28584, Swansboro, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28584, Swansboro, North Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Eastern North Carolina: A Review for ZIP Code 28584

Finding the best care for lung cancer is a critical journey. For residents of ZIP code 28584 (Swansboro, North Carolina, and surrounding areas), access to quality healthcare is a primary concern. This review examines the hospitals closest to this area, focusing on their lung cancer treatment capabilities, including factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options. This information aims to provide a factual basis for informed decision-making.

**Navigating the Landscape: Proximity and Key Players**

The immediate vicinity of Swansboro, NC, offers a limited selection of hospitals. Residents often rely on facilities in nearby cities like Jacksonville and New Bern for more comprehensive care. This review will primarily focus on the most accessible options, considering travel time and regional reputation.

**Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune: A Specialized Resource**

While not a general hospital open to the public, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL) is a significant resource for military personnel and their families in the area. NMCCL offers specialized cancer care, including diagnostic services, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. While specific data on lung cancer outcomes and survival rates at NMCCL are not readily available to the public, its affiliation with the Department of Defense suggests access to advanced treatment protocols. Information on ER wait times is not publicly available.

**CarolinaEast Medical Center, New Bern: A Regional Hub**

Approximately an hour's drive from Swansboro, CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern is a regional hospital that serves a broad patient population. CarolinaEast has a comprehensive cancer program, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, a mark of quality.

CarolinaEast’s CMS star rating is not publicly available, but the hospital's performance is generally considered to be good. ER wait times at CarolinaEast vary. The hospital's website provides real-time wait times, which can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume. The hospital has a dedicated oncology unit and a multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care, which includes pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and supportive care specialists.

CarolinaEast is expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for some specialties. The availability of telehealth for lung cancer patients is dependent on the specific physician and the patient's individual needs.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville: A Local Option**

Closer to Swansboro, Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville offers a range of medical services, including cancer care. The hospital has a cancer center that provides chemotherapy and supportive care services. Onslow Memorial is not a designated comprehensive cancer center, and its lung cancer program is not as extensive as CarolinaEast's.

Onslow Memorial's CMS star rating is not publicly available. ER wait times at Onslow Memorial are also variable and are posted on the hospital's website. The hospital's oncology services include medical oncology and access to radiation therapy through partnerships with other providers. Onslow Memorial is increasing its telehealth offerings, which may include virtual consultations for oncology patients.

**Understanding CMS Star Ratings: A Key Indicator**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance in various quality measures. These ratings provide a general overview of a hospital's overall quality. While CMS star ratings are a useful tool, they should be considered alongside other factors, such as the hospital's specific expertise in lung cancer treatment.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, particularly in emergencies. Both CarolinaEast and Onslow Memorial provide real-time ER wait time information on their websites. These times can be useful when deciding where to seek immediate medical attention.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise**

The presence of specialized centers and multidisciplinary teams is crucial in lung cancer care. CarolinaEast Medical Center, with its accredited cancer program, has a more robust infrastructure for treating complex cases. Onslow Memorial Hospital offers cancer care services, but its resources are less extensive.

**Telehealth and Remote Access**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. Both CarolinaEast and Onslow Memorial are expanding their telehealth capabilities. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent travel. The availability of telehealth for lung cancer patients will depend on the specific physician and the patient's individual needs.

**Diagnostic Capabilities: The Foundation of Treatment**

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective lung cancer treatment. Both CarolinaEast and Onslow Memorial offer diagnostic imaging services, including CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopy. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools is essential for staging the disease and determining the most appropriate treatment plan.

**Treatment Options: A Spectrum of Care**

Lung cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The availability of these treatments varies depending on the hospital. CarolinaEast offers a more comprehensive range of treatment options, including advanced therapies. Onslow Memorial provides chemotherapy and supportive care services, but access to certain advanced therapies may require referral to another facility.

**Surgical Oncology: A Critical Component**

Surgical intervention is often a key component of lung cancer treatment. The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is crucial. CarolinaEast has thoracic surgeons on staff. Onslow Memorial may refer patients to other facilities for surgical procedures.

**Radiation Oncology: Precision and Expertise**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for lung cancer. The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), is important. CarolinaEast has radiation oncology services. Onslow Memorial may partner with other providers for radiation therapy.

**Medical Oncology: The Cornerstone of Systemic Treatment**

Medical oncologists are responsible for administering chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The expertise of the medical oncology team is critical to patient outcomes. Both CarolinaEast and Onslow Memorial have medical oncologists on staff.

**Supportive Care: Enhancing Quality of Life**

Supportive care services, such as pain management, nutrition counseling, and psychological support, are essential for patients undergoing lung cancer treatment. CarolinaEast has a more comprehensive supportive care program. Onslow Memorial offers supportive care services, but the range of services may be less extensive.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to innovative treatments. CarolinaEast may offer clinical trials. Onslow Memorial's participation in clinical trials is limited.

**Patient Outcomes and Survival Rates: A Complex Picture**

Publicly available data on lung cancer survival rates for specific hospitals in the area is limited. Patient outcomes are influenced by various factors, including the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the treatment received. Consulting with a pulmonologist and oncologist is essential to understand the likely outcomes.

**Making Informed Decisions: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. Residents of ZIP code 28584 should consider the following factors:

* **Proximity:** Travel time and convenience.
* **Specialized Expertise:** The availability of experienced pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Treatment Options:** The range of available therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging and diagnostic tools.
* **Supportive Care Services:** The availability of pain management, nutrition counseling, and psychological support.
* **Telehealth Options:** The availability of virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Patient Reviews and Recommendations:** Seeking feedback from other patients.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Path to Care**

For residents of ZIP code 28584, CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern offers a more comprehensive lung cancer program. Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville provides a local option, but its resources are less extensive. NMCCL is a resource for military personnel and their families. The best approach is to consult with a primary care physician or pulmonologist to discuss individual needs and preferences.