11719, Brookhaven, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11719, Brookhaven, New York is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Lung Cancer Care Near Commack, NY (ZIP Code 11719)**

Finding the best lung cancer care is a critical journey. This review focuses on hospitals near Commack, NY (ZIP code 11719), providing a fact-rich overview to help you make informed decisions. We’ll examine key factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The Commack area, located on Long Island, offers a range of healthcare options. Proximity to New York City expands the possibilities, but local facilities remain vital. This review prioritizes hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those with established lung cancer programs and strong reputations.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a star rating system to evaluate hospital performance. This rating offers a general indicator of quality, though it's not the sole determinant of excellence.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Located approximately 15 miles east of Commack, Stony Brook University Hospital is a major regional player. It's a teaching hospital with a comprehensive cancer center. Their CMS star rating fluctuates, so checking the most recent data is crucial. Stony Brook's cancer center offers multidisciplinary care, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services. They also have a strong research component.

**North Shore University Hospital (Manhasset):** Situated about 20 miles southwest of Commack, North Shore University Hospital is part of Northwell Health, a large integrated healthcare system. North Shore consistently earns high CMS star ratings. The hospital boasts a renowned cancer institute with advanced treatment options and specialized programs. They have a dedicated lung cancer program, offering advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive surgery, and clinical trials.

**Huntington Hospital:** Located about 10 miles south of Commack, Huntington Hospital is a community hospital with a strong reputation. It's part of Northwell Health as well. Their CMS star rating is generally good, and they offer a range of cancer services. Huntington Hospital's cancer program provides comprehensive care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant factor, especially in urgent situations. While wait times vary, they can provide a glimpse into a hospital's efficiency. Data on ER wait times is publicly available, often on hospital websites or through third-party sources. Check the most recent data for each hospital.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Being a Level I trauma center, Stony Brook often experiences higher ER volumes. Wait times can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours. Checking real-time wait times online or by phone is advisable.

**North Shore University Hospital:** As a major hospital, North Shore's ER can also be busy. They typically have efficient triage systems, but wait times can still vary.

**Huntington Hospital:** Huntington Hospital’s ER might experience shorter wait times compared to larger facilities, but this can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the severity of cases.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs**

The presence of dedicated lung cancer programs is a key indicator of expertise. These programs typically involve a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and support staff.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Stony Brook's cancer center has a dedicated lung cancer program. They offer advanced diagnostic tools, including bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), and PET/CT scans. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Clinical trials are also available.

**North Shore University Hospital:** North Shore's cancer institute has a robust lung cancer program. They provide comprehensive care, including advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive surgery, and access to cutting-edge therapies. They are known for their expertise in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery.

**Huntington Hospital:** Huntington Hospital offers a lung cancer program with a multidisciplinary approach. They provide diagnostic services, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical options.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth is increasingly important in healthcare, offering convenient access to consultations and follow-up care. Many hospitals are expanding their telehealth capabilities.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Stony Brook has invested in telehealth services, including virtual consultations for cancer patients. They offer remote monitoring options to track patient progress and manage side effects.

**North Shore University Hospital:** Northwell Health has a well-developed telehealth platform. They provide virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and support services for cancer patients.

**Huntington Hospital:** Huntington Hospital is also expanding its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up care.

**Specific Treatment Modalities and Technologies**

The availability of advanced treatment modalities is a key factor in assessing a hospital's capabilities.

**Surgery:** Thoracic surgery, including minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery, is crucial for lung cancer treatment.

**Radiation Therapy:** Advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), are essential for precise tumor targeting.

**Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy:** Hospitals should offer a comprehensive range of chemotherapy regimens and access to targeted therapies, which are designed to attack specific cancer cells.

**Immunotherapy:** Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, is a significant advancement in lung cancer treatment. Hospitals should offer access to the latest immunotherapy drugs and clinical trials.

**Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials provides access to cutting-edge treatments and can improve outcomes.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Stony Brook offers a full spectrum of surgical, radiation, and medical oncology treatments, including advanced techniques and clinical trials.

**North Shore University Hospital:** North Shore offers state-of-the-art surgical options, advanced radiation therapy, and access to targeted therapies and immunotherapies. They also participate in clinical trials.

**Huntington Hospital:** Huntington Hospital provides surgical, radiation, and medical oncology treatments, with access to newer therapies and clinical trials.

**Patient Support and Resources**

Comprehensive cancer care includes robust patient support services. These services can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and treatment outcomes.

**Support Groups:** Support groups provide emotional support and a sense of community.

**Counseling:** Counseling services help patients cope with the emotional challenges of cancer.

**Nutrition Counseling:** Nutrition counseling helps patients maintain their health and manage side effects.

**Financial Assistance:** Financial assistance programs can help patients manage the costs of treatment.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Stony Brook offers a wide range of support services, including support groups, counseling, and financial assistance programs.

**North Shore University Hospital:** North Shore provides comprehensive support services, including support groups, counseling, and patient navigation.

**Huntington Hospital:** Huntington Hospital offers support services, including support groups and patient education programs.

**Making Your Decision**

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

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the only factor, CMS ratings provide a general indication of quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider the potential for long wait times, especially if you need immediate care.
* **Specialty Centers:** Look for hospitals with dedicated lung cancer programs and multidisciplinary teams.
* **Treatment Options:** Ensure the hospital offers a full range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
* **Telehealth:** Assess the hospital's telehealth capabilities for convenient access to care.
* **Patient Support:** Consider the availability of support services, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance.
* **Proximity:** Consider the travel distance to the hospital.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital is in your insurance network.
* **Consultations:** Schedule consultations with specialists at multiple hospitals to discuss your individual needs and preferences.

**Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with your physician to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition. Always check the most up-to-date information on hospital websites or directly with the hospitals themselves.