12913, Bloomingdale, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 12913, Bloomingdale, New York is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Elizabethtown, NY (ZIP Code 12913): A Comprehensive Review

Finding the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review provides a detailed look at the healthcare landscape surrounding Elizabethtown, NY (ZIP Code 12913), focusing on hospitals offering lung cancer services, their strengths, and key performance indicators. The goal is to equip patients and their families with the information needed to make informed choices.

**Proximity and Primary Considerations:**

Elizabethtown, nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, presents a unique healthcare challenge: geographic isolation. Residents often face travel to access specialized medical care. Proximity to larger hospitals in Burlington, VT, and Albany, NY, becomes a significant factor. This review will prioritize hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering both quality of care and accessibility.

**University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT): A Flagship Option**

The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM Medical Center), located approximately 70 miles from Elizabethtown, is a major regional healthcare provider. It’s a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital, often attracting complex cases. The UVM Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not a top-tier rating, it's important to consider the complexity of the cases treated and the hospital's role as a regional referral center.

UVM Medical Center boasts a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated thoracic oncology program. They offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans. The hospital provides advanced diagnostic capabilities, including advanced imaging (PET/CT scans, MRI) and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural areas. UVM Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, including oncology consultations and follow-up appointments, which can reduce the need for frequent travel. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of oncology telehealth visits in the past year, are not publicly available, but the hospital actively promotes its telehealth platform.

**ER Wait Times at UVM Medical Center:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, it is important to check the hospital’s website or third-party websites for the most up-to-date information. Longer wait times can indicate a busy emergency department, which may impact the overall patient experience.

**Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY): Another Major Player**

Albany Medical Center, roughly 100 miles from Elizabethtown, is another major contender. It is a large, tertiary care center and a teaching hospital. Albany Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. The hospital has a well-established cancer center, with a dedicated thoracic oncology program.

Albany Medical Center offers a wide range of lung cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. They participate in clinical trials, providing patients access to cutting-edge treatments. The hospital has advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities, including bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).

Albany Medical Center has invested in telehealth services, particularly for oncology patients. They offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources. Specific data on telehealth usage in the oncology department is not readily available.

**ER Wait Times at Albany Medical Center:**

ER wait times can vary, so it is important to check the hospital’s website or third-party websites for real-time updates.

**Glens Falls Hospital (Glens Falls, NY): A Community-Focused Option**

Glens Falls Hospital, approximately 60 miles from Elizabethtown, is a community hospital that serves a large geographic area. It is a member of the Glens Falls Hospital Healthcare System. While not as large or specialized as UVM Medical Center or Albany Medical Center, Glens Falls Hospital offers lung cancer services, including diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

Glens Falls Hospital’s cancer center provides chemotherapy and radiation therapy services. They have a team of medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who work with patients to develop treatment plans. They also offer supportive services, such as counseling and support groups. Glens Falls Hospital does not have a CMS star rating.

Telehealth services are available at Glens Falls Hospital, including some oncology consultations. Specific statistics on telehealth usage are not publicly available.

**ER Wait Times at Glens Falls Hospital:**

ER wait times vary. Check the hospital’s website or third-party sources for real-time information.

**Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (Plattsburgh, NY): A Local Choice**

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), located in Plattsburgh, NY, approximately 50 miles from Elizabethtown, is a community hospital within the University of Vermont Health Network. CVPH is a potential option for those seeking care closer to home. CVPH does not have a CMS star rating.

CVPH offers lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They have a cancer center that provides chemotherapy and radiation therapy services. They also have a team of medical oncologists and other specialists who work with patients. CVPH is connected to the UVM Health Network, which can facilitate access to specialists and resources at the UVM Medical Center.

Telehealth services are available through CVPH, providing access to specialists and follow-up care. Specific data on telehealth usage in the oncology department is not publicly available.

**ER Wait Times at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital:**

ER wait times fluctuate. Check the hospital’s website or third-party sources for real-time updates.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients:**

Beyond hospital ratings and wait times, several factors are crucial when selecting a hospital for lung cancer treatment:

* **Specialized Expertise:** Look for hospitals with dedicated thoracic oncology programs, experienced thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists specializing in lung cancer.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** A team-based approach involving pulmonologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists is essential.
* **Advanced Diagnostics:** Access to advanced imaging (PET/CT scans, MRI), bronchoscopy, and EBUS is critical for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Treatment Options:** The hospital should offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials provides access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Supportive Services:** Access to supportive services, such as counseling, support groups, and palliative care, is vital for managing the physical and emotional challenges of lung cancer.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can reduce the burden of travel and provide convenient access to consultations and follow-up care.

**Making the Decision:**

The "best" hospital is a subjective term, depending on individual needs and preferences. Patients should consider their proximity to the hospital, the hospital's reputation, the expertise of the medical team, the availability of advanced treatments, and the availability of supportive services. Consulting with your primary care physician and seeking second opinions from specialists is highly recommended.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of Elizabethtown, NY (ZIP Code 12913), the UVM Medical Center and Albany Medical Center offer the most comprehensive lung cancer care, given their specialized programs and access to advanced treatments. Glens Falls Hospital and CVPH provide local options, offering convenient access to care. Patients should carefully evaluate their individual needs and preferences, considering the factors outlined above, to make the best decision for their lung cancer treatment. Remember to check hospital websites or third-party sources for the most up-to-date information on ER wait times and other relevant data.