13832, Plymouth, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13832, Plymouth, New York is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in the Vicinity of ZIP Code 13832: A Comprehensive Review**

This review examines the landscape of lung cancer care options for residents near ZIP code 13832, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis incorporates data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital websites, and other credible sources to provide a comprehensive overview.

**Proximity and Major Healthcare Providers**

ZIP code 13832 is located in the Southern Tier region of New York State. Key population centers in the area include Oneonta and Norwich. Residents in this area will likely seek care at hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, with the primary options being in Oneonta, Binghamton, and Norwich.

**Hospital Quality and CMS Star Ratings**

CMS star ratings offer a snapshot of overall hospital quality, based on various metrics. However, it's crucial to remember that these ratings are just one factor to consider. Hospitals are evaluated on areas such as patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**A. Bassett Medical Center (Cooperstown, NY):** While not directly in the immediate vicinity of 13832, Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown is a regional referral center that may be a consideration for some patients. Bassett has a 4-star CMS rating. This rating indicates above-average performance in several key areas. Bassett has a well-regarded cancer center, offering comprehensive services.

**B. UHS Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City, NY):** UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY, is a major hospital serving the Binghamton area. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from the 13832 area. UHS Wilson has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating reflects an average performance. UHS has a dedicated cancer care program and offers a range of services, including radiation oncology and medical oncology.

**C. Lourdes Hospital (Binghamton, NY):** Lourdes Hospital, part of the Ascension health system, is another significant healthcare provider in the Binghamton area. It is also about a 45-minute drive from the 13832 area. Lourdes has a 3-star CMS rating. Lourdes has a cancer center that provides comprehensive cancer care services.

**D. Chenango Memorial Hospital (Norwich, NY):** Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, NY, is closer to the 13832 area. It is approximately a 30-minute drive. Chenango Memorial Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. Chenango Memorial has a cancer center that provides comprehensive cancer care services.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially in a medical emergency. Unfortunately, precise, real-time wait time data can be difficult to obtain consistently. However, publicly available data and hospital websites may provide average wait times.

**A. UHS Wilson Medical Center:** UHS Wilson Medical Center, like many hospitals, may experience fluctuations in ER wait times depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Patients should check online resources or call the hospital directly for the most up-to-date information.

**B. Lourdes Hospital:** Similarly, ER wait times at Lourdes Hospital can vary. It's wise to check their website or call ahead to get an estimate.

**C. Chenango Memorial Hospital:** Chenango Memorial Hospital also experiences fluctuations in ER wait times. Checking their website or calling ahead is recommended.

**D. Bassett Medical Center:** Bassett Medical Center's ER wait times may vary, and it is wise to check their website or call ahead to get an estimate.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Treatment Options**

The availability of specialized centers and treatment options is critical for lung cancer patients.

**A. Cancer Centers:** All the hospitals mentioned above – UHS Wilson Medical Center, Lourdes Hospital, Chenango Memorial Hospital, and Bassett Medical Center – have dedicated cancer centers. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive services.

**B. Surgical Oncology:** The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is crucial for lung cancer patients. All the hospitals listed have surgical oncology services.

**C. Radiation Oncology:** Radiation therapy is a common treatment for lung cancer. UHS Wilson Medical Center, Lourdes Hospital, Chenango Memorial Hospital, and Bassett Medical Center all offer radiation oncology services.

**D. Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists specialize in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. All the hospitals listed have medical oncology services.

**E. Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. Patients should inquire about clinical trial availability at each hospital's cancer center.

**F. Advanced Technologies:** The availability of advanced technologies, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques (e.g., VATS), advanced imaging (e.g., PET/CT scans), and advanced radiation therapy techniques (e.g., IMRT, SBRT), is important. All the hospitals listed have access to advanced technologies.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care.

**A. Telehealth Availability:** All the hospitals mentioned offer telehealth services to varying degrees. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments with their oncologists and other healthcare providers.

**B. Remote Patient Monitoring:** Some hospitals may offer remote patient monitoring programs to track patients' vital signs and symptoms at home. Patients should inquire about the availability of remote patient monitoring programs.

**Supportive Services**

Comprehensive cancer care includes supportive services to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients.

**A. Support Groups:** All the hospitals mentioned offer support groups for lung cancer patients and their families.

**B. Counseling Services:** Counseling services, including individual and family therapy, are often available.

**C. Nutrition Services:** Registered dietitians can provide nutritional counseling and support.

**D. Financial Counseling:** Financial counselors can help patients navigate the costs of cancer treatment and identify financial assistance programs.

**E. Palliative Care:** Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. All the hospitals mentioned offer palliative care services.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience**

Accessibility and patient experience are critical factors.

**A. Transportation:** Consider the distance to each hospital and the availability of transportation options.

**B. Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can be helpful.

**C. Communication:** Clear and effective communication between the healthcare team and the patient is essential.

**D. Cultural Sensitivity:** Hospitals should be sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of their patients.

**Specific Hospital Profiles**

**A. UHS Wilson Medical Center:** UHS Wilson Medical Center is a major regional hospital with a comprehensive cancer program. The hospital's website provides detailed information about its lung cancer services. Patient reviews should be consulted.

**B. Lourdes Hospital:** Lourdes Hospital, part of the Ascension health system, is another significant healthcare provider in the area. The hospital's website provides detailed information about its lung cancer services. Patient reviews should be consulted.

**C. Chenango Memorial Hospital:** Chenango Memorial Hospital is a smaller hospital that offers comprehensive cancer care services. The hospital's website provides detailed information about its lung cancer services. Patient reviews should be consulted.

**D. Bassett Medical Center:** Bassett Medical Center is a regional referral center with a well-regarded cancer center. The hospital's website provides detailed information about its lung cancer services. Patient reviews should be consulted.

**Conclusion**

Residents near ZIP code 13832 have several options for lung cancer care. UHS Wilson Medical Center, Lourdes Hospital, Chenango Memorial Hospital, and Bassett Medical Center all offer comprehensive services. Patients should consider factors such as hospital quality, access to specialized services, ER wait times, telehealth availability, and patient experience when making their decision. It is recommended that patients consult with their primary care physicians and oncologists to determine the best course of action. This review provides a starting point for research, but individual needs and preferences should guide the final decision.