12960, Moriah, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 12960, Moriah, New York is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Plattsburgh, NY: A Scorecard

Finding the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review analyzes healthcare options near Plattsburgh, NY (ZIP code 12960), focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for each facility. This information will empower patients and their families to make informed choices during a challenging time.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The Plattsburgh area, nestled in the Adirondack region, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Montreal and Burlington, VT, influences the availability of specialized care. The review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in potential travel burdens for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**The Scorecard Criteria:**

Our "Lung Cancer Score" considers several factors. **CMS Star Ratings** (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) provide a general indicator of hospital quality. We'll analyze these ratings, noting that they are based on a range of measures, including patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care. **Emergency Room (ER) wait times** are included because rapid access to care can be vital for patients experiencing complications. **Specialty centers** dedicated to lung cancer treatment, including those with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, will be a key component of the scoring. Finally, **telehealth availability** will be assessed, recognizing its increasing importance in providing convenient access to consultations and follow-up care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**The Key Players:**

**University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT):** Located approximately 90 miles from Plattsburgh, the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) is a major regional healthcare provider. It boasts a **3-star CMS rating**, which reflects a mixed performance across various quality measures. UVMMC's **ER wait times** are often reported to be around 1-2 hours, which can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume. UVMMC's **Cancer Center** is a significant asset, offering comprehensive lung cancer services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials. UVMMC has a robust **telehealth program**, offering virtual consultations for oncology patients, which can be particularly beneficial for those living at a distance. The availability of clinical trials is a significant advantage, providing access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital (Elizabethtown, NY):** Roughly 30 miles south of Plattsburgh, Elizabethtown Community Hospital is a smaller, rural hospital. It does not have a publicly available CMS star rating. **ER wait times** are generally shorter than larger hospitals, often under an hour. While Elizabethtown Community Hospital does not have a dedicated lung cancer center, it offers basic oncology services and often collaborates with larger hospitals like UVMMC for specialized care. **Telehealth services** are available, primarily for primary care and some specialty consultations, which can be helpful for follow-up appointments.

**CVPH Medical Center (Plattsburgh, NY):** As the closest major hospital to ZIP code 12960, CVPH Medical Center (Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital) is a primary healthcare provider for the region. It has a **3-star CMS rating**. **ER wait times** can vary, but typically range from 1-2 hours. CVPH has a comprehensive cancer center, offering medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. The hospital has invested in advanced technology for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. **Telehealth services** are expanding, with virtual consultations available for oncology patients. The hospital's proximity is a major advantage for patients needing frequent treatments or experiencing complications.

**Alice Hyde Medical Center (Malone, NY):** Located approximately 60 miles west of Plattsburgh, Alice Hyde Medical Center serves a more rural population. It does not have a publicly available CMS star rating. **ER wait times** are generally shorter than larger hospitals. Alice Hyde offers basic oncology services, often referring complex cases to larger facilities. **Telehealth services** are available, primarily for primary care and certain specialties.

**Assessing the Strengths and Weaknesses:**

The hospitals near Plattsburgh each present unique advantages and disadvantages. UVMMC, despite its distance, offers the most comprehensive lung cancer care, including access to clinical trials and a wide range of specialists. However, the longer travel time and potentially longer ER wait times are considerations. CVPH Medical Center provides the most convenient option for residents of Plattsburgh, offering a full-service cancer center and expanding telehealth capabilities. Elizabethtown Community Hospital and Alice Hyde Medical Center offer localized care, with shorter ER wait times, but patients may need to travel to larger centers for specialized treatment.

**Delving Deeper: Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

The presence of dedicated lung cancer specialty centers is a significant factor in our scoring. These centers often house multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses. They can offer advanced diagnostic tools, such as advanced imaging techniques and minimally invasive surgical options.

UVMMC's Cancer Center, with its comprehensive services and access to clinical trials, stands out. CVPH Medical Center's cancer center also provides a wide range of services, making it a strong contender for local patients. The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is crucial, as surgical intervention is a common treatment for lung cancer. The expertise of medical oncologists in administering chemotherapy and targeted therapies is equally important.

**Telehealth: A Modern Advantage:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for patients in rural areas. Virtual consultations can reduce travel burdens, allowing patients to connect with their doctors remotely. Follow-up appointments, medication management, and even some initial consultations can be conducted via telehealth. UVMMC and CVPH Medical Center are actively expanding their telehealth programs, providing patients with greater flexibility and convenience.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration:**

ER wait times are a key indicator of a hospital's ability to provide timely care. Long wait times can be stressful and potentially delay treatment for patients experiencing complications. While smaller hospitals like Elizabethtown Community Hospital and Alice Hyde Medical Center often have shorter wait times, patients may need to be transferred to larger facilities for specialized care.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" – A Preliminary Assessment:**

Based on the available information, a preliminary "Lung Cancer Score" can be assigned:

* **University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT):** High score due to comprehensive cancer center, access to clinical trials, and robust telehealth program. Distance and potentially longer ER wait times are drawbacks.
* **CVPH Medical Center (Plattsburgh, NY):** Strong score due to proximity, comprehensive cancer center, and expanding telehealth.
* **Elizabethtown Community Hospital (Elizabethtown, NY):** Moderate score. Proximity and shorter ER wait times are advantages. Limited specialized services are a drawback.
* **Alice Hyde Medical Center (Malone, NY):** Moderate score. Shorter ER wait times are an advantage. Limited specialized services are a drawback.

**Important Considerations for Patients:**

This review provides a general overview. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians and oncologists to discuss their individual needs and preferences. Factors like the specific stage and type of lung cancer, insurance coverage, and personal preferences should be considered when making a decision. It's also crucial to inquire about the experience and expertise of the physicians and the support services available at each hospital, such as patient navigation and support groups.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. The hospitals near Plattsburgh, NY, offer a range of options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, patients and their families can make informed choices and access the best possible care for this challenging disease. Further research, including direct consultations with medical professionals, is essential to ensure the best possible outcome. The landscape of healthcare is constantly evolving; therefore, patients should stay informed about the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment and the resources available to them.