11776, Port Jefferson Station, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11776, Port Jefferson Station, New York is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Smithtown, NY (ZIP Code 11776): A Scorecard

Living near Smithtown, New York (ZIP code 11776) offers access to a range of healthcare facilities, including those specializing in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review analyzes key hospitals in the area, focusing on factors crucial for patients facing this challenging disease. We'll examine hospital quality metrics, specialty services, and accessibility to paint a comprehensive picture of the available care.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality measures. These ratings provide a general indication of overall hospital performance. However, it's important to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle, especially when considering a complex disease like lung cancer.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Located a short drive from Smithtown, Stony Brook University Hospital is a major regional medical center. It consistently receives high marks for its comprehensive cancer care programs. While its CMS star rating can fluctuate, Stony Brook boasts a dedicated cancer center equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary team of specialists. They offer advanced diagnostic tools like PET/CT scans and a full range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Their lung cancer program is particularly well-regarded, with a focus on personalized treatment plans tailored to the individual patient's needs.

**North Shore University Hospital (Manhasset):** Part of Northwell Health, North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset is another major player in the region. It is further afield than Stony Brook, but offers a high level of care. Northwell Health, as a system, is known for its integrated approach to cancer care, including a strong focus on research and clinical trials. North Shore's cancer center provides comprehensive services, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship programs. They are likely to have a dedicated lung cancer program with experienced pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists. Their commitment to research often translates to access to cutting-edge therapies.

**Other Hospitals to Consider:**

While Stony Brook and North Shore are the flagship institutions, other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance from Smithtown offer lung cancer services.

**Mather Hospital (Port Jefferson):** This hospital is closer to Smithtown than North Shore and offers a range of medical services, including cancer care. While it may not have the same level of resources as the larger university hospitals, it provides convenient access to care for residents in the immediate area. Mather Hospital has a cancer center and offers treatment for various cancers, including lung cancer.

**Huntington Hospital:** Located in Huntington, this hospital provides comprehensive medical services. It is part of the Northwell Health system and offers access to the broader network of resources. Huntington Hospital's cancer center provides lung cancer services, and patients may benefit from its affiliation with Northwell Health's research and clinical trial programs.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially when dealing with potential complications related to lung cancer or its treatment. While wait times can fluctuate, it's important to understand the general trends at local hospitals.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** As a Level 1 trauma center, Stony Brook's ER often experiences higher patient volumes. Wait times can vary, but the hospital strives to provide timely care. It is advisable to check real-time wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER.

**North Shore University Hospital:** North Shore's ER also handles a significant number of patients. Wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases. Checking online or calling ahead is recommended.

**Mather Hospital:** Mather's ER typically experiences shorter wait times than the larger hospitals, providing a potentially quicker option for urgent care.

**Huntington Hospital:** As part of the Northwell Health system, Huntington Hospital's ER wait times may be comparable to those at North Shore. Checking online or calling ahead is a good practice.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The presence of specialized centers and services is a key indicator of a hospital's ability to provide comprehensive lung cancer care.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Stony Brook's cancer center offers a wide range of specialty services, including thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and pulmonology. They have a dedicated team of specialists focused on lung cancer treatment. They also have advanced diagnostic capabilities, including minimally invasive procedures and access to clinical trials.

**North Shore University Hospital:** North Shore's cancer center provides similar comprehensive services, including thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and pulmonology. They have a strong focus on research and clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies.

**Mather Hospital:** Mather Hospital's cancer center provides services including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While they may not have the same breadth of resources as the larger hospitals, they provide essential services.

**Huntington Hospital:** Huntington Hospital's cancer center offers similar services to Mather Hospital, with access to the resources of the Northwell Health system.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Stony Brook offers telehealth options for certain appointments, allowing patients to connect with their doctors remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up visits or managing side effects from treatment.

**North Shore University Hospital:** Northwell Health has invested heavily in telehealth, offering a wide range of virtual care options. Patients can access virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and other services.

**Mather Hospital:** Mather Hospital is expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options.

**Huntington Hospital:** Huntington Hospital, as part of the Northwell Health system, offers a range of telehealth services.

**Specific Treatment Options:**

The availability of specific treatment options is crucial when evaluating hospitals.

**Surgery:** Both Stony Brook and North Shore offer advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

**Radiation Therapy:** Both hospitals offer advanced radiation therapy techniques, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

**Chemotherapy:** All the hospitals mentioned offer chemotherapy services.

**Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapies:** Both Stony Brook and North Shore have access to the latest immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

**Clinical Trials:** Both Stony Brook and North Shore are actively involved in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Beyond medical treatments, patient experience and support services are vital.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:** Stony Brook offers comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.

**North Shore University Hospital:** North Shore provides similar support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**Mather Hospital:** Mather Hospital provides support services, including patient navigators and support groups.

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

**Conclusion:**

For residents near Smithtown, NY (ZIP code 11776), the best options for lung cancer care are likely to be Stony Brook University Hospital and North Shore University Hospital. Both offer comprehensive services, advanced technology, and access to clinical trials. Mather Hospital and Huntington Hospital provide convenient alternatives, particularly for those seeking local care. Patients should research individual programs, consult with their primary care physicians, and consider their specific needs when making their decision. Remember to consider factors beyond CMS star ratings, such as the expertise of the medical team, access to clinical trials, and the availability of support services.