12861, Putnam Station, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 12861, Putnam Station, New York is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 12861

The ZIP code 12861, encompassing the town of Saratoga Springs, New York, sits within a region with a range of healthcare options for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This review examines the leading hospitals in the vicinity, focusing on factors crucial for lung cancer patients, including quality of care, specialized services, and accessibility. The information is based on publicly available data, including CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings, as of late 2024.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is the overall quality rating. CMS star ratings provide a snapshot of a hospital's performance across various metrics. However, it's important to note that these ratings are general and don't always directly reflect lung cancer-specific care.

**Saratoga Hospital:** Located directly within the 12861 ZIP code, Saratoga Hospital is a primary choice for residents. As of late 2024, the hospital holds a CMS star rating, though the exact number fluctuates. Patients should verify the current rating on the CMS Hospital Compare website. Saratoga Hospital is a member of the Albany Med Health System.

**Albany Medical Center:** A regional referral center, Albany Medical Center, located approximately 40 miles south of Saratoga Springs, is a major player in the area's healthcare landscape. Albany Med typically receives a CMS star rating, reflecting its performance across a broad range of services. Patients should confirm the current rating on the CMS website.

**Glens Falls Hospital:** Situated roughly 30 miles north of Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls Hospital is another important regional facility. Glens Falls Hospital also has a CMS star rating, which can be checked on the CMS website.

**Assessing Lung Cancer Specific Care**

While CMS star ratings provide a general overview, specific aspects of lung cancer care require closer examination. This includes the availability of specialized centers, advanced treatment options, and the expertise of the medical staff.

**Saratoga Hospital:** Saratoga Hospital offers oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They are part of the Albany Med Health System, which provides access to a broader network of specialists. Patients should inquire about the hospital's specific lung cancer program, including the availability of a multidisciplinary team comprising pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists.

**Albany Medical Center:** Albany Medical Center boasts a comprehensive cancer center, often including a dedicated lung cancer program. They are known for advanced treatment options, including clinical trials, targeted therapies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. The hospital's reputation for research and innovation in cancer care makes it a strong contender for patients with complex cases.

**Glens Falls Hospital:** Glens Falls Hospital provides oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients should investigate the hospital's specific lung cancer program and the expertise of its medical staff.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

The presence of specialized centers or programs can significantly impact the quality of lung cancer care. These centers often have dedicated resources, specialized staff, and access to the latest treatment modalities.

**Albany Medical Center:** Albany Medical Center’s cancer center is a focal point, offering a range of specialized services. They often have multidisciplinary clinics where patients can see multiple specialists in a single visit. Look for information on their lung cancer screening programs and their participation in clinical trials.

**Saratoga Hospital:** Saratoga Hospital's affiliation with Albany Med Health System provides access to the resources of the larger network. Patients should inquire about the availability of specialized lung cancer programs and the coordination of care between the two hospitals.

**Glens Falls Hospital:** Patients should investigate the availability of specialized lung cancer programs and the coordination of care with other facilities.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility**

Emergency room wait times can be a critical factor, especially for patients experiencing complications from treatment or disease progression. Shorter wait times can translate to faster access to care.

**Saratoga Hospital:** The ER wait times at Saratoga Hospital vary. Patients should consult the hospital's website or other online resources for the most up-to-date information.

**Albany Medical Center:** Albany Medical Center typically experiences longer ER wait times due to its status as a major referral center. Patients should be prepared for potential delays and consider the urgency of their situation.

**Glens Falls Hospital:** ER wait times at Glens Falls Hospital fluctuate. Patients should check the hospital's website or other online resources for current information.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring. These services can improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel.

**Saratoga Hospital:** Saratoga Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments with specialists. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options for lung cancer-related care.

**Albany Medical Center:** Albany Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, often including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education. This is particularly beneficial for patients who live a distance from the hospital.

**Glens Falls Hospital:** Glens Falls Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options for lung cancer-related care.

**Patient Experience and Reviews**

While objective data is crucial, patient experience and reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and the hospital's own website often feature patient reviews.

**Researching Physicians**

The expertise of the physicians treating lung cancer is paramount. Patients should research the qualifications and experience of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. Look for board certifications, specializations, and publications. Websites like the American Medical Association (AMA) and state medical boards can provide information about physicians' credentials.

**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. The hospitals' financial assistance programs can help with the costs.

**Conclusion**

The area surrounding ZIP code 12861 offers several options for lung cancer care. Saratoga Hospital, Albany Medical Center, and Glens Falls Hospital are key players. Patients should carefully consider the factors discussed in this review, including CMS star ratings, specialized services, ER wait times, telehealth offerings, and patient reviews. By conducting thorough research and consulting with their primary care physician, patients can make informed decisions about their care and find the best possible treatment options. It's crucial to remember that the information presented here is a snapshot in time and that healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving. Patients should always verify the most up-to-date information directly with the hospitals and their healthcare providers.