28702, Almond, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28702, Almond, North Carolina is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care Near Asheville, NC (ZIP Code 28702): A Comprehensive Review**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting task. Selecting the right hospital for treatment is paramount. This review examines the leading hospitals in and around Asheville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28702), focusing on their lung cancer care capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to aid informed decision-making.

**Mission Hospital, Asheville, NC:**

Mission Hospital, a flagship facility within the HCA Healthcare system, anchors the healthcare landscape in Asheville. While it doesn't have a dedicated "lung cancer center" in the same vein as some specialized institutions, its oncology department provides comprehensive lung cancer care. The hospital's CMS star rating fluctuates, but recent data indicates a solid performance, typically hovering around three stars. This rating reflects overall quality, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

Mission Hospital's emergency room is a critical access point for many patients. ER wait times can vary considerably depending on the time of day and patient volume. Publicly available data, updated regularly, provides insights into average wait times. These wait times are a crucial factor for patients experiencing acute symptoms related to lung cancer or its treatment.

The hospital offers a full spectrum of lung cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They have advanced imaging capabilities for diagnosis and staging, including PET/CT scans and bronchoscopy. Mission Hospital's surgical teams perform a range of procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to more complex resections. They also have a robust radiation oncology department with advanced technologies like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Telehealth services are increasingly important for cancer care. Mission Hospital offers telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. This can be a significant convenience for patients, reducing travel burdens and allowing for more frequent check-ins with their care teams. The availability and utilization of telehealth services are constantly evolving, so patients should confirm the specific offerings and availability with the hospital directly.

**Park Ridge Health (AdventHealth Hendersonville):**

Located a short distance from Asheville, Park Ridge Health, now AdventHealth Hendersonville, offers another option for lung cancer care. AdventHealth Hendersonville’s CMS star rating is generally competitive, reflecting a commitment to quality. The hospital's oncology services are integrated into its broader healthcare offerings.

ER wait times at AdventHealth Hendersonville are another important consideration. Publicly available data provides information on average wait times, which can vary. Patients should be aware of these wait times, particularly if they require urgent care.

AdventHealth Hendersonville provides a range of lung cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They have advanced imaging capabilities for diagnosis and staging. The hospital's surgical teams perform a variety of procedures, and the radiation oncology department utilizes advanced technologies.

Telehealth services are also available at AdventHealth Hendersonville, providing options for follow-up appointments and consultations. The hospital's telehealth offerings should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Other Considerations in the Asheville Area:**

While Mission Hospital and AdventHealth Hendersonville are the primary hospitals serving the Asheville area, other healthcare providers may play a role in lung cancer care. This includes outpatient clinics, radiation oncology centers, and specialized cancer centers.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

Neither Mission Hospital nor AdventHealth Hendersonville has a dedicated, standalone "lung cancer center" in the same way as some larger, specialized institutions. However, both hospitals have experienced oncologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists who specialize in lung cancer care. Patients should inquire about the specific expertise and experience of the physicians involved in their care.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for patients experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer or its treatment. Publicly available data provides information on average wait times at both Mission Hospital and AdventHealth Hendersonville. Patients should be aware of these wait times, particularly if they require urgent care.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care:**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important in cancer care. Both Mission Hospital and AdventHealth Hendersonville offer telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. This can be a significant convenience for patients, reducing travel burdens and allowing for more frequent check-ins with their care teams.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Both hospitals participate in clinical trials and research related to lung cancer. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, which can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations:**

Patients should verify that their insurance plan is accepted by the hospitals and physicians they are considering. They should also inquire about the hospital's financial assistance programs and payment options.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience and satisfaction are important factors in choosing a hospital. Patients can research online reviews, read testimonials, and talk to other patients to learn about their experiences.

**Conclusion:**

Selecting the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Mission Hospital and AdventHealth Hendersonville are the primary hospitals serving the Asheville, NC area. Both offer comprehensive lung cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Patients should carefully consider factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, physician expertise, telehealth offerings, and patient experience when making their decision. They should also consult with their primary care physician and oncologist to determine the best course of action for their individual needs. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.