28773, Saluda, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28773, Saluda, North Carolina is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28773

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 28773 (Waynesville, North Carolina), providing a fact-rich overview of their capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. While this information is intended to be informative, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician for personalized recommendations.

**Proximity and Key Players**

Waynesville, North Carolina, sits in a region with several hospitals offering varying levels of lung cancer care. The primary healthcare provider in the immediate area is **Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC)**, located directly in Waynesville. Beyond HRMC, residents may consider hospitals in Asheville, a larger city offering more specialized services, approximately 30 miles away. This review will examine HRMC and key Asheville hospitals.

**Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC): A Local Perspective**

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is the closest hospital to 28773. HRMC is a 195-bed facility. HRMC is not currently rated by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). This means that CMS has not assigned a star rating to HRMC. HRMC does have a cancer center, which offers a range of services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. HRMC's ER wait times are generally in line with regional averages, but specific data fluctuates. Patients should check the hospital's website or call ahead for current estimates, which can vary based on time of day and patient volume. HRMC has a telehealth program, which includes virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Asheville: A Hub for Specialized Care**

Asheville, NC, is a regional medical hub, with several hospitals offering more specialized lung cancer treatment options. The following hospitals are key players in the area:

**Mission Hospital: A Flagship Institution**

Mission Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare, is a large, multi-campus facility serving Western North Carolina. Mission Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects overall quality of care based on various metrics. Mission Hospital has a comprehensive cancer center, offering a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment. This includes medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and pulmonology. Mission Hospital's ER wait times can vary, often influenced by the hospital's high patient volume. Patients should check the hospital's website or call ahead for current wait times. Mission Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.

**Asheville Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates:**

While not a hospital, Asheville Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates is a large practice in Asheville that specializes in pulmonary medicine and critical care. They are affiliated with Mission Hospital and provide care to lung cancer patients.

**Other Asheville Considerations**

Other hospitals in Asheville, such as AdventHealth, may offer some lung cancer services, but Mission Hospital generally serves as the primary referral center for complex cases. It is important to research the specific services offered by each hospital to determine the best fit for individual needs.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

The presence of specialized centers and programs is a key indicator of a hospital's lung cancer capabilities.

**Mission Hospital's Cancer Center:** Mission Hospital's cancer center is a significant resource for lung cancer patients. It offers a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and supportive care providers. The center provides a range of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapies. Mission Hospital also participates in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge research and treatment options.

**HRMC's Cancer Center:** HRMC's cancer center offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and a smaller team of specialists.

**Thoracic Surgery:** The availability of skilled thoracic surgeons is crucial for lung cancer treatment. Both Mission Hospital and HRMC have thoracic surgeons on staff, who can perform surgical procedures such as lobectomies and pneumonectomies.

**Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy is a common treatment for lung cancer. Both Mission Hospital and HRMC have radiation oncology departments, offering advanced radiation techniques.

**Pulmonary Specialists:** Pulmonologists play a critical role in the diagnosis, staging, and management of lung cancer. Both Mission Hospital and HRMC have pulmonologists on staff.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times can be a significant concern for patients experiencing symptoms of lung cancer or complications from treatment.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital, due to its size and high patient volume, often has longer ER wait times than smaller facilities. Patients should check the hospital's website or call ahead for current estimates.

**HRMC:** HRMC, being a smaller facility, typically has shorter ER wait times than Mission Hospital. However, wait times can fluctuate.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues.

**HRMC:** HRMC also offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Innovation**

Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and research. Mission Hospital is actively involved in clinical trials for lung cancer, offering patients access to innovative therapies. HRMC may have limited participation in clinical trials.

**Patient Outcomes and Quality Metrics**

While specific data on patient outcomes can be difficult to obtain, hospitals are increasingly focused on quality metrics. CMS star ratings, when available, provide a general indication of overall quality. Patients should also research survival rates, complication rates, and other relevant metrics.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Consider the following factors:

* **Proximity:** How far are you willing to travel for treatment?
* **Specialty Services:** Does the hospital offer the specific treatments you need?
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the experience and qualifications of the doctors.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews to get insights into patient experiences.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Support Services:** Does the hospital offer support groups, counseling, and other resources?
* **Telehealth Availability:** Does the hospital offer telehealth options for follow-up appointments and consultations?

**Conclusion**

For residents of 28773, the choice of hospital for lung cancer treatment involves weighing proximity, specialized services, and other factors. HRMC offers local care, while Mission Hospital in Asheville provides a comprehensive cancer center and a wide range of specialists. Patients should carefully research their options, consult with their physicians, and consider their individual needs and preferences when making this important decision. This review provides a starting point for that research, but it is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.