28575, Salter Path, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28575, Salter Path, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Swansboro, NC (ZIP Code 28575): A Comprehensive Review

Finding the best care for lung cancer is a critical decision. This review analyzes hospitals near Swansboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 28575), focusing on key factors for lung cancer patients: hospital quality, specialist availability, treatment options, and accessibility. The information is based on publicly available data, including CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings, and aims to provide a clear picture for informed decision-making.

**Proximity and Key Players:**

The immediate area around Swansboro is primarily served by smaller community hospitals. For comprehensive lung cancer care, patients often need to travel to larger regional medical centers. The primary options considered here include hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those with established oncology programs and a track record of quality care.

**Vidant Health System:**

Vidant Health is a major healthcare provider in eastern North Carolina, and its flagship hospital, **Vidant Medical Center** in Greenville, NC, is a key destination for complex medical needs. While not directly in Swansboro, the approximately 1.5-hour drive makes it a viable option.

* **Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC):** Vidant Medical Center is a large, tertiary care center. It is a teaching hospital, which often translates to access to cutting-edge treatments and a multidisciplinary approach to care. CMS data shows that Vidant Medical Center has a 3-star rating. While this is not the highest possible rating, it indicates an average performance compared to other hospitals. It’s important to note that CMS ratings are just one measure of quality, and patient experience and specific program strengths should also be considered.

* **Oncology Services:** Vidant Medical Center has a dedicated cancer center, offering a range of services including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. They likely have a multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and oncology nurses.
* **Treatment Options:** Expect to find standard lung cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. They are likely to offer access to clinical trials, which can be crucial for patients with advanced or rare forms of lung cancer.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant Health has invested in telehealth services, including oncology consultations. This can be beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and connecting with specialists without the need for lengthy travel. Specific telehealth statistics (number of virtual visits, patient satisfaction) are not readily available but can be found on the Vidant Health website.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center can vary. Real-time wait times are often available on the hospital's website or through third-party apps. However, these times can fluctuate based on patient volume and acuity.
* **Specialty Centers:** Vidant Medical Center has several specialty centers. The hospital website is the best source for specific information on cancer-related specialty centers and programs.

**UNC Health System:**

The University of North Carolina Health Care System (UNC Health) is another major player in the region, with a flagship hospital in Chapel Hill. While further afield than Vidant Medical Center, it offers a high level of care.

* **UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill, NC):** UNC Medical Center is a large, academic medical center known for its research and advanced treatments. It is a 4-star rated hospital by CMS.

* **Oncology Services:** UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, indicating a high level of expertise and research capabilities. This is a significant advantage for lung cancer patients, as it provides access to cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
* **Treatment Options:** UNC Lineberger offers a full spectrum of lung cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy (including advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy - SBRT), chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. They are likely to have a robust clinical trials program.
* **Telehealth:** UNC Health has a well-established telehealth program, including oncology services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients traveling from a distance. Specific telehealth statistics (number of virtual visits, patient satisfaction) can be found on the UNC Health website.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UNC Medical Center can be variable. Real-time wait times are often available on the hospital's website or through third-party apps.
* **Specialty Centers:** UNC Lineberger has dedicated specialty centers for various cancer types, including lung cancer. These centers often have specialized teams focused on specific aspects of care, such as early detection, advanced staging, and supportive care.

**Smaller Community Hospitals and Considerations:**

While larger hospitals offer more comprehensive care, smaller community hospitals may play a role in the overall treatment plan, particularly for initial diagnosis, symptom management, and some supportive services.

* **Carteret Health Care (Morehead City, NC):** Located closer to Swansboro, Carteret Health Care may provide initial diagnostic services (e.g., CT scans, biopsies) and supportive care. However, for advanced lung cancer treatment, patients will likely be referred to larger centers. Carteret Health Care has a 3-star CMS rating.
* **Other Local Hospitals:** Other smaller hospitals in the area may offer limited oncology services. Contacting these hospitals directly is recommended to determine the scope of their cancer care programs.

**Key Factors for Lung Cancer Patients:**

Beyond hospital ratings and general services, several factors are particularly important for lung cancer patients:

* **Multidisciplinary Team:** Lung cancer treatment often requires a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and oncology nurses. Ensure the hospital has a well-coordinated multidisciplinary team.
* **Surgical Expertise:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery are crucial. Inquire about the surgeon's experience, the types of surgical procedures offered (e.g., minimally invasive techniques), and the hospital's surgical outcomes.
* **Radiation Therapy Capabilities:** Access to advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as SBRT, is essential for certain patients.
* **Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy Options:** The hospital should offer a comprehensive range of chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapies, including access to clinical trials.
* **Immunotherapy:** Immunotherapy has revolutionized lung cancer treatment. Ensure the hospital offers immunotherapy options and has experience managing immunotherapy-related side effects.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments. Inquire about the hospital's clinical trial program and eligibility criteria.
* **Supportive Care:** Lung cancer treatment can cause significant side effects. The hospital should offer supportive care services, such as pain management, nutritional support, physical therapy, and mental health counseling.
* **Patient Navigation:** A patient navigator can help coordinate care, navigate the healthcare system, and provide support throughout the treatment journey.
* **Accessibility:** Consider the distance to the hospital, transportation options, and ease of access to appointments and services.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gauge the hospital's patient-centered approach and the quality of care.

**Data Limitations and Recommendations:**

This review is based on publicly available data and general information. Specific treatment options, clinical trial availability, and individual physician expertise can vary.

* **Contact Hospitals Directly:** The most accurate information will come from contacting the hospitals directly. Inquire about specific services, specialist availability, and treatment options.
* **Consult with Your Primary Care Physician:** Your primary care physician can provide referrals to specialists and help you navigate the healthcare system.
* **Seek Second Opinions:** Obtaining a second opinion from another oncologist can help confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan.
* **Consider Your Priorities:** Prioritize the factors that are most important to you, such as proximity, access to specific treatments, and patient experience.

**Conclusion:**

For residents near Swansboro, NC (ZIP code 28575), Vidant Medical Center in Greenville and UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill are the primary options for comprehensive lung cancer care. UNC Medical Center, with its NCI-designated cancer center, offers a higher level of specialized care and access to cutting-edge treatments. However, Vidant Medical Center provides a closer option with a robust oncology program. Consider the factors outlined in this review, contact the hospitals directly, and consult with your physician to make an informed decision about your lung cancer care.