45822, Celina, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 45822, Celina, Ohio is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Delphos, Ohio (ZIP Code 45822): A Scorecard

Delphos, Ohio, nestled in the heart of Allen and Van Wert counties, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Residents seeking lung cancer care within a reasonable radius of the 45822 ZIP code have several options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review assesses the key hospitals and healthcare providers, focusing on factors critical to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient experience. We will consider CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and more to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The immediate vicinity of Delphos doesn't boast a large concentration of major medical centers. However, several hospitals within a 50-mile radius offer varying levels of lung cancer care. The primary players include facilities in Lima, Ohio, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and to a lesser extent, smaller community hospitals. The journey to these facilities will be a key consideration for patients and their families.

**Lima Memorial Health System: A Local Anchor**

Lima Memorial Health System, located in Lima, Ohio, is a significant healthcare provider for residents of Delphos. It's a comprehensive system offering a range of services, including oncology. While not a designated "flagship" cancer center, Lima Memorial provides essential cancer care services, including diagnosis and treatment.

Lima Memorial Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience, suggests a generally acceptable level of care. However, it's crucial to understand that CMS star ratings are a broad indicator and don't always reflect the nuances of specialized care like lung cancer treatment.

Lima Memorial's emergency room wait times are a factor to consider. While specific, real-time data fluctuates, average wait times can be found on websites like waittime.net. Patients should anticipate potential delays, especially during peak hours. Prompt access to care is critical for suspected lung cancer cases, so patients should be aware of this factor.

Lima Memorial's oncology services are centered within the James W. and Carol A. Karchner Cancer Center. The center offers a multidisciplinary approach, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They also provide support services such as patient navigation, support groups, and palliative care. The availability of these supportive services is a positive aspect of the center.

Telehealth capabilities at Lima Memorial are evolving. The system is actively expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. This can be a significant advantage for patients, reducing the need for frequent travel, especially during treatment. Specific details about telehealth availability for oncology patients can be found on the hospital's website.

**Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center: A Regional Presence**

Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center, also located in Lima, is another significant healthcare provider in the region. It competes with Lima Memorial for patients in the area. St. Rita's is a Catholic hospital, which may be a factor for some patients.

St. Rita's also holds a 3-star rating from CMS, similar to Lima Memorial. This indicates a comparable level of overall quality, though again, it's important to look beyond the broad rating for specialized care.

Emergency room wait times at St. Rita's are also a factor to consider. As with Lima Memorial, patients should check real-time data sources for current wait times.

St. Rita's offers comprehensive cancer services through its Mercy Health Cancer Center. The center provides medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They also have a range of support services, including patient navigators and support groups.

Telehealth options at St. Rita's are also expanding. Patients can expect to find telehealth options for certain appointments, although the specifics of oncology-related telehealth availability should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center (Fort Wayne, IN): A More Distant Option**

For those willing to travel further, Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, represents a more comprehensive option. This facility is approximately a 50-mile drive from Delphos.

Parkview Regional Medical Center is a large, regional referral center. While it is not a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, it has a robust oncology program.

Parkview's CMS star rating is not publicly available. However, the hospital is known for its advanced technology and specialized services.

Emergency room wait times at Parkview are generally longer than those at the Lima hospitals due to the higher patient volume. Patients should plan accordingly and check real-time wait time data.

Parkview's Parkview Cancer Institute is a major draw. The institute offers a full spectrum of cancer services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and a range of supportive services. They often have access to clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments.

Telehealth services at Parkview are well-developed. They offer a variety of telehealth options, including virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing treatment who may have difficulty traveling frequently.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Hospitals and Specialists**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents of Delphos may also consider smaller community hospitals in the surrounding area. These hospitals may offer basic cancer care services, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but may not have the same level of specialized expertise or access to clinical trials as the larger centers.

Finding a qualified pulmonologist and oncologist is essential. Patients should research the credentials and experience of the physicians at each hospital. Board certification and experience with lung cancer treatment are key factors to consider.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" Breakdown: Key Factors**

To create a "Lung Cancer Score," we can break down the key factors:

* **CMS Star Rating:** While a broad indicator, it reflects overall quality. (Weight: 10%)
* **ER Wait Times:** Critical for timely diagnosis and intervention. (Weight: 15%)
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence of dedicated cancer centers and multidisciplinary teams. (Weight: 30%)
* **Access to Advanced Technology:** Imaging, radiation therapy, and surgical capabilities. (Weight: 15%)
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Facilitates access to care and reduces travel burden. (Weight: 15%)
* **Support Services:** Patient navigation, support groups, and palliative care. (Weight: 15%)

**Applying the Score (Simplified Example)**

* **Lima Memorial:** Solid local option with a 3-star CMS rating, reasonable ER wait times, a dedicated cancer center, and expanding telehealth. Lacks the depth of Parkview.
* **St. Rita's:** Similar to Lima Memorial in many respects.
* **Parkview Regional Medical Center:** Offers a more comprehensive cancer center, advanced technology, and robust telehealth, but with longer travel times and ER wait times.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Residents of Delphos have several options for lung cancer care, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best choice will depend on individual needs and preferences. Patients should carefully consider the factors outlined in this review, including the proximity of the hospital, the availability of specialized services, ER wait times, telehealth options, and the expertise of the medical team. Consulting with a primary care physician and seeking referrals to specialists is crucial. Thorough research and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for making informed decisions and ensuring the best possible outcome.