13660, Madrid, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13660, Madrid, New York is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the North Country: A Review for ZIP Code 13660

Living in the scenic North Country, with its proximity to the Adirondacks and the Canadian border, residents of ZIP code 13660 (Ogdensburg, New York) deserve access to high-quality healthcare, especially when facing a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. This review assesses the available options for lung cancer care in the region, focusing on proximity, quality metrics, and specialized services, with a focus on the most relevant hospitals.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Players and Proximity**

The immediate vicinity of Ogdensburg offers a limited selection of hospitals, making the choice of where to seek care a crucial decision. The primary hospital serving the area is **Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center**, located directly within Ogdensburg. Residents may also consider hospitals in nearby cities, such as Watertown, which is approximately an hour's drive south. Access to larger medical centers in Syracuse, roughly a two-hour drive, also becomes a factor for patients seeking more specialized care.

**Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center: The Local Anchor**

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center is the central healthcare provider for Ogdensburg residents. While the hospital provides essential services, including an emergency room, its capabilities in advanced lung cancer treatment are more limited than larger, specialized centers. The hospital's website states they provide a cancer center, but details on specific lung cancer treatments, such as advanced radiation therapy techniques or access to clinical trials, are not readily available. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer at Claxton-Hepburn may be referred to specialists at larger facilities for comprehensive care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor in healthcare accessibility. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate constantly, it's important to understand the general trends. Claxton-Hepburn's ER wait times are generally reported to be in line with, or slightly better than, the national average. This is crucial in a situation where a patient may experience symptoms that require immediate attention. However, it's always advisable to call ahead or check online resources for the most up-to-date information.

**Watertown Regional Options: Samaritan Medical Center**

Approximately an hour's drive south, **Samaritan Medical Center** in Watertown offers a more comprehensive range of services than Claxton-Hepburn. Samaritan Medical Center is a larger facility with a more extensive network of specialists, including oncologists and pulmonologists. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center, which likely provides a wider array of treatment options for lung cancer patients, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and potentially, access to clinical trials. The hospital's website provides detailed information on their cancer services, including a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Samaritan Medical Center's ER wait times are often comparable to or slightly longer than those at Claxton-Hepburn. However, the advantage of Samaritan lies in its broader scope of medical specialties, offering a greater chance of receiving specialized care within a reasonable distance.

**Syracuse: The Hub for Advanced Lung Cancer Care**

For the most advanced lung cancer care, residents of ZIP code 13660 may need to consider the hospitals in Syracuse, New York. This city, approximately a two-hour drive from Ogdensburg, is home to several major medical centers with specialized oncology programs.

**Upstate University Hospital:** A prominent facility in Syracuse, Upstate University Hospital, is a teaching hospital and a major referral center for the region. The hospital's cancer center is well-regarded and offers a comprehensive range of lung cancer treatments, including advanced radiation therapy techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), as well as access to clinical trials. The hospital has a dedicated team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists specializing in lung cancer. Upstate University Hospital is known for its research and innovation in cancer treatment.

**St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center:** Another major player in Syracuse, St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, also has a well-established cancer program. The hospital offers a full spectrum of lung cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. St. Joseph's is often recognized for its patient-centered approach and supportive care services, which can be crucial for patients undergoing treatment.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Measure of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance in various quality measures. These ratings provide a valuable, albeit simplified, overview of hospital quality. While CMS star ratings should not be the sole determinant of choosing a hospital, they can provide a useful benchmark.

As of the latest available data, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's CMS star rating is not readily available or may be subject to change. Samaritan Medical Center and the Syracuse hospitals, Upstate University Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, typically have CMS star ratings available, which can be found on the CMS Hospital Compare website. It is important to check the most recent ratings, as they are updated periodically.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise**

When evaluating lung cancer care, the presence of specialized centers and the expertise of the medical team are paramount. Look for hospitals with dedicated cancer centers, multidisciplinary teams, and specialists in pulmonology, thoracic surgery, and medical oncology. These centers often offer the latest treatment options, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, reducing the need for frequent travel. It is important to inquire about telehealth options at the hospitals under consideration. Many hospitals, including those in Syracuse, have expanded their telehealth capabilities in recent years.

**Access to Clinical Trials: The Cutting Edge of Treatment**

Access to clinical trials is a critical factor in lung cancer care. Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and potentially benefit from innovative treatments. Hospitals with strong research programs, such as Upstate University Hospital, are more likely to offer clinical trials.

**Patient Reviews and Satisfaction**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Online resources such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and the hospital's own websites often include patient reviews. However, it's important to consider that these reviews are subjective and may not always reflect the overall quality of care.

**Making the Right Choice: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a highly personal decision. The best choice will depend on individual circumstances, including the stage and type of cancer, the patient's overall health, and their preferences. The proximity to Ogdensburg, the availability of specialized services, ER wait times, the expertise of the medical team, and the availability of telehealth options are all important factors to consider.

**In Conclusion:**

For residents of ZIP code 13660, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center provides essential local care, but the more comprehensive options are found in Watertown and Syracuse. Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown offers a broader range of specialists. Upstate University Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center in Syracuse are the most likely candidates for advanced lung cancer treatment. Patients should carefully research their options, consult with their primary care physician, and consider their individual needs when making their decision.