13795, Kirkwood, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13795, Kirkwood, New York is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13795

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical first step. This review analyzes the hospitals near ZIP code 13795 (Sidney, NY) to provide a fact-based overview of their lung cancer care capabilities, focusing on metrics relevant to patient outcomes and experience. While Sidney itself is a small town, the analysis considers regional hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, offering a spectrum of care options.

**Primary Considerations: Proximity and Specialization**

The most immediate options for residents of 13795 are likely smaller community hospitals. However, for specialized lung cancer care, patients often need to travel to larger medical centers. This review will prioritize hospitals with established oncology programs, board-certified specialists, and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities.

**Hospital Spotlight: UHS Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City, NY)**

UHS Wilson Medical Center, located in Johnson City, NY, is a major regional healthcare provider, approximately a 45-minute drive from Sidney. UHS Wilson is a flagship hospital in the UHS system. It is a teaching hospital, and thus, may be more likely to have access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UHS Wilson Medical Center holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, considering factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is average, it's important to note that CMS ratings are just one data point and should be considered alongside other factors.
* **Oncology Services:** UHS Wilson has a comprehensive cancer center. This center offers medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. They provide multidisciplinary care, with teams of specialists collaborating on treatment plans.
* **Specialty Centers:** UHS Wilson has a dedicated lung cancer program, offering diagnostic services such as CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopy. They also provide access to advanced treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time at UHS Wilson fluctuates, but data suggests it generally falls within the national average. Patients can check current wait times on the hospital's website or through online resources.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** UHS Wilson has expanded its telehealth services in recent years, including oncology consultations and follow-up appointments. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent travel.
* **Physician Expertise:** UHS Wilson employs board-certified pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. These specialists are crucial for providing comprehensive lung cancer care.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys are available on the hospital's website and through third-party platforms. Reviewing these surveys can provide insights into the patient experience, including communication, care coordination, and overall satisfaction.
* **Clinical Trials:** As a teaching hospital, UHS Wilson is likely to participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to innovative treatments. Patients should inquire about clinical trial opportunities during their consultations.

**Hospital Spotlight: Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital (Sayre, PA)**

Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, located in Sayre, PA, is another regional healthcare provider, about a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from Sidney. This hospital is part of the Guthrie Clinic, a large multi-specialty group.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to UHS Wilson.
* **Oncology Services:** Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital has a well-established cancer center, offering a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital has a dedicated lung cancer program, providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options. They offer advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and access to the latest therapies.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital are generally comparable to other hospitals in the region. Patients can find real-time wait time information online.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Guthrie Clinic has a robust telehealth program, allowing patients to access specialists remotely. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas seeking oncology consultations.
* **Physician Expertise:** The hospital employs a team of board-certified specialists in pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and thoracic surgery.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient feedback is available through surveys and online reviews. Patients can review these to gain insights into the hospital's patient-centered care.
* **Clinical Trials:** Guthrie Clinic participates in clinical trials, offering patients access to innovative treatments and research opportunities.

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

Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, NY, is a major academic medical center, approximately a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from Sidney. As a teaching hospital, it offers a wide range of specialized services and advanced treatments.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Upstate University Hospital holds a 3-star CMS rating.
* **Oncology Services:** Upstate University Hospital has a comprehensive cancer center, providing multidisciplinary care for various cancers, including lung cancer.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital has a dedicated lung cancer program with access to advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities, including minimally invasive surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Upstate University Hospital can vary. Patients should check online resources for current wait times.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Upstate University Hospital has expanded its telehealth services, offering oncology consultations and follow-up appointments remotely.
* **Physician Expertise:** The hospital employs a team of board-certified specialists in pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and thoracic surgery.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys are available. Reviewing these surveys can provide insights into the patient experience.
* **Clinical Trials:** Upstate University Hospital is actively involved in clinical trials, providing patients access to cutting-edge research and innovative treatments.

**Beyond the Hospitals: Additional Considerations**

Beyond the hospitals themselves, several other factors are crucial in evaluating lung cancer care:

* **Accreditation:** Look for hospitals accredited by organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC). Accreditation signifies that the hospital meets specific standards for cancer care, including multidisciplinary teams, access to resources, and quality improvement initiatives.
* **Surgeon Volume:** For surgical procedures, consider the volume of surgeries performed by the thoracic surgeons. Higher surgical volumes are often associated with better outcomes.
* **Support Services:** Access to support services is essential for lung cancer patients. These include support groups, counseling, nutritional services, and palliative care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its specialists accept your insurance plan.
* **Patient Navigation:** Consider hospitals that offer patient navigation services. Patient navigators help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and providing support.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a deeply personal decision. This review provides a starting point for research, but patients should conduct their own due diligence, considering their individual needs and preferences. It is crucial to:

* **Consult with your primary care physician:** Discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with your doctor. They can provide recommendations and help you navigate the referral process.
* **Gather information:** Research the hospitals in your area, considering the factors discussed in this review.
* **Schedule consultations:** Meet with specialists at different hospitals to discuss your case and ask questions.
* **Trust your instincts:** Choose the hospital and care team that you feel most comfortable with and confident in.

The hospitals near ZIP code 13795 offer varying levels of lung cancer care. UHS Wilson Medical Center, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, and Upstate University Hospital are the most likely choices for specialized care. While UHS Wilson is the closest, Guthrie Robert Packer and Upstate University Hospital offer strong oncology programs and potentially more advanced services. By carefully evaluating these options and considering the factors outlined in this review, patients can make an informed decision and access the best possible care for their lung cancer diagnosis.