28547, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28547, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Look at Hospitals Near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28547)

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Choosing the right hospital, with its specialized resources and experienced staff, is a critical first step. This review examines the healthcare landscape surrounding Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28547), focusing on hospitals offering lung cancer treatment, considering factors like quality ratings, wait times, and specialized services.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The immediate vicinity of Jacksonville, NC, offers a limited selection of hospitals. Residents often travel to larger regional medical centers for comprehensive cancer care. The closest major hospital with significant cancer services is **Onslow Memorial Hospital** located within Jacksonville. Beyond that, the focus shifts to hospitals in Wilmington, NC, and Greenville, NC.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital: A Local Anchor**

Onslow Memorial Hospital, a community hospital, is the primary healthcare provider within Jacksonville. It offers a range of services, including cancer care. While not a designated cancer center with extensive specialized programs, it provides essential services such as diagnosis, staging, and initial treatment. It is important to note that Onslow Memorial Hospital has a **3-star CMS rating** (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, encompassing factors like patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. The rating should be considered alongside other factors when evaluating care options.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially during a health crisis. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, resources like **Medicare.gov** and **Healthgrades.com** provide up-to-date information. These platforms offer average wait times for Onslow Memorial Hospital. It is advisable to check these resources for current wait times before seeking emergency care.

**Beyond Jacksonville: Expanding the Search**

For more specialized lung cancer care, residents often look beyond Jacksonville. Two key cities offer more extensive options: Wilmington, NC, and Greenville, NC.

**New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, NC): A Regional Hub**

Located in Wilmington, NC, **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)** is a larger, more comprehensive hospital. NHRMC is a regional referral center and offers a more robust cancer program. It is important to note that NHRMC is now part of **Novant Health**.

NHRMC has a **3-star CMS rating**.

NHRMC's ** Zimmer Cancer Center** provides comprehensive cancer care, including lung cancer treatment. The center offers a multidisciplinary approach, with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists working collaboratively. This integrated approach is crucial for developing personalized treatment plans.

**Specialty Centers and Programs at NHRMC**

The Zimmer Cancer Center at NHRMC offers a range of services. These include:

* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** State-of-the-art radiation therapy techniques.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery.
* **Support Services:** Patient navigators, support groups, and survivorship programs.

NHRMC's affiliation with Novant Health expands access to resources and expertise. This network allows for collaboration and access to advanced treatment options.

**Telehealth Capabilities**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for patients in rural areas. NHRMC, as part of Novant Health, likely offers telehealth services for certain aspects of lung cancer care. This can include virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Patients should inquire about telehealth options during their initial consultations.

**ER Wait Times at NHRMC**

Like all hospitals, ER wait times at NHRMC can vary. Resources such as **Medicare.gov** and **Healthgrades.com** provide average wait times. It is always wise to check these resources for the most current information.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC): A University-Affiliated Option**

**Vidant Medical Center** in Greenville, NC, is another significant regional hospital. As the flagship hospital of Vidant Health, it is a large, tertiary care center and the primary teaching hospital for the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

Vidant Medical Center has a **3-star CMS rating**.

**The Leo Jenkins Cancer Center** at Vidant Medical Center offers comprehensive cancer care. This center provides a multidisciplinary approach, similar to NHRMC, with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists.

**Specialty Centers and Programs at Vidant Medical Center**

The Leo Jenkins Cancer Center offers:

* **Medical Oncology:** Advanced chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Cutting-edge radiation therapy techniques.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery, including minimally invasive approaches.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials for innovative treatments.
* **Support Services:** Comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, counseling, and support groups.

**Telehealth at Vidant Medical Center**

Vidant Health has invested in telehealth services. The Leo Jenkins Cancer Center likely offers telehealth options for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Patients should inquire about telehealth availability.

**ER Wait Times at Vidant Medical Center**

ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center fluctuate. Reliable sources like **Medicare.gov** and **Healthgrades.com** provide average wait times.

**Comparing the Options: A Quick Overview**

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, NC):** Local access, basic cancer services, 3-star CMS rating.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, NC):** Regional referral center, Zimmer Cancer Center, multidisciplinary approach, 3-star CMS rating.
* **Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC):** Large teaching hospital, Leo Jenkins Cancer Center, access to clinical trials, 3-star CMS rating.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients**

When choosing a hospital for lung cancer care, patients should consider several factors:

* **Expertise and Experience:** The hospital's experience in treating lung cancer, including the number of cases treated annually.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** The availability of a team of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and pulmonologists.
* **Treatment Options:** Access to a full range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Technology:** The availability of advanced technologies for diagnosis and treatment, such as advanced imaging and radiation therapy techniques.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials for innovative treatments.
* **Patient Experience:** Reviews and feedback from other patients.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensuring the hospital and its providers are in-network with the patient's insurance plan.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

The best hospital for lung cancer treatment depends on individual needs and preferences. While Onslow Memorial Hospital provides local access, patients may benefit from the more specialized resources available at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington or Vidant Medical Center in Greenville. Thorough research, consultation with healthcare providers, and consideration of the factors outlined above are crucial for making an informed decision. Patients should also actively inquire about telehealth options to enhance access to care. The journey through lung cancer treatment is challenging, but choosing the right hospital is a vital step toward improved outcomes and a better quality of life.