28553, Marshallberg, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28553, Marshallberg, North Carolina is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Jacksonville, NC Area: A Scorecard for 28553 Residents

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience, and choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical decision. For residents of Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28553), several healthcare options are within reach, each offering varying levels of expertise and resources. This review examines the hospitals closest to 28553, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. It aims to provide a factual, objective assessment to aid in informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The immediate vicinity of Jacksonville, NC, presents a healthcare landscape dominated by regional hospitals and facilities. While major academic medical centers might be further afield, several institutions offer lung cancer services, ranging from diagnostics and staging to treatment and follow-up care. The primary considerations for residents are often accessibility, insurance coverage, and the availability of specialized expertise.

**Navigating the CMS Star Ratings: A Quick Overview**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable tool for evaluating hospital quality. CMS assigns star ratings (one to five stars) based on various quality measures, including patient experience, safety of care, and effectiveness of care. These ratings offer a general indication of a hospital's overall performance, though they should be considered alongside other factors. It's important to note that CMS star ratings are based on data from Medicare patients and may not fully reflect the experience of all patients.

**Key Hospitals in Focus:**

**1. Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL):** Located within the 28553 area, NMCCL serves active-duty military personnel, their families, and retirees. As a military hospital, it operates under a different structure than civilian hospitals, and its CMS star rating is not directly applicable. However, NMCCL provides a comprehensive range of medical services, including oncology, and often collaborates with civilian healthcare providers for specialized care. Access to care is primarily determined by military healthcare benefits. The hospital's emergency room wait times can vary depending on patient volume and military operational demands. Telehealth capabilities are increasingly utilized, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists.

**2. Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH):** Situated in Jacksonville, OMH is a key healthcare provider for the local community. OMH has a three-star CMS rating, which is indicative of the hospital's performance. The hospital offers a range of services, including a cancer center that provides diagnostic and treatment services for various cancers, including lung cancer. ER wait times at OMH fluctuate, but the hospital strives to maintain efficient patient flow. Telehealth services are available, expanding access to specialists and follow-up care. The hospital is actively involved in community outreach and education programs related to cancer prevention and early detection.

**3. Vidant Duplin Hospital:** Located approximately 40 miles northwest of Jacksonville, Vidant Duplin Hospital is part of the Vidant Health system. The hospital has a three-star CMS rating. Vidant Duplin Hospital is a critical access hospital that provides a range of services, including cancer care. Access to specialized lung cancer services may require referrals to larger Vidant Health facilities, such as Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC. ER wait times are generally shorter than at larger hospitals. Telehealth services are integrated into the Vidant Health system, providing access to specialists and consultations.

**4. New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) (Now Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center):** Located in Wilmington, NC, approximately 60 miles southeast of Jacksonville, NHRMC (now Novant Health) is a larger regional medical center. The hospital has a three-star CMS rating. NHRMC's Zimmer Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer care, including lung cancer treatment. NHRMC is a regional referral center with advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. ER wait times can vary, and the hospital is often a busy facility. Novant Health has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**5. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** Situated in Fayetteville, NC, approximately 70 miles west of Jacksonville, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is a large regional hospital. Cape Fear Valley has a three-star CMS rating. The hospital's cancer center provides comprehensive oncology services, including lung cancer treatment. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is equipped with advanced technology and has a team of specialists. ER wait times can be significant. The hospital offers telehealth services to expand access to care.

**Delving Deeper: Specialty Centers and Expertise**

Beyond general hospital ratings, specific aspects of lung cancer care warrant closer examination. Does the hospital have a dedicated lung cancer program or center? Are there specialized pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists on staff? Are advanced diagnostic tools, such as PET/CT scans and minimally invasive surgical techniques, readily available?

**Onslow Memorial Hospital:** OMH's cancer center provides a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Patients can expect access to medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support services. The hospital offers diagnostic imaging and chemotherapy services.

**Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** NHRMC's Zimmer Cancer Center is a regional hub for cancer care. The center offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, and medical oncology. The hospital has a team of experienced specialists, including thoracic surgeons and pulmonologists.

**Cape Fear Valley Medical Center:** Cape Fear Valley Medical Center's cancer center provides a comprehensive range of cancer care services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital has a team of specialists, including pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and offer support services. Hospitals in the 28553 area vary in their telehealth capabilities.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital:** OMH offers telehealth services, expanding access to specialists and follow-up care.

**Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** Novant Health has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Vidant Health:** Vidant Health integrates telehealth services across its system, providing access to specialists and consultations.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times can significantly impact a patient's experience, particularly in urgent situations. While wait times fluctuate, it's important to consider this factor when choosing a hospital.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times fluctuate, but the hospital strives to maintain efficient patient flow.

**Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** ER wait times can vary, and the hospital is often a busy facility.

**Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune:** ER wait times can vary depending on patient volume and military operational demands.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage**

The cost of lung cancer treatment can be substantial. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and understand their out-of-pocket expenses. Hospitals' financial assistance programs and payment plans should be explored.

**Making an Informed Choice: A Summary**

For residents of the 28553 area facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the best choice of hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. NMCCL provides care for military personnel and their families. OMH offers local access to cancer care, with a three-star CMS rating. NHRMC (Novant Health) in Wilmington and Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville provide more comprehensive services with advanced technologies and specialized expertise. Vidant Duplin Hospital may serve as a gateway to the Vidant Health system.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Consultation:** The best approach is to consult with your primary care physician or oncologist to discuss your specific needs and receive personalized recommendations.
* **Investigate Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that your insurance plan covers the services offered at each hospital you are considering.
* **Ask Questions:** Inquire about the hospital's lung cancer program, the experience of the medical team, and the availability of support services.
* **Consider Telehealth Options:** If access to specialists is a concern, explore the telehealth capabilities of each hospital.
* **Factor in Travel Time:** Consider the distance to each hospital and the potential impact on your treatment schedule.

By carefully considering these factors, residents of the 28553 area can make an informed decision about their lung cancer care, increasing their chances of a positive outcome.