Lung Cancer Score

03886, Tamworth, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 stars

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Health Scores

Hospital Score in 03886, Tamworth, New Hampshire

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03886, Tamworth, New Hampshire is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

Health Scores in 03886, Tamworth, New Hampshire

Lung Cancer Score 36
People Score 46
Provider Score 37
Hospital Score 47
Travel Score 43

Hospital Score Review of 03886, Tamworth, New Hampshire

**Lung Cancer Care in the Seacoast: A Hospital Review for ZIP Code 03886**

Residents of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the surrounding Seacoast area (ZIP code 03886) seeking lung cancer care have several options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review provides a fact-rich overview of the hospitals closest to this area, focusing on their lung cancer services, accessibility, and overall quality of care.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The cornerstone of healthcare in the region is often considered to be **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC)**, located in Lebanon, NH, a drive from Portsmouth. While not directly in the immediate vicinity, DHMC often serves as a referral center for complex cases. DHMC holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on a composite of factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. DHMC's lung cancer program benefits from its affiliation with the Dartmouth Cancer Center, offering comprehensive services including advanced diagnostics, surgical interventions, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital (PRH)**, located in Portsmouth, is a more immediate option. PRH is a member of HCA Healthcare and has a 3-star CMS rating. PRH provides a range of services for lung cancer patients, including diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, and surgical interventions. PRH has a dedicated oncology unit and offers support services like patient navigation and support groups.

**Access and Emergency Room Wait Times**

Accessibility is a critical factor in healthcare. For residents of 03886, the proximity of Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers a significant advantage in terms of travel time and convenience. DHMC, while offering more specialized services, requires a longer drive, potentially impacting access to timely care, particularly in emergencies.

Emergency room wait times are an important metric of hospital efficiency. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but it is a key indicator of how quickly a patient can be seen by a medical professional. Both PRH and DHMC publish their ER wait times, and it is recommended to check their websites or call their respective emergency departments for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs**

Specialized lung cancer programs are crucial for providing comprehensive and advanced care. DHMC, with its affiliation with the Dartmouth Cancer Center, offers a multidisciplinary approach. This means patients benefit from the expertise of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists working collaboratively. DHMC's program is known for its research focus and access to clinical trials.

PRH has a dedicated oncology unit and offers a range of lung cancer treatments. The hospital's cancer center provides chemotherapy and supportive care services. Patients may need to be referred to other facilities for more complex surgical procedures or advanced radiation therapy options.

**Diagnostic Capabilities**

Accurate and timely diagnosis is the foundation of effective lung cancer treatment. Both PRH and DHMC offer advanced diagnostic capabilities. These include:

* **Computed Tomography (CT) Scans:** Used to detect lung nodules and tumors.
* **Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans:** Used to assess the spread of cancer.
* **Bronchoscopy:** A procedure to examine the airways and obtain tissue samples.
* **Biopsy:** Obtaining tissue samples for pathological analysis.

DHMC is likely to have a wider array of diagnostic tools and access to newer technologies due to its research focus and affiliation with a major medical center.

**Surgical Interventions**

Surgical intervention is a common treatment for lung cancer. Thoracic surgeons perform procedures to remove cancerous tissue. The complexity of the surgery depends on the stage and location of the cancer. DHMC has a robust thoracic surgery program, offering minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). PRH also offers surgical options for lung cancer, but the availability of advanced techniques may vary.

**Radiation Therapy**

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Both PRH and DHMC offer radiation therapy services. The availability of advanced radiation techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), may vary between the two hospitals. DHMC, with its larger resources, is likely to offer a wider range of radiation therapy options.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

Medical oncologists specialize in the medical treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Both PRH and DHMC have medical oncology departments that provide chemotherapy and other systemic therapies. Patients will receive chemotherapy in an outpatient setting.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Both PRH and DHMC offer telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with their doctors remotely. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. The availability of telehealth services for lung cancer patients may vary depending on the specific needs of the patient and the services offered by each hospital. DHMC, being a larger institution, may have a more developed telehealth infrastructure.

**Support Services**

Lung cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Comprehensive support services are essential for patients and their families. Both PRH and DHMC offer a range of support services, including:

* **Patient Navigation:** Assistance with navigating the healthcare system.
* **Support Groups:** Opportunities to connect with other patients and share experiences.
* **Counseling:** Mental health support.
* **Nutritional Counseling:** Guidance on diet and nutrition.
* **Financial Assistance:** Information on financial resources.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

DHMC, due to its affiliation with the Dartmouth Cancer Center, is likely to be involved in clinical trials and research related to lung cancer. This can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies. PRH may have limited access to clinical trials.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience and satisfaction are important indicators of quality of care. CMS star ratings include patient satisfaction data. Patients should also research online reviews and testimonials to understand the experiences of other patients.

**Cost and Insurance Coverage**

The cost of lung cancer treatment can be substantial. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and understand their out-of-pocket expenses. Both PRH and DHMC accept a wide range of insurance plans.

**Making the Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. Residents of 03886 should consider the following factors:

* **Stage and Complexity of the Cancer:** Patients with advanced or complex cancers may benefit from the specialized services offered at DHMC.
* **Proximity and Accessibility:** PRH offers the advantage of closer proximity and convenience.
* **Specific Treatment Needs:** The availability of specific treatments, such as advanced radiation therapy or clinical trials, may vary between the two hospitals.
* **Patient Preferences:** Consider personal preferences, such as the desire for a multidisciplinary approach or a particular doctor-patient relationship.

It is recommended that patients consult with their primary care physicians and oncologists to discuss their individual needs and make an informed decision. Visiting both hospitals, if possible, can help patients get a feel for the facilities and the care teams.

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Health Scores Near 03886, Tamworth, New Hampshire

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Health Scores in 03886, Tamworth, New Hampshire