28570, Newport, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28570, Newport, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28570 (Jacksonville, NC)**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to quality healthcare, particularly specialized oncology services, is paramount. This review examines hospitals near Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28570), focusing on their lung cancer care capabilities, including factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to aid informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape: Key Hospitals in the Region**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Jacksonville area include:

* **Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL):** While primarily serving active-duty military personnel and their families, NMCCL's presence significantly impacts the local healthcare landscape.
* **Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH):** This is the primary civilian hospital in Jacksonville, offering a range of services to the community.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) in Wilmington, NC:** A larger regional hospital, about an hour's drive from Jacksonville, often serves as a referral center for more complex cases.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital: A Closer Look**

Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) is the closest and most accessible hospital for residents of Jacksonville. OMH is a 255-bed facility. The hospital's website provides information on its cancer care services, which include a cancer center offering medical oncology and radiation oncology. OMH is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This accreditation signifies a commitment to providing comprehensive cancer care, including multidisciplinary treatment planning, cancer registry data, and supportive services.

**CMS Star Ratings and Quality Indicators**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality metrics. These ratings provide a general indication of a hospital's performance. It's crucial to remember that these ratings are just one factor in assessing a hospital's suitability for lung cancer care.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** OMH's CMS star rating can fluctuate. Check the CMS Hospital Compare website for the most up-to-date information. Focus on metrics related to patient safety, readmission rates, and timely and effective care.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** NHRMC, being a larger facility, often has a more detailed CMS profile. Their star rating and specific performance indicators, such as those related to pneumonia care (which can be relevant to lung cancer patients), should be reviewed.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern, especially for patients experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain. Long wait times can delay critical care.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Check the hospital's website or local resources for the most recent ER wait time data. These times can vary based on the day of the week and time of day.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** As a larger facility, NHRMC's ER wait times may be longer. However, they may also have more specialized resources available.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

The presence of specialized centers and expertise in lung cancer treatment is a critical factor. Look for hospitals with:

* **Oncology Centers:** These centers typically offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, and often surgical oncology.
* **Multidisciplinary Cancer Teams:** These teams bring together specialists, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, and radiologists, to develop individualized treatment plans.
* **Lung Cancer Screening Programs:** Early detection is crucial. Hospitals with screening programs offer low-dose CT scans for individuals at high risk for lung cancer.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials provides access to the latest treatment options and research.
* **Support Services:** Comprehensive cancer care includes support services such as patient navigation, counseling, support groups, and palliative care.

**Telehealth and Remote Care Options**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Inquire about OMH's telehealth capabilities, including whether they offer virtual consultations with oncologists or other specialists.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** NHRMC likely has a more robust telehealth program. Check their website for information on virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and access to specialists through telehealth.

**Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery**

Surgical intervention is a common treatment for lung cancer. Look for hospitals with experienced thoracic surgeons who specialize in lung cancer surgery.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Determine if OMH has thoracic surgeons on staff or if they have arrangements with surgeons at other facilities.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** NHRMC likely has a dedicated thoracic surgery department. Review the surgeons' credentials and experience.

**Radiation Oncology Capabilities**

Radiation therapy is a crucial treatment modality for lung cancer. Assess the availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Determine the types of radiation therapy offered at OMH, such as external beam radiation therapy and potentially stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** NHRMC often has more advanced radiation therapy equipment and expertise.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy Services**

Medical oncologists administer chemotherapy and other systemic therapies.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Confirm that OMH has medical oncologists on staff and provides chemotherapy services.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** NHRMC usually has a comprehensive medical oncology department.

**Access to Specialists and Referrals**

Lung cancer care often requires referrals to specialists. Consider the ease of access to specialists.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Determine the referral process and the availability of specialists within the hospital or through partnerships with other healthcare providers.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** NHRMC often serves as a referral center for specialists.

**Patient Navigation and Support Services**

Cancer treatment can be complex. Patient navigation and support services are invaluable.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Inquire about patient navigation programs, support groups, and other services offered to cancer patients.
* **New Hanover Regional Medical Center:** NHRMC likely has a comprehensive range of support services, including patient navigators, social workers, and support groups.

**Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL): Considerations**

While NMCCL primarily serves military personnel and their families, it's important to understand its role in the local healthcare ecosystem.

* **Access for Civilians:** Determine the eligibility criteria for civilian access to NMCCL services, if any.
* **Specialty Care:** Assess the availability of lung cancer specialists and services at NMCCL.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. This review provides a starting point for your research.

* **Gather Information:** Contact each hospital directly to gather detailed information about their services, specialists, and programs.
* **Ask Questions:** Prepare a list of questions to ask during consultations, such as:
* What is the hospital's experience treating lung cancer?
* What types of lung cancer treatment are available?
* What is the hospital's approach to multidisciplinary care?
* What support services are offered?
* **Consider Your Needs:** Take into account your individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage.
* **Consult with Your Physician:** Discuss your options with your primary care physician or oncologist.

**Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Hospital information can change; verify details directly with the hospitals.