28759, Mills River, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28759, Mills River, North Carolina is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in Western North Carolina: A Hospital Review for ZIP Code 28759**

The residents of ZIP code 28759, encompassing the town of Marion, North Carolina, are fortunate to have access to a range of healthcare facilities, including those offering lung cancer treatment. This review examines the key hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on factors crucial for lung cancer patients: quality of care, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Mission Hospital, Asheville (Approximately 45 minutes from 28759)**

Mission Hospital, located in Asheville, is the flagship facility of HCA Healthcare's North Carolina Division. It's a large, comprehensive hospital offering a wide spectrum of medical services. Mission Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While this rating is considered average, it’s essential to understand that CMS ratings are just one metric, and they don’t always fully reflect the nuances of specialized care like lung cancer treatment.

Mission Hospital's Cancer Center provides a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care. They offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. This means patients can receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions all within the same facility. Mission Hospital has a dedicated lung cancer screening program, crucial for early detection and improved outcomes. They also have a robust research program, offering patients the potential to participate in clinical trials for cutting-edge treatments.

Emergency room wait times at Mission Hospital can vary. Publicly available data indicates average wait times, but these can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. It's always advisable to call ahead or use online tools to check current wait times. Telehealth services are available at Mission Hospital, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be particularly beneficial for patients living in rural areas.

**Park Ridge Health, Hendersonville (Approximately 1 hour from 28759)**

Park Ridge Health, part of AdventHealth, is another major hospital option within reach of Marion. It’s located in Hendersonville. Park Ridge Health has a 3-star CMS rating, similar to Mission Hospital.

Park Ridge Health also has a comprehensive cancer center. They offer a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Park Ridge Health emphasizes a patient-centered approach, with support services like patient navigation and support groups. They are known for their focus on integrative medicine, which can complement traditional cancer treatments.

Emergency room wait times at Park Ridge Health are generally comparable to those at Mission Hospital. Telehealth services are available, providing patients with convenient access to care.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Hospitals and Outpatient Clinics**

While Mission Hospital and Park Ridge Health are the primary options for comprehensive lung cancer care, residents of 28759 may also consider smaller hospitals and outpatient clinics for specific services. These facilities may not offer the full range of treatments but can provide valuable support and follow-up care.

**CarePartners, Asheville (Approximately 45 minutes from 28759)**

CarePartners, a part of Atrium Health, focuses on post-acute care, including rehabilitation and hospice services. While not a primary treatment center, CarePartners can play a crucial role in supporting lung cancer patients through their recovery and end-of-life care. They offer specialized programs for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

**Asheville Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates (Approximately 45 minutes from 28759)**

This is a private practice specializing in pulmonary care. They can provide diagnostic services, such as bronchoscopies and pulmonary function tests, and can also manage chronic respiratory conditions that may be related to lung cancer. They often work in conjunction with the larger hospitals for treatment.

**Assessing Quality of Care: Key Metrics**

When evaluating hospitals for lung cancer treatment, several factors are critical. These include:

* **Survival Rates:** Hospitals should be able to provide data on their lung cancer survival rates, which reflect the effectiveness of their treatments.
* **Stage at Diagnosis:** The percentage of patients diagnosed at an early stage of lung cancer is a good indicator of the effectiveness of screening programs.
* **Treatment Modalities:** The availability of a full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, is essential.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** A team of specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nurses, working together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan is crucial.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC) indicates that a hospital meets specific quality standards.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and surveys can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients in rural areas. Both Mission Hospital and Park Ridge Health offer telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Telehealth can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even some types of therapy.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: An Important Consideration**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant concern for patients, especially those experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer. Both Mission Hospital and Park Ridge Health have varying wait times. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before visiting the ER.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Both Mission Hospital and Park Ridge Health have dedicated cancer centers. These centers often offer specialized programs and services, such as:

* **Lung Cancer Screening Programs:** These programs use low-dose CT scans to detect lung cancer early, when it is most treatable.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Cancer centers often offer support services, such as patient navigation, support groups, and counseling.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs and preferences, as well as the factors discussed in this review. It's essential to gather information from multiple sources, including doctors, family, friends, and online resources.

**Conclusion**

Residents of ZIP code 28759 have access to several hospitals offering lung cancer treatment. Mission Hospital and Park Ridge Health are the primary options, providing comprehensive care and a range of specialized services. Patients should carefully evaluate their options, considering factors like quality of care, specialized services, and accessibility, to make an informed decision about their treatment. The availability of telehealth services and the presence of dedicated cancer centers further enhance the options available to patients in this region.