13650, Henderson, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13650, Henderson, New York is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the North Country: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13650

Finding the best lung cancer care requires navigating a complex healthcare landscape. This review focuses on hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 13650 (Massena, NY) and assesses their capabilities based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. It's crucial to remember that this information is a snapshot in time and patients should always consult with their primary care physician and specialists to determine the most appropriate care plan.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The North Country, encompassing the region around Massena, NY, presents unique healthcare challenges. Rural locations often mean fewer specialized facilities and longer travel times for patients. This review will weigh these factors alongside the quality of care provided by the hospitals in the area.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality metrics, including patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care. These ratings offer a general indication of hospital performance, but they should be considered alongside other factors.

Unfortunately, directly within ZIP code 13650, access to CMS-rated hospitals is limited. Patients may need to travel to access facilities with higher ratings. The closest hospitals with CMS ratings that are relevant to this review are in the surrounding areas.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital (Canton, NY):** Located approximately 30 minutes from Massena, Canton-Potsdam Hospital is a key healthcare provider for the region. It is a community hospital and its CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS website. Patients should check the CMS website for the most up-to-date information. Canton-Potsdam Hospital offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, and oncology care.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center (Syracuse, NY):** Located approximately 2 hours from Massena, St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center is a larger, more specialized facility. It has a CMS star rating that should be checked on the CMS website. St. Joseph's is a regional referral center and often handles more complex cases. It has a comprehensive cancer center, offering a full spectrum of lung cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor, especially for patients experiencing respiratory distress or other urgent symptoms. Longer wait times can potentially delay diagnosis and treatment.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** As a local hospital, Canton-Potsdam Hospital's ER wait times are likely to be more manageable than those of larger, urban hospitals. Patients should check the hospital's website or call the ER directly for the most current wait time information.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** As a regional referral center, St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center's ER may experience longer wait times. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. The hospital's website and local resources often provide real-time wait time updates.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise:**

The presence of dedicated specialty centers and experienced oncologists is critical for lung cancer care. These centers often have specialized equipment, advanced treatment options, and multidisciplinary teams.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital has a cancer care program. Patients should check the hospital website for information on its cancer care program, including its specialists and services.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center has a comprehensive cancer center, which is a significant advantage for lung cancer patients. The center offers a full range of services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. The hospital's website provides detailed information on its cancer specialists, treatment options, and clinical trials.

**Telehealth and Remote Care Options:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas, providing access to specialists and follow-up care without requiring long travel distances.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital likely offers telehealth services. Patients should check the hospital's website or contact their primary care physician to inquire about telehealth options for consultations, follow-up appointments, and other services.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center has expanded its telehealth capabilities. Patients can access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and other services remotely. Check the hospital's website for specific telehealth offerings, including the types of appointments available and how to access them.

**Diagnostic Imaging and Technology:**

Access to advanced diagnostic imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Hospitals should have access to CT scans, PET scans, and other imaging modalities.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital likely has diagnostic imaging capabilities, including CT scans. Confirming the specific imaging services available is recommended.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center has advanced imaging capabilities, including CT scans, PET scans, and MRI. The hospital's website provides information on its imaging services and technology.

**Surgical Capabilities and Expertise:**

Lung cancer treatment often involves surgical intervention. The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons and advanced surgical techniques is essential.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital may offer surgical services. Patients should check the hospital's website or contact their primary care physician for information on its surgical capabilities.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center has experienced thoracic surgeons and offers advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures. The hospital's website provides information on its surgical services and surgeons.

**Radiation Oncology Services:**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for lung cancer. The availability of radiation oncology services, including advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), is important.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital may have radiation oncology services. Patients should check the hospital's website or contact their primary care physician for information on its radiation oncology services.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center has a radiation oncology department with advanced treatment capabilities, including SBRT. The hospital's website provides information on its radiation oncology services and technologies.

**Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology:**

Chemotherapy is another crucial component of lung cancer treatment. The availability of medical oncologists and chemotherapy infusion services is essential.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital likely has medical oncology services. Patients should check the hospital's website or contact their primary care physician for information on its medical oncology services.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center has a medical oncology department with experienced oncologists and chemotherapy infusion services. The hospital's website provides information on its medical oncology services.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments. Research-oriented hospitals often offer more clinical trial opportunities.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital may participate in clinical trials. Patients should check with their oncologist or the hospital's website for information on available clinical trials.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center is a research-oriented hospital and often participates in clinical trials. The hospital's website provides information on its clinical trials.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Patient experience and support services are crucial for navigating the challenges of lung cancer. These services include patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:** Canton-Potsdam Hospital likely offers patient support services. Patients should check with the hospital or their care team for information on available support services.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center provides a range of patient support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care. The hospital's website provides information on its support services.

**Financial Considerations:**

The cost of care is an important factor. Patients should check with their insurance provider to understand their coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses. Hospitals often have financial assistance programs for eligible patients.

**Conclusion:**

For residents near ZIP code 13650, accessing comprehensive lung cancer care may require travel. Canton-Potsdam Hospital offers local care, while St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center provides a more specialized and comprehensive approach. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and access to care when making decisions about their treatment. It is imperative to consult with a primary care physician and specialists to determine the best course of action. This review provides a starting point for research, but a personalized approach is essential for effective lung cancer care.