to delve deeper. Consider the following:

* **Proximity:** The closer hospital may be more convenient for frequent appointments and follow-up care.
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the qualifications and experience of the pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists at each hospital.
* **Technology:** Inquire about the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, such as robotic surgery and advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the patient experience at each hospital.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network.

**Additional Considerations**

* **UNC Health Southeastern** in Lumberton, NC, is another option, though it may have fewer specialized resources for lung cancer compared to the hospitals in Fayetteville and Pinehurst.
* **Specialized Lung Cancer Centers:** While the hospitals mentioned above offer comprehensive care, patients may also consider traveling to specialized lung cancer centers in larger cities, such as Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, NC, or UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, NC. These centers often have access to the latest research and treatment options. However, travel and associated costs should be carefully considered.
* **Community Hospitals:** Smaller community hospitals in the area may provide initial diagnostic services and supportive care. However, patients with lung cancer will likely need to be referred to a larger hospital for specialized treatment.
* **Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist or pulmonologist is always a good idea. This can help confirm the diagnosis, treatment plan, and ensure the patient is receiving the best possible care.

**Telehealth and Its Role**

Telehealth is a growing area of healthcare. It can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. Telehealth can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even some types of counseling. The availability of telehealth services at a hospital is an important consideration.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. This review provides a starting point for patients and their families in the 28379 area. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital are the primary contenders, each offering a range of services. Thorough research, including consideration of CMS star ratings, ER wait times, physician expertise, technology, and patient reviews, is essential. Consulting with a primary care physician and seeking second opinions are also recommended. The best choice will depend on the individual patient's needs, preferences, and insurance coverage.