13842, South Kortright, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13842, South Kortright, New York is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13842

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Access to quality care, particularly in the early stages, is crucial for positive outcomes. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 13842, providing a factual overview of their capabilities in lung cancer treatment. The information is based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and specialty center designations, aiming to empower patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The area around 13842, encompassing the city of Oneonta, New York, and surrounding towns, presents a mix of healthcare options. While major metropolitan centers like Syracuse and Albany offer comprehensive cancer centers, local hospitals provide essential services. The availability of specialized lung cancer care, including advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and radiation therapy, varies considerably. This review will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each facility, focusing on key indicators relevant to lung cancer patients.

**A Note on Data:**

The data used in this review is primarily sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and publicly available reports. It's important to note that hospital ratings and statistics can fluctuate. ER wait times, for example, are averages and can vary significantly depending on the time of day and patient volume. This review provides a snapshot in time, aiming to offer a general understanding of the healthcare landscape.

**Local Hospital Profiles:**

**A. Bassett Medical Center (Cooperstown, NY):** Located approximately 30 miles from 13842, Bassett Medical Center is a significant regional healthcare provider. Bassett is a 4-star rated hospital by CMS. This rating reflects its overall quality of care, including measures related to patient safety and outcomes. Bassett's Cancer Care Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They have a dedicated team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncology nurses. They are affiliated with the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, indicating adherence to rigorous standards of care. While specific lung cancer survival rates are not always publicly available, Bassett's commitment to comprehensive cancer care suggests a focus on quality. ER wait times at Bassett are generally within the national average, typically under an hour. Telehealth services are available, potentially offering consultations and follow-up appointments for patients in the area.

**B. UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital (Norwich, NY):** Situated roughly 25 miles from 13842, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is a smaller community hospital. CMS data shows a 3-star rating. The hospital provides essential medical services, including diagnostic imaging and some cancer care services. However, it doesn't have a dedicated comprehensive cancer center like Bassett. Patients requiring specialized lung cancer treatment, such as complex surgeries or advanced radiation therapy, would likely be referred to larger facilities. ER wait times at Chenango Memorial are generally shorter than those at larger hospitals, often under 30 minutes. Telehealth services may be available for certain specialties, but the scope is likely more limited compared to larger institutions.

**C. Lourdes Hospital (Binghamton, NY):** Located approximately 40 miles from 13842, Lourdes Hospital is a major healthcare provider in the region. Lourdes is a 3-star rated hospital by CMS. Lourdes is part of the Ascension Health network, which provides a broad range of services, including cancer care. Lourdes's Wilson Hospital has a dedicated cancer center. They have a team of oncologists, surgeons, and support staff. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic capabilities, including PET scans and other imaging technologies. Lourdes has a radiation oncology department, allowing patients to receive radiation therapy on-site. ER wait times at Lourdes can fluctuate, but typically fall within the national average. Telehealth services are available, expanding access to specialists and follow-up care.

**D. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital (Sayre, PA):** Located approximately 60 miles from 13842, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is a regional referral center. The hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS. The hospital is known for its comprehensive cancer care. The Guthrie Cancer Center provides a full spectrum of services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. They have a dedicated lung cancer program with a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Guthrie offers advanced technologies for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, including minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced radiation therapy. ER wait times at Guthrie can vary, but are generally within the national average. Telehealth services are a significant component of Guthrie's healthcare delivery, offering consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring for patients.

**E. Upstate University Hospital (Syracuse, NY):** Situated approximately 85 miles from 13842, Upstate University Hospital is a major academic medical center. While outside the immediate radius, it is a potential option for patients seeking highly specialized care. Upstate has a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated lung cancer program. The hospital is known for its research and innovation in cancer treatment. Upstate offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including clinical trials. ER wait times at Upstate can be longer than at community hospitals. Telehealth services are available, providing access to specialists and remote consultations.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients:**

* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Lung cancer treatment often requires a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care providers. Look for hospitals with a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.
* **Advanced Diagnostics:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as PET scans, CT scans, and bronchoscopy, is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Surgical Expertise:** If surgery is required, look for hospitals with experienced thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer resection. Consider the availability of minimally invasive techniques.
* **Radiation Therapy:** If radiation therapy is part of the treatment plan, consider the availability of advanced radiation techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
* **Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies:** Ensure the hospital offers a full range of chemotherapy and targeted therapies, including access to clinical trials.
* **Supportive Care:** Access to supportive care services, such as pain management, nutritional counseling, and psychological support, is crucial for managing the side effects of treatment and improving quality of life.
* **Telehealth:** The availability of telehealth services can improve access to specialists and facilitate follow-up care, particularly for patients living in rural areas.
* **Hospital Ratings:** CMS star ratings can provide a general indication of hospital quality. However, they should be considered alongside other factors, such as specialty center designations and patient reviews.
* **ER Wait Times:** While not directly related to lung cancer care, shorter ER wait times can be beneficial in the event of complications or side effects.

**Making an Informed Decision:**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific characteristics of each hospital. This review provides a starting point for research. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians, seek referrals to specialists, and gather additional information from hospital websites and patient reviews. Visiting the facilities and speaking with medical staff can also provide valuable insights. Ultimately, the best hospital is the one that offers the highest quality of care, the most comprehensive services, and the most supportive environment for the patient's individual needs.