28730, Fairview, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28730, Fairview, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Mountains: A Review for 28730

Finding the best lung cancer care requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors like hospital quality, specialized expertise, accessibility, and patient experience. For residents near ZIP code 28730 (Hendersonville, North Carolina), the landscape of healthcare options presents a range of choices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals in the region, focusing on key metrics relevant to lung cancer treatment and patient care.

**Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The immediate vicinity of 28730 offers a concentrated area for healthcare services. The primary players include Pardee UNC Health Care, AdventHealth Hendersonville, and Mission Hospital in Asheville. Each institution provides a different level of care, resources, and access to specialized services. Understanding the nuances of each facility is crucial for making informed decisions about lung cancer treatment.

**Pardee UNC Health Care: A Community Anchor**

Pardee UNC Health Care, located in Hendersonville, is a significant healthcare provider for the local community. It's a member of the UNC Health Care system, which provides access to a broader network of resources and expertise. While Pardee doesn’t have its own dedicated lung cancer center, it offers comprehensive cancer care services, including diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Pardee's CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating is a key indicator of overall hospital quality. CMS star ratings are derived from various performance measures, including patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care. As of the latest available data, Pardee UNC Health Care holds a [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Pardee UNC Health Care**]. This rating offers a general gauge of the hospital's performance compared to others nationwide.

ER wait times are another crucial consideration, particularly for patients experiencing acute symptoms. The average ER wait time at Pardee is approximately [**Insert Current Average ER Wait Time for Pardee UNC Health Care**]. This figure can fluctuate, but it provides a baseline for patients seeking immediate care. Telehealth services are also available at Pardee, which can be a convenient option for follow-up appointments and consultations. The hospital has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering a range of virtual care options, including oncology consultations. [**Insert Specific Telehealth Stats for Oncology at Pardee, if available, e.g., number of virtual visits per month, types of consultations offered**].

**AdventHealth Hendersonville: Focus on Patient-Centered Care**

AdventHealth Hendersonville, also located in Hendersonville, emphasizes a patient-centered approach to care. This hospital provides a full spectrum of cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. AdventHealth is part of a larger network, allowing for access to specialized expertise and resources.

AdventHealth Hendersonville's CMS star rating is [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for AdventHealth Hendersonville**]. This rating, along with Pardee's, allows for a comparative assessment of hospital quality. AdventHealth Hendersonville's ER wait times are around [**Insert Current Average ER Wait Time for AdventHealth Hendersonville**]. Again, these numbers are subject to change, but offer a general idea of the time a patient might expect to spend in the emergency room. Telehealth services are offered at AdventHealth Hendersonville, with a focus on providing convenient access to specialists and follow-up care. [**Insert Specific Telehealth Stats for Oncology at AdventHealth Hendersonville, if available, e.g., number of virtual visits per month, types of consultations offered**].

**Mission Hospital: A Regional Hub for Advanced Care**

Mission Hospital in Asheville, approximately a 30-minute drive from Hendersonville, is a regional referral center and a major player in the healthcare landscape. It offers a more extensive range of specialized services and advanced technologies. Mission Hospital is part of HCA Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare providers in the United States.

Mission Hospital’s CMS star rating is [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Mission Hospital**]. Mission Hospital's ER wait times are typically [**Insert Current Average ER Wait Time for Mission Hospital**]. Mission Hospital is also home to the [**Insert Name of Cancer Center at Mission Hospital, if applicable**], which provides comprehensive cancer care, including advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. This center often attracts patients seeking complex treatments and specialized expertise.

Mission Hospital has a robust telehealth program, including oncology services. [**Insert Specific Telehealth Stats for Oncology at Mission Hospital, if available, e.g., number of virtual visits per month, types of consultations offered, specific specialties offered via telehealth**]. The hospital’s affiliation with HCA Healthcare allows for access to a wide network of specialists and resources, including second opinions and collaborative care models.

**Specialized Lung Cancer Expertise: What to Look For**

When evaluating hospitals for lung cancer care, it's crucial to assess their specialized expertise. This includes the availability of:

* **Multidisciplinary Teams:** Look for hospitals with dedicated lung cancer teams, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists. These teams work collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans.
* **Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as PET/CT scans and bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), is critical for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Surgical Expertise:** The presence of experienced thoracic surgeons who perform minimally invasive procedures (e.g., video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery – VATS) can significantly improve patient outcomes.
* **Radiation Therapy Options:** Hospitals should offer advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), to target tumors precisely while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
* **Medical Oncology Services:** Access to medical oncologists who are knowledgeable about the latest chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies is essential.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participating in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and improve outcomes.

**Beyond the Basics: Patient Experience and Support Services**

Beyond clinical expertise, consider the patient experience. Factors to evaluate include:

* **Patient Satisfaction Scores:** Review patient satisfaction surveys, such as those available on the CMS Hospital Compare website, to gauge patient experiences.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, social workers, support groups, and palliative care.
* **Accessibility:** Consider the ease of access to the hospital, including parking, public transportation, and the availability of interpreters.
* **Communication:** Assess the hospital's communication practices, including how well doctors and staff explain treatment options and answer questions.

**Making the Right Choice: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a highly personal decision. Residents near 28730 have several options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The choice should be based on a careful evaluation of individual needs, preferences, and the specific stage and type of lung cancer.

**Recommendations:**

* **For Comprehensive Care and Proximity:** Pardee UNC Health Care and AdventHealth Hendersonville offer convenient access to cancer care services within the community. Patients should evaluate their specific needs and preferences to determine which hospital best suits their needs.
* **For Advanced Treatment and Specialized Expertise:** Mission Hospital in Asheville provides a wider range of specialized services and access to advanced technologies. Patients seeking complex treatments or participating in clinical trials may find this hospital to be the best option.
* **Consultation is Key:** Regardless of the chosen hospital, patients should seek a consultation with a pulmonologist or oncologist to discuss their diagnosis, treatment options, and the best course of action.

**Disclaimer:** *This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is based on publicly available data and may be subject to change. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care.*