13658, Lisbon, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13658, Lisbon, New York is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Shadow of the St. Lawrence: A Review for ZIP Code 13658

Living near the St. Lawrence River in ZIP code 13658, residents of Massena, New York, and surrounding areas have access to a network of healthcare providers. For those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, navigating this system and finding the best possible care is paramount. This review analyzes the available options, focusing on key factors like hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate area around Massena is served primarily by smaller community hospitals and clinics. While these facilities provide essential services, the complexity of lung cancer treatment often necessitates seeking care at larger, more specialized centers. The closest major hospitals are a drive away, making transportation and access key considerations.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital:**

Located approximately 30 minutes south in Potsdam, Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH) is a significant regional provider. CPH offers cancer care services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While not a dedicated cancer center, it serves as a crucial access point for initial diagnosis and treatment. CPH's website states they have a multidisciplinary cancer care team. It is important to verify the credentials and experience of the oncologists and specialists. Publicly available data, such as CMS Hospital Compare, provides information on quality metrics. CMS star ratings, however, are not available for Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

**Upstate University Hospital (Syracuse):**

For more comprehensive lung cancer care, Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, approximately a 1.5-hour drive south, emerges as a leading contender. As a teaching hospital affiliated with the State University of New York, Upstate boasts a wide array of specialists and advanced treatment options. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center, the Upstate Cancer Center, which offers comprehensive services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care.

Upstate University Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS, reflecting its overall quality of care. While not the highest rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of performance compared to national benchmarks.

**Key Considerations for Upstate University Hospital:**

* **Specialized Lung Cancer Programs:** Upstate University Hospital's Cancer Center likely has specialized programs for lung cancer, including multidisciplinary teams that meet regularly to discuss patient cases. These teams typically include pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists.
* **Advanced Diagnostics:** The hospital should offer state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, such as advanced imaging (CT scans, PET scans, MRI), bronchoscopy, and minimally invasive biopsy techniques to accurately stage and characterize lung cancer.
* **Surgical Expertise:** The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is critical. They perform procedures like lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung), pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung), and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Upstate should have advanced radiation therapy capabilities, including external beam radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), to target tumors precisely while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
* **Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy:** The hospital provides chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy options, based on the specific type and stage of the lung cancer.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials is a significant advantage, providing access to cutting-edge treatments and research. Upstate University Hospital likely participates in clinical trials.
* **Supportive Services:** Comprehensive supportive care is essential, including pain management, nutrition counseling, psychological support, and palliative care services to manage side effects and improve quality of life.

**ER Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a significant concern. While specific wait times fluctuate, Upstate University Hospital's ER wait times can be longer than those at smaller facilities. Checking real-time wait times through hospital websites or third-party apps can help patients prepare.

**Telehealth and Accessibility:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural areas. Upstate University Hospital likely offers telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. This reduces the need for frequent travel to Syracuse.

**Other Hospitals to Consider (with limitations):**

While not immediately accessible from ZIP code 13658, other hospitals may become relevant depending on individual needs and insurance coverage. These include:

* **University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT):** Approximately a 2.5-hour drive east, this hospital is a major regional referral center.
* **Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo, NY):** A nationally recognized cancer center, Roswell Park is approximately a 4-hour drive west.

**Assessing Quality and Performance:**

Several resources can help assess hospital quality:

* **CMS Hospital Compare:** This website provides data on various quality metrics, including mortality rates, readmission rates, and patient experience scores.
* **The Joint Commission:** This organization accredits hospitals and healthcare organizations, indicating a commitment to quality and safety.
* **Cancer Center Accreditation:** Look for hospitals accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation signifies a commitment to providing high-quality cancer care.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews and testimonials can offer insights into patient experiences, but should be considered alongside other objective data.

**Specifics to Inquire About:**

When considering a hospital for lung cancer treatment, patients should ask specific questions:

* **Experience of the Lung Cancer Team:** Inquire about the experience and training of the pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Treatment Options:** Ask about the full range of treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
* **Clinical Trial Participation:** Inquire about the hospital's involvement in clinical trials.
* **Supportive Services:** Ask about the availability of supportive services, such as pain management, nutrition counseling, and psychological support.
* **Patient Navigation:** Does the hospital offer a patient navigator to help coordinate care and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system?
* **Cost and Insurance Coverage:** Confirm the hospital's acceptance of your insurance plan and inquire about estimated costs.

**The Importance of Early Detection and Screening:**

Early detection is critical for improving lung cancer outcomes. Individuals at high risk, such as current or former smokers, should discuss lung cancer screening with their primary care physician. Low-dose CT scans can detect lung nodules early, when treatment is more effective.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of ZIP code 13658 facing a lung cancer diagnosis, Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse appears to be the most comprehensive option within a reasonable distance. However, the drive and potential ER wait times are important considerations. Canton-Potsdam Hospital offers local access for initial care, but more complex cases may require referral to a larger center. Thorough research, consultation with healthcare providers, and a clear understanding of individual needs are crucial for making informed decisions about lung cancer treatment. Patients should actively seek information, ask questions, and advocate for their own care.