13685, Sackets Harbor, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13685, Sackets Harbor, New York is 33 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 13685

Living in the shadow of the St. Lawrence River, residents of ZIP code 13685, encompassing Ogdensburg, New York, and its surrounding areas, require access to quality healthcare, especially when facing a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. This review delves into the landscape of lung cancer care available to this community, focusing on the closest and most relevant hospitals, their strengths, and the factors patients should consider when making critical healthcare decisions.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

Ogdensburg, being a relatively rural area, doesn't boast a plethora of large-scale medical centers. The primary hospital serving the immediate community is **Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center**, located within Ogdensburg itself. While it may not have the sprawling infrastructure of a major metropolitan hospital, it serves as a crucial access point for initial diagnosis, stabilization, and certain treatments.

**Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center:**

Claxton-Hepburn is a critical access hospital, which means it receives special funding and has specific requirements regarding bed numbers and services. Its primary function is to provide essential healthcare services to the community. As of recent data, Claxton-Hepburn has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on a complex scoring system evaluating patient outcomes, process of care, patient experience, and efficiency. A 3-star rating indicates average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide.

Regarding lung cancer specifically, Claxton-Hepburn likely offers diagnostic services like chest X-rays, CT scans, and potentially bronchoscopies. They would also be equipped to provide initial treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, in conjunction with oncologists. However, for more complex cases, specialized surgeries, or advanced treatment protocols, patients are often referred to larger regional centers.

**Emergency Room Considerations:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for any patient needing immediate care. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, patients can typically find information on the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center website or through online resources. However, being a smaller facility, it's generally expected that the ER wait times are less than those of larger hospitals.

**Regional Referral Centers:**

For more comprehensive lung cancer care, residents of 13685 will likely need to travel to larger regional hospitals. The primary options include those located in Syracuse, New York, and Burlington, Vermont.

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

Located approximately 100 miles south of Ogdensburg, Upstate University Hospital is a major academic medical center. It is a flagship hospital and a Level I trauma center, indicating its capacity to handle the most severe and complex medical cases. Upstate University Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.

Upstate University Hospital has a dedicated cancer center, which offers comprehensive lung cancer services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy), radiation oncology, and supportive care services. They likely have a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and nurses.

**University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT):**

Approximately 120 miles east of Ogdensburg, the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM Medical Center) is another significant regional option. UVM Medical Center is a large academic medical center and a Level I trauma center. UVM Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS.

UVM Medical Center's comprehensive cancer center offers a full spectrum of lung cancer services. They have advanced diagnostic capabilities, including PET scans and advanced imaging techniques. They have a strong surgical oncology program, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

Both Upstate University Hospital and UVM Medical Center have specialized lung cancer programs. These programs often include:

* **Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards:** Where specialists from various disciplines review patient cases and develop individualized treatment plans.
* **Thoracic Surgery:** Skilled surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery, including minimally invasive techniques.
* **Medical Oncology:** Providing chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Offering advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to cutting-edge research and experimental treatments.
* **Supportive Care:** Including palliative care, pain management, and psychosocial support.

**Telehealth and Remote Services:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for rural communities. Both Upstate University Hospital and UVM Medical Center likely offer telehealth services, including:

* **Remote consultations:** Patients can consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel.
* **Follow-up appointments:** Telehealth can be used for follow-up appointments after treatment.
* **Remote monitoring:** Some hospitals may offer remote monitoring of patients' vital signs and symptoms.

Telehealth statistics vary by hospital, but patients can typically find information on their websites or by contacting the hospital directly.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

When selecting a hospital for lung cancer care, residents of 13685 should consider several factors:

* **Specialization:** Does the hospital have a dedicated lung cancer program with a multidisciplinary team?
* **Expertise:** What is the experience and expertise of the surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists?
* **Technology:** Does the hospital have access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies?
* **Clinical Trials:** Does the hospital offer clinical trials?
* **Patient Experience:** What is the hospital's reputation for patient satisfaction and support?
* **Travel Distance:** How far will the patient need to travel for appointments and treatments?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Does the hospital accept the patient's insurance plan?

**Navigating the Healthcare System:**

Patients diagnosed with lung cancer should work closely with their primary care physician. They can provide referrals to specialists and help navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. They can also help patients understand their insurance coverage and access financial assistance programs.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of ZIP code 13685 have access to a range of options for lung cancer care, from the local Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center to the larger regional centers of Upstate University Hospital and UVM Medical Center. While Claxton-Hepburn provides essential services, patients often need to travel to larger facilities for specialized care. Thorough research, consultation with medical professionals, and consideration of individual needs are crucial for making informed decisions about lung cancer treatment. By understanding the available resources and carefully evaluating their options, residents of Ogdensburg and surrounding areas can access the best possible care for this challenging disease.