03264, Plymouth, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03264, Plymouth, New Hampshire is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Hospital Review Near ZIP Code 03264**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting task. Choosing the right hospital is paramount, impacting treatment options, outcomes, and overall quality of life. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 03264 (New London, NH), providing a fact-based assessment of their lung cancer care capabilities. The goal is to equip patients and their families with the information needed to make informed decisions.

**Proximity and Major Players**

The immediate vicinity of 03264 offers limited options for comprehensive lung cancer care. Residents often seek treatment at larger medical centers within a reasonable driving distance. These include hospitals in Lebanon, NH, and Manchester, NH, which offer a broader range of specialized services.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH)**

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is the flagship hospital in the region and a major player in lung cancer treatment. DHMC holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), indicating a solid level of overall quality. This rating considers factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

DHMC's Norris Cotton Cancer Center is a major draw. It's a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a distinction awarded to institutions demonstrating excellence in cancer research, treatment, and prevention. This designation signifies access to cutting-edge clinical trials and advanced therapies.

The cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans. DHMC boasts a robust thoracic surgery program, performing a high volume of lung resections, a key indicator of surgical expertise. They also have advanced imaging capabilities, including PET/CT scans, crucial for staging and monitoring lung cancer.

DHMC's ER wait times are a crucial consideration. While publicly available data fluctuates, wait times can sometimes be longer than the national average. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. Telehealth services are increasingly available at DHMC, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments, potentially easing the burden of travel for some patients. Specific statistics on telehealth utilization for lung cancer patients are available on the DHMC website.

**Catholic Medical Center (Manchester, NH)**

Catholic Medical Center (CMC) in Manchester, NH, is another important option for lung cancer care. CMC holds a 3-star CMS rating, reflecting a good level of quality, though slightly lower than DHMC.

CMC's New England Heart & Vascular Institute offers a comprehensive cancer program, including lung cancer treatment. They have a team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists who collaborate on patient care. CMC is a member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Network, providing access to Dana-Farber's expertise and resources. This affiliation can be particularly valuable for complex cases.

CMC's ER wait times are generally within the national average. Patients should check current wait times online or by phone before visiting. CMC has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. Specific details on telehealth availability for lung cancer patients can be found on the CMC website.

**Other Considerations**

**Specialty Centers:** Both DHMC and CMC have dedicated lung cancer screening programs, which are crucial for early detection. These programs often use low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals.

**Radiation Oncology:** Both hospitals have advanced radiation oncology departments, offering various radiation therapy techniques, including external beam radiation therapy and, in some cases, brachytherapy.

**Medical Oncology:** Both hospitals have medical oncology departments that provide chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The availability of specific therapies and clinical trials may vary between the two institutions.

**Surgical Expertise:** The volume of lung cancer surgeries performed is a key indicator of surgical expertise. Patients should inquire about the number of lung resections performed annually by the thoracic surgeons at each hospital.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction is a critical factor. Patients should research patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the quality of care and the patient experience at each hospital. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website provide patient satisfaction data.

**Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials is essential for some patients. DHMC, as an NCI-designated cancer center, typically has a broader range of clinical trials available. Patients should discuss clinical trial options with their oncologist.

**Support Services:** Lung cancer treatment often requires extensive support services, including psychological counseling, nutritional support, and financial assistance. Patients should inquire about the availability of these services at each hospital.

**Telehealth Statistics:** Both DHMC and CMC are expanding their telehealth services. Patients should check the hospitals' websites or contact them directly to obtain the most up-to-date statistics on telehealth utilization for lung cancer patients.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary significantly. Patients should check current wait times online or by phone before visiting the ER.

**Specific Questions to Ask**

When choosing a hospital, patients should ask specific questions:

* What is the hospital's experience with lung cancer surgery?
* What types of radiation therapy are available?
* What clinical trials are currently enrolling patients?
* What support services are available?
* What are the ER wait times?
* What telehealth options are available?

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. DHMC and CMC are the primary options for residents near 03264, offering comprehensive care. DHMC, with its NCI designation and 4-star CMS rating, often provides access to cutting-edge therapies and a wider range of clinical trials. CMC, with its affiliation with the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Network, also provides a strong level of care. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences, research each hospital's capabilities, and consult with their physicians to make the best decision for their care. This review provides a starting point for that critical process.