13638, Felts Mills, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13638, Felts Mills, New York is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near Massena, NY (ZIP Code 13638)

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Finding the right medical care, close to home, is a critical first step. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals in and around the Massena, NY (ZIP code 13638) area, focusing on their lung cancer treatment capabilities, accessibility, and overall quality. This is not medical advice; consult with your physician for personalized guidance.

**The Landscape: Limited Options, Regional Focus**

The immediate vicinity of Massena, NY, presents a limited selection of hospitals. This necessitates a broader regional perspective, considering facilities within a reasonable driving distance. The primary players in this area are generally affiliated with larger healthcare systems, often requiring travel to larger cities like Syracuse or Burlington, VT, for specialized care.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital: A Local Hub**

Canton-Potsdam Hospital, located in Potsdam, NY (approximately 20 minutes from Massena), serves as a crucial local resource. While not a major cancer center, it offers essential services. Canton-Potsdam Hospital is part of St. Lawrence Health System. It is a 110-bed facility. Unfortunately, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) data for Canton-Potsdam Hospital does not provide a star rating. This is not necessarily a negative reflection, as CMS ratings are not available for all hospitals. However, it means there is no readily available, standardized assessment of overall quality from this source.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital's emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial factor for immediate care. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate. You can check the hospital's website or third-party websites like ER Wait Times to get an idea of current wait times. It is important to note that these are averages and can vary considerably depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases.

**Specialty Services at Canton-Potsdam Hospital**

Canton-Potsdam Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including internal medicine, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. While it may not have a dedicated lung cancer center, it likely has access to pulmonologists (lung specialists) and oncologists (cancer specialists) who can diagnose and manage lung cancer cases. The hospital's diagnostic imaging capabilities, including CT scans and X-rays, are essential for lung cancer detection and staging. Check the hospital’s website for information on the availability of these services.

**Telehealth Considerations**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Canton-Potsdam Hospital may offer telehealth consultations with specialists, potentially including pulmonologists or oncologists. This can reduce the need for travel and provide access to expertise that might not be available locally. Check the hospital’s website or call their patient services to inquire about telehealth options.

**Glens Falls Hospital: A Regional Option**

Glens Falls Hospital, located approximately 200 miles southeast of Massena, is part of the larger Albany Med Health System. It is a 441-bed facility. Glens Falls Hospital is a 3-star rated hospital according to CMS. This rating indicates a generally average performance compared to other hospitals.

**ER Wait Times at Glens Falls Hospital**

ER wait times at Glens Falls Hospital are another factor to consider. Again, these times fluctuate. Check the hospital's website or third-party websites like ER Wait Times to get an idea of current wait times.

**Specialty Services at Glens Falls Hospital**

Glens Falls Hospital has a dedicated cancer center. They offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. This includes specialists in lung cancer treatment. They have a multidisciplinary approach, with teams of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals working together. Glens Falls Hospital's cancer center is equipped with advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment, including imaging and radiation therapy.

**Telehealth at Glens Falls Hospital**

Glens Falls Hospital likely offers telehealth services. They are part of a larger health system. Telehealth can provide access to specialists and follow-up care. Check the hospital’s website or call their patient services to inquire about telehealth options.

**University Hospital (Upstate Medical University): Syracuse, NY**

University Hospital, part of Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY (approximately a 2-hour drive), is a major regional medical center. This is a flagship hospital with a comprehensive cancer program. University Hospital is a 3-star rated hospital according to CMS.

**ER Wait Times at University Hospital**

ER wait times at University Hospital can be significant, given its status as a major trauma center. Check the hospital's website or third-party websites like ER Wait Times to get an idea of current wait times.

**Specialty Services at University Hospital**

University Hospital has a dedicated cancer center, the Upstate Cancer Center. This center provides a full spectrum of lung cancer services. This includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care services. The Upstate Cancer Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced imaging and radiation therapy equipment. They also offer clinical trials, providing access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Telehealth at University Hospital**

University Hospital actively utilizes telehealth. This includes consultations with oncologists and other specialists. This can reduce the need for travel and provide access to specialized care. Check the hospital’s website or call their patient services to inquire about telehealth options.

**Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH): Plattsburgh, NY**

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh, NY (approximately a 1.5-hour drive) is another regional option. CVPH is a 3-star rated hospital according to CMS.

**ER Wait Times at CVPH**

ER wait times at CVPH can fluctuate. Check the hospital's website or third-party websites like ER Wait Times to get an idea of current wait times.

**Specialty Services at CVPH**

CVPH offers a cancer center with lung cancer services. This includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They have a multidisciplinary approach, with teams of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals working together. CVPH's cancer center is equipped with technology for diagnosis and treatment.

**Telehealth at CVPH**

CVPH likely offers telehealth services. Check the hospital’s website or call their patient services to inquire about telehealth options.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients Near Massena**

* **Proximity and Travel:** The limited local options necessitate considering hospitals further afield. Factor in travel time and potential lodging costs.
* **Specialized Expertise:** Look for hospitals with dedicated cancer centers, experienced pulmonologists, and oncologists specializing in lung cancer.
* **Technology and Treatment Options:** Inquire about the availability of advanced diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy techniques (e.g., stereotactic body radiation therapy), and access to clinical trials.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Seek out hospitals that utilize a multidisciplinary team approach, involving surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, nurses, and support staff.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigation, counseling, support groups, and palliative care.
* **Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options to facilitate consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider ER wait times, especially if immediate care is needed.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the sole indicator of quality, CMS star ratings can offer a general comparison of hospital performance.

**The Bottom Line**

For residents of Massena, NY (ZIP code 13638), lung cancer care requires a regional approach. While local hospitals offer essential services, specialized care often necessitates travel to facilities like University Hospital in Syracuse, Glens Falls Hospital, or CVPH in Plattsburgh. Thorough research, consultation with your primary care physician, and careful consideration of the factors outlined above are crucial in selecting the best possible care for your specific needs. This review provides a starting point; individual circumstances will dictate the optimal path to diagnosis and treatment.