28526, Dover, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28526, Dover, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Jacksonville, NC: A Hospital Landscape Review

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Access to quality care, including timely diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and supportive services, is paramount. For residents near Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28526), several hospitals offer varying levels of lung cancer care. This review provides a fact-rich overview of the key players, focusing on factors critical to patient outcomes.

**Navigating the Local Healthcare Ecosystem**

The healthcare landscape in and around Jacksonville is primarily shaped by the presence of Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, a military facility, and several civilian hospitals. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each institution is crucial for informed decision-making. While Camp Lejeune provides care for active-duty personnel and their families, civilians often rely on the surrounding hospitals.

**The Major Players: Key Hospitals and Their Offerings**

**1. Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, NC):**

Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) is the primary civilian hospital serving Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. It is a 162-bed facility and a vital resource for the community. OMH holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**, indicating an average overall performance. While CMS star ratings offer a snapshot of overall hospital quality, it is essential to delve deeper into specific service lines, especially for specialized care like lung cancer.

OMH offers a comprehensive cancer program, including diagnostic imaging (CT scans, PET scans, and X-rays), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They have a dedicated oncology unit and a team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and oncology nurses. While OMH is a valuable local resource, it may not offer the same level of specialization or access to cutting-edge clinical trials as larger, tertiary care centers.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at OMH can fluctuate. According to recent data, the average wait time to see a provider is around 30-45 minutes. However, it is always advisable to call ahead or check online resources for real-time updates, especially during peak hours or in emergency situations.

**Telehealth:** OMH has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations for certain specialties. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and accessing specialists who may not be readily available locally. The availability of telehealth services can significantly reduce travel time and improve patient convenience.

**2. Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, NC):**

Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune (NHCL) provides healthcare services to active-duty military personnel, their families, and other eligible beneficiaries. It offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, and surgical services. While NHCL's primary focus is on military healthcare, it is a significant healthcare provider in the region.

NHCL has a robust oncology program, including diagnostic services, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, access to specific specialists and treatment options may vary depending on the patient's eligibility and the availability of resources within the military healthcare system. Patients should consult with their primary care provider and the hospital's oncology department to understand their specific treatment options.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at NHCL can vary depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Telehealth:** NHCL has invested in telehealth services to improve access to care for its beneficiaries. Telehealth options may include virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of vital signs, and mental health services.

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

Located approximately an hour's drive from Jacksonville, Vidant Medical Center (VMC) in Greenville, NC, is a major tertiary care center and a potential option for patients seeking advanced lung cancer care. VMC is a regional referral center and a teaching hospital, offering a broader range of specialized services than smaller community hospitals. VMC is a flagship hospital within the Vidant Health system and has a **3-star CMS rating**.

VMC's James and Connie Maynard Children's Hospital is also a regional referral center.

VMC's cancer program includes a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials. They have a dedicated lung cancer program with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and oncology nurses. VMC's affiliation with East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine provides access to leading-edge research and treatment options.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at VMC can be longer than at smaller hospitals due to the higher volume of patients and the complexity of cases. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Telehealth:** VMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients, and access to educational resources. Telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for patients living in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent travel.

**4. New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, NC):**

New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) in Wilmington, NC, is another potential option for patients seeking advanced lung cancer care. Located approximately an hour and a half from Jacksonville, NHRMC is a large regional medical center with a comprehensive cancer program. NHRMC is a teaching hospital and has a **3-star CMS rating**.

NHRMC's cancer program offers a wide range of services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials. They have a dedicated lung cancer program with a multidisciplinary team of specialists. NHRMC's affiliation with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides access to leading-edge research and treatment options.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at NHRMC can vary depending on the volume of patients and the complexity of cases. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Telehealth:** NHRMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients, and access to educational resources.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients**

**1. Diagnostic Capabilities:** Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for lung cancer patients. Hospitals should offer a full suite of diagnostic imaging services, including CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopy. Access to experienced radiologists and pathologists is also essential.

**2. Treatment Options:** Lung cancer treatment often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Patients should seek hospitals that offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, including access to clinical trials.

**3. Multidisciplinary Approach:** Lung cancer care is best delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, and support staff.

**4. Access to Clinical Trials:** Clinical trials offer patients access to cutting-edge therapies and can improve treatment outcomes. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials at their chosen hospital.

**5. Supportive Services:** Lung cancer patients often require supportive services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, and mental health support. Hospitals should offer a comprehensive range of supportive services to address the physical and emotional needs of patients.

**6. Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of quality care. Patients should research hospitals' patient satisfaction scores and read online reviews to get a sense of the patient experience.

**7. Cost of Care:** The cost of lung cancer treatment can be substantial. Patients should discuss the cost of care with their insurance provider and the hospital's financial counselors to understand their financial responsibilities.

**Telehealth and Lung Cancer Care**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in lung cancer care. Virtual consultations can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and access to specialists. Remote monitoring of vital signs can help detect early signs of complications. Telehealth can also provide access to educational resources and support groups.

**Specific Considerations for 28526 Residents**

For residents near ZIP code 28526, the choice of hospital will likely depend on individual needs and preferences. OMH is a convenient local option, offering a range of services. However, patients seeking more specialized care or access to clinical trials may need to consider Vidant Medical Center in Greenville or New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. The proximity of Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune provides another option, particularly for military personnel and their families.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. This review provides a fact-rich overview of the hospitals near ZIP code 28526, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, consult with their primary care physician, and research the available options to make an informed decision. Remember to inquire about diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, the multidisciplinary team, access to clinical trials, supportive services, patient experience, and the cost of care. The best hospital for each patient will depend on their individual circumstances and preferences.