28754, Mars Hill, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28754, Mars Hill, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Hendersonville, NC (ZIP Code 28754): A Scorecard

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to quality care, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, is paramount. This review examines the landscape of lung cancer care options for residents near Hendersonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28754), focusing on key metrics like hospital ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. This information is intended to provide a factual overview and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

**Proximity and Major Players:**

The primary hubs for advanced medical care near Hendersonville are Asheville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. While smaller community hospitals exist closer to the ZIP code, the flagship institutions offering comprehensive cancer services are concentrated in these larger cities.

**Mission Hospital (Asheville, NC): A Regional Leader**

Mission Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare, is a significant player in the region. It boasts a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), indicating high overall quality of care. This rating considers factors like mortality rates, patient safety, and patient experience. Mission has a dedicated cancer center, the Mission Cancer Center, offering a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment.

The Mission Cancer Center provides a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care services like palliative care and survivorship programs. They also participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments. Specific information on lung cancer specialists, including their individual expertise and board certifications, is readily available on the Mission Health website.

**ER Wait Times at Mission:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, especially in a crisis. While precise, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, data from sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website and third-party platforms can provide a general sense of average wait times. These platforms often display median wait times for patients to see a provider. It's important to note that these are averages and individual experiences may vary.

**Specialty Centers and Programs at Mission:**

Mission Hospital has established programs for lung cancer screening, using low-dose CT scans to detect early-stage lung cancer in high-risk individuals. They also offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, including bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for accurate staging and biopsy. The hospital's thoracic surgery department provides surgical options, including minimally invasive techniques.

**Telehealth at Mission:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Mission Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to care for patients in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services for lung cancer patients should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (Spartanburg, SC): An Option Across the Border**

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is another major healthcare provider within a reasonable driving distance of Hendersonville. While not directly within North Carolina, it's a viable option for residents in the area. Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, the system's flagship hospital, also has a CMS star rating, which can be found on the CMS website.

**Cancer Care at Spartanburg Regional:**

Spartanburg Regional has a comprehensive cancer center, the Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute, offering a full spectrum of cancer services. This includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care. The Gibbs Cancer Center also participates in clinical trials, providing access to innovative therapies.

**ER Wait Times at Spartanburg Regional:**

Similar to Mission Hospital, ER wait times at Spartanburg Regional fluctuate. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website and other sources can provide an overview of average wait times. It is essential to check these sources for the most current information.

**Specialty Centers and Programs at Spartanburg Regional:**

The Gibbs Cancer Center offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options for lung cancer, including minimally invasive surgical techniques and radiation therapy. They also have lung cancer screening programs and supportive care services.

**Telehealth at Spartanburg Regional:**

Spartanburg Regional has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists. This can be particularly helpful for follow-up appointments and medication management.

**Other Healthcare Providers:**

Several smaller hospitals and clinics are located closer to Hendersonville. These include Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville and Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard. While these facilities may offer some cancer services, they generally do not have the same breadth and depth of resources as the larger hospitals in Asheville and Spartanburg. They may offer initial screenings, symptom management, and some chemotherapy treatments, but patients often require referral to a larger cancer center for more complex care.

**Pardee UNC Health Care (Hendersonville, NC):**

Pardee UNC Health Care, located directly in Hendersonville, offers cancer services through its Elizabeth Blake Cancer Center. While it may not have the same extensive resources as Mission Hospital, it provides local access to care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The availability of specific lung cancer specialists and the scope of services should be confirmed directly with Pardee. ER wait times at Pardee can be found on the CMS website and other platforms.

**Transylvania Regional Hospital (Brevard, NC):**

Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, NC, is a smaller community hospital that may offer some cancer services. However, it is more likely to be a referral point for patients needing specialized care at larger centers.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

Several factors should be considered when choosing a hospital for lung cancer care. These include:

* **Physician Expertise:** The experience and expertise of the oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists are crucial. Researching their credentials, board certifications, and areas of specialization is essential.
* **Treatment Options:** Access to a full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, is important.
* **Technology and Equipment:** The availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, such as PET scans, EBUS, and advanced radiation therapy equipment, can impact outcomes.
* **Supportive Care Services:** Access to supportive care services, such as palliative care, pain management, nutritional counseling, and psychological support, is critical for managing the side effects of treatment and improving quality of life.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
* **Patient Experience:** Consider patient reviews, ratings, and feedback to get a sense of the hospital's patient-centeredness and overall quality of care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Convenience and Accessibility:** Consider the distance to the hospital, parking availability, and ease of access.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The availability of telehealth services can improve access to care and reduce travel burdens.

**Conclusion:**

Residents near Hendersonville, NC (ZIP code 28754) have access to a range of lung cancer care options. Mission Hospital in Asheville and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in Spartanburg offer comprehensive cancer centers with advanced treatment options and supportive services. Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville and Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard provide local access to some cancer services. Choosing the right hospital involves careful consideration of factors like physician expertise, treatment options, patient experience, and insurance coverage. Consulting with your primary care physician and seeking referrals to qualified oncologists is essential to navigating this complex journey. Regularly checking the CMS Hospital Compare website and other sources for updated information on ER wait times and hospital ratings is also recommended.