Lung Cancer Score

03884, Strafford, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

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Health Scores

Hospital Score in 03884, Strafford, New Hampshire

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03884, Strafford, New Hampshire is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

Health Scores in 03884, Strafford, New Hampshire

Lung Cancer Score 69
People Score 71
Provider Score 45
Hospital Score 52
Travel Score 51

Hospital Score Review of 03884, Strafford, New Hampshire

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospital Options Near Portsmouth, NH (ZIP Code 03884)**

The Seacoast region of New Hampshire, anchored by Portsmouth (ZIP Code 03884), offers a range of healthcare options for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. Navigating these choices, particularly when time is critical, demands a clear understanding of hospital capabilities, wait times, and specialized resources. This review provides a fact-based overview, focusing on key metrics relevant to lung cancer care.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system to evaluate hospitals based on various quality measures. While not a perfect indicator, it offers a starting point for comparison.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Dover, NH):** Located a short drive from Portsmouth, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is a prominent regional facility. As of the latest CMS data, its star rating provides a general overview of its performance. Patients should consult the CMS website for the most up-to-date rating and detailed breakdowns of specific quality metrics, including those relevant to cancer care. Wentworth-Douglass has a cancer center that is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This accreditation signifies a commitment to comprehensive cancer care, including multidisciplinary teams, access to clinical trials, and patient support services.

**Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA):** Though located approximately an hour south of Portsmouth, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is a nationally recognized center for cancer care, including lung cancer. MGH consistently receives high ratings from U.S. News & World Report for its cancer programs. MGH's Cancer Center offers advanced treatment options, including cutting-edge surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. It is important to note that distance and travel time can be a significant factor in making decisions about treatment.

**Other Considerations: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH)** While further afield, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is another major academic medical center with a comprehensive cancer program. Its location in Lebanon, NH, means a longer travel time for residents of Portsmouth, but its reputation for specialized care and research warrants consideration.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

In the immediate aftermath of a lung cancer diagnosis, or during treatment, access to prompt medical care is essential. Emergency room wait times can vary significantly between hospitals.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Publicly available data, often accessible on hospital websites or through third-party sources, provides information on average ER wait times. Patients should check these sources for the most current data.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** Due to its high volume of patients, ER wait times at MGH can be longer. Patients should factor in potential wait times when considering emergency care.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially for patients managing chronic conditions like lung cancer. Telehealth can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and access to specialists.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** The hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services with their oncology team.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH has a robust telehealth program, including virtual appointments with specialists in the Cancer Center.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center:** Offers a comprehensive telehealth program.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: Tailored Care**

Lung cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving specialists in pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and thoracic surgery.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** The hospital's cancer center provides access to a team of specialists. Patients should inquire about the specific expertise and experience of the oncology team.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH's Cancer Center is renowned for its specialized programs, including those focused on specific types of lung cancer. The hospital's Lung Cancer Center of Excellence offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostics, targeted therapies, and clinical trials.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center:** Offers specialized programs and services for lung cancer patients.

**Radiation Oncology: Precision in Treatment**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment modality for lung cancer. The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), is an important consideration.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Offers radiation oncology services, including advanced techniques. Patients should confirm the availability of specific technologies and the experience of the radiation oncology team.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH's radiation oncology department is at the forefront of technological advancements.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center:** Offers radiation oncology services.

**Surgical Expertise: Minimally Invasive Approaches**

Thoracic surgery plays a critical role in lung cancer treatment. The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons and minimally invasive surgical techniques can significantly impact patient outcomes.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** The hospital has thoracic surgeons on staff. Patients should inquire about the surgeons' experience and the availability of minimally invasive procedures, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH's thoracic surgery department is highly regarded. The hospital offers a wide range of surgical options, including minimally invasive techniques.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center:** Offers thoracic surgery services.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Therapies**

Clinical trials provide access to the latest cancer treatments. The availability of clinical trials can be a significant advantage for patients.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH's Cancer Center is actively involved in clinical research, offering patients access to a wide range of clinical trials.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center:** Offers clinical trials.

**Patient Support Services: A Holistic Approach**

Lung cancer treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. Access to patient support services, such as counseling, support groups, and palliative care, is essential.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** The hospital's cancer center provides patient support services.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH offers comprehensive patient support services.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center:** Offers patient support services.

**Financial Considerations: Insurance and Costs**

The cost of lung cancer treatment can be substantial. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and understand their financial responsibilities.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Patients should contact the hospital's billing department to understand the costs of care.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** Patients should contact the hospital's billing department.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center:** Patients should contact the hospital's billing department.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Patients near Portsmouth, NH (ZIP Code 03884) have several options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. This review provides a starting point for research. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians, oncologists, and other healthcare providers to make informed decisions based on their individual needs and circumstances. Consider factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, telehealth capabilities, and patient support services. Travel time, particularly in emergencies, is a crucial consideration. Ultimately, the best hospital is the one that provides the highest quality of care, the most appropriate treatment options, and the strongest support system to meet the individual needs of the patient.

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Health Scores Near 03884, Strafford, New Hampshire

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Health Scores in 03884, Strafford, New Hampshire