28532, Havelock, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28532, Havelock, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Scorecard for Hospitals Near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28532)

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of hospitals near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP code 28532), focusing on key factors relevant to lung cancer care. We'll examine hospital quality indicators, specialized services, and accessibility to help you make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The primary considerations for lung cancer care include access to experienced pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, including PET scans and advanced bronchoscopy, is crucial for accurate staging and treatment planning. Furthermore, access to clinical trials and supportive services like oncology nurses, social workers, and rehabilitation programs significantly impacts patient outcomes.

**Key Hospitals in the Region:**

The immediate vicinity of Jacksonville, NC, presents a limited selection of major hospitals. This review focuses on the most relevant facilities within a reasonable driving distance, considering their capabilities in lung cancer care.

**1. Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL):**

While primarily serving military personnel and their families, NMCCL is a significant healthcare provider in the region. NMCCL is not rated by CMS. Access to specialized lung cancer care at NMCCL is primarily for eligible beneficiaries. The hospital likely offers basic diagnostic services and may coordinate care with other military treatment facilities or civilian hospitals for more complex cases. Information on ER wait times is not generally available. Telehealth capabilities are likely available for certain services, but details are not readily accessible.

**2. CarolinaEast Medical Center (New Bern, NC):**

Located approximately 45 minutes from Jacksonville, CarolinaEast Medical Center is a potential option. CarolinaEast has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. The hospital has a cancer center, and the availability of a multidisciplinary team is crucial. The hospital's website should be consulted for information on specific lung cancer specialists, diagnostic capabilities, and treatment options. The ER wait times are not readily available. Telehealth services are likely available for some consultations and follow-up appointments.

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

Vidant Medical Center, located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Jacksonville, is the flagship hospital of Vidant Health and a major regional referral center. Vidant Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. Vidant Health has a dedicated cancer center, the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center, which offers comprehensive cancer care, including lung cancer treatment. The center likely provides access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists, advanced imaging, and radiation therapy. Vidant Medical Center is affiliated with East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine, which can improve access to clinical trials and cutting-edge research. ER wait times are not consistently available. Vidant Health offers telehealth services, which can be beneficial for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

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

New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), now part of Novant Health, is located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Jacksonville. NHRMC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. NHRMC offers a comprehensive cancer program, including lung cancer care. The hospital's Zimmer Cancer Institute provides a multidisciplinary approach with experienced specialists, advanced imaging, and radiation therapy. The hospital is likely to offer access to clinical trials. ER wait times are not consistently available. Novant Health provides telehealth services, which could be beneficial for consultations and follow-up appointments.

**5. Duke University Hospital (Durham, NC):**

Duke University Hospital, located approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Jacksonville, is a nationally recognized academic medical center. Duke University Hospital has a CMS star rating of 5 stars. Duke offers world-class lung cancer care, including access to leading-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary team of experts. Duke Cancer Institute is a highly regarded center for cancer research and treatment. The hospital provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, including advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and radiation therapy. ER wait times are not consistently available. Duke Health offers extensive telehealth services, including remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and educational programs.

**6. UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill, NC):**

UNC Medical Center, located approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Jacksonville, is another major academic medical center. UNC Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, providing comprehensive lung cancer care. The center offers access to a multidisciplinary team, advanced diagnostic and treatment options, and clinical trials. UNC Medical Center is at the forefront of cancer research. ER wait times are not consistently available. UNC Health offers telehealth services, which can be used for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**Analyzing Key Performance Indicators:**

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the sole determinant of quality, CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital performance. Higher ratings (4 or 5 stars) generally indicate better overall quality, patient experience, and outcomes. However, these ratings are based on a limited set of metrics and should be considered alongside other factors.
* **Cancer Center Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) or the National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicates adherence to high standards of care, including multidisciplinary teams, comprehensive services, and quality improvement initiatives.
* **Specialty Centers:** Hospitals with dedicated cancer centers often provide more coordinated and comprehensive care, including access to specialized expertise, advanced technologies, and supportive services.
* **Specialist Availability:** The presence of board-certified pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists with experience in lung cancer treatment is crucial.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging, such as PET scans and advanced bronchoscopy, is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Treatment Options:** Hospitals should offer a range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials provides access to cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities.
* **Supportive Services:** Access to oncology nurses, social workers, dietitians, and rehabilitation programs can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
* **Telehealth Services:** Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring.

**Accessibility and Travel Considerations:**

The distance from Jacksonville, NC, to these hospitals is a significant factor. While Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center offer exceptional care, the travel time may be a burden for patients and their families. CarolinaEast Medical Center, Vidant Medical Center, and New Hanover Regional Medical Center offer a more accessible option for those seeking care closer to home.

**Specific Considerations for Lung Cancer:**

* **Staging and Diagnosis:** Accurate staging is crucial for treatment planning. Hospitals should offer advanced imaging, including PET/CT scans and advanced bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).
* **Surgical Expertise:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery should be available. Minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), are preferred.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Access to advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), is important for treating early-stage lung cancer and for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists specializing in lung cancer should be available to provide chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** A multidisciplinary team, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and oncology nurses, is essential for optimal care.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative treatments.

**Recommendations:**

Based on this review, Vidant Medical Center, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and CarolinaEast Medical Center appear to be the most accessible options for residents near Jacksonville, NC. However, the decision should be based on individual needs, preferences, and the specific stage and type of lung cancer. Patients should consult with their primary care physician and seek referrals to specialists at the hospitals that best meet their needs. For those who can travel, Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center offer exceptional care and should be considered.

**Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized recommendations and treatment plans. Information on hospital services and performance can change, so patients should verify details directly with the hospitals.