28546, Jacksonville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28546, Jacksonville, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28546 (Jacksonville, NC)**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Access to quality medical care, especially when facing a serious illness, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28546), examining their capabilities in lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. The information provided aims to assist patients and their families in making informed decisions about their healthcare.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in the Region**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Jacksonville, NC, is primarily served by a mix of community hospitals and larger regional medical centers. Proximity to military bases, such as Camp Lejeune, influences the patient population and the types of services offered. This review prioritizes hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like specialized oncology services, advanced technology, and overall patient experience.

**Specific Hospital Analysis**

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

As a military medical facility, NMCCL holds a unique position in the healthcare ecosystem. While primarily serving active-duty military personnel, retirees, and their families, it can also offer care to civilians under specific circumstances. NMCCL has a significant focus on primary care and a range of specialties. However, the availability of specialized lung cancer services, such as advanced radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, may be limited compared to larger civilian hospitals. Patients requiring such specialized care are often referred to other facilities. ER wait times are generally reported to be moderate, but can vary based on patient volume and the severity of presenting conditions.

**2. Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, NC)**

Onslow Memorial Hospital is the primary civilian hospital serving Jacksonville. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including cancer care. The hospital has a dedicated oncology department that provides chemotherapy and supportive care. While Onslow Memorial may not have the full scope of specialized services found at larger regional centers, it provides a critical access point for initial diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for many lung cancer patients in the area. The hospital is equipped with advanced imaging technology for diagnosis and staging. ER wait times at Onslow Memorial are often reported to be relatively short, but as with all hospitals, these times fluctuate.

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

Located approximately an hour's drive from Jacksonville, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) in Wilmington is a major regional referral center. NHRMC is a flagship hospital with a strong focus on cancer care, including a comprehensive oncology program. The hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment, involving medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and other specialists. NHRMC has advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including advanced imaging, radiation therapy, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. The hospital also has a robust clinical trials program, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments. NHRMC is a five-star rated hospital by CMS. ER wait times at NHRMC can be longer than at smaller hospitals, reflecting its role as a regional referral center and the complexity of cases it handles.

**4. Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC)**

Vidant Medical Center, located in Greenville, NC, is another major regional medical center approximately an hour and a half from Jacksonville. Vidant offers a comprehensive cancer program, including lung cancer care. The hospital has a team of specialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating lung cancer. Vidant offers advanced imaging, radiation therapy, and surgical options. Vidant is a four-star rated hospital by CMS. The hospital is also affiliated with a major university, which can provide access to research and clinical trials. ER wait times at Vidant can vary, but generally reflect the hospital's status as a regional referral center.

**5. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (Fayetteville, NC)**

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, located in Fayetteville, NC, is another potential option for lung cancer care, approximately an hour and a half from Jacksonville. Cape Fear Valley has a cancer center that provides a range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The hospital is equipped with advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment. ER wait times at Cape Fear Valley can vary.

**Key Considerations in Lung Cancer Care**

**Specialty Centers and Expertise:** The presence of dedicated lung cancer specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and pulmonologists, is crucial. These specialists work collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans. Hospitals with specialized lung cancer centers often have a higher level of expertise and access to advanced treatment options.

**Advanced Technology:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as PET/CT scans, is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging. Radiation therapy options, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), are important for treating lung cancer. Minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), can improve patient outcomes.

**Multidisciplinary Approach:** Lung cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving a team of specialists working together. This team approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

**Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies. Hospitals with robust clinical trials programs can offer patients access to innovative therapies.

**Supportive Care:** Supportive care services, such as palliative care, pain management, and psychological support, are essential for improving patients' quality of life. Hospitals with comprehensive supportive care programs can help patients manage the side effects of treatment and cope with the emotional challenges of cancer.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:** The use of telehealth and remote monitoring technologies can improve access to care, especially for patients living in rural areas. Telehealth can be used for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients' vital signs and symptoms.

**CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides star ratings for hospitals based on quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. These ratings can be a useful tool for comparing hospitals and assessing their overall quality.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be an indicator of hospital efficiency and patient volume. However, it is important to note that ER wait times can vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Specifics on Telehealth in the Region**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly available in the region. Hospitals like New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Vidant Medical Center have expanded their telehealth offerings, providing remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring capabilities. The availability of telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for patients living in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent travel to the hospital. The specifics of telehealth availability, including the types of services offered and the platforms used, can vary between hospitals. Patients should inquire directly with the hospital about its telehealth capabilities.

**Conclusion**

The best hospital for lung cancer care near ZIP code 28546 will depend on individual patient needs and preferences. New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Vidant Medical Center offer the most comprehensive lung cancer programs in the region, with advanced technology, multidisciplinary teams, and access to clinical trials. Onslow Memorial Hospital provides a critical access point for local patients. NMCCL provides care for military personnel and their families. Patients should carefully consider their individual circumstances, including the stage of their cancer, their overall health, and their preferences for treatment, when making their decision. Consulting with a primary care physician or oncologist can help patients navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions about their care.