29669, Pelzer, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29669, Pelzer, South Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near Travelers Rest, SC (29669)

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Access to high-quality medical care, especially within a reasonable distance, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near Travelers Rest, South Carolina (ZIP code 29669), providing a fact-rich overview of their lung cancer services, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to empower patients and their families with the information needed to make informed decisions.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

The landscape of healthcare near Travelers Rest is dominated by two major players: Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. These systems boast multiple hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding their performance is crucial.

**Prisma Health:**

Prisma Health is the dominant healthcare provider in the Upstate region. Its flagship hospital, **Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital (Greenville Memorial)**, is a Level I Trauma Center and a significant referral center for complex medical cases. Greenville Memorial holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating, while not the highest, indicates average performance across various quality metrics, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and readmission rates.

Greenville Memorial's ER wait times can fluctuate. Data from third-party sources suggest average wait times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the time of day and patient volume. It's essential to understand that these are averages and individual experiences may vary.

**Specialized Lung Cancer Services at Greenville Memorial:** Greenville Memorial offers a comprehensive lung cancer program. It includes a multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses. The hospital provides advanced diagnostic tools, including bronchoscopy, CT scans, PET scans, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. They also have a robust oncology program that offers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.

**Telehealth at Prisma Health:** Prisma Health has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. They provide virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and follow-up appointments for various specialties, including oncology. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients, allowing them to access care from home, reducing travel burden, and facilitating communication with their care team. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual oncology appointments or patient satisfaction scores, are not readily available in public data.

**Bon Secours St. Francis Health System:**

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System operates two hospitals in the Greenville area: **St. Francis Eastside** and **St. Francis Downtown**. Both offer lung cancer services, but with different focuses.

**St. Francis Eastside** boasts a **4-star CMS rating**, reflecting above-average performance in various quality metrics. This higher rating suggests a potentially better patient experience and outcomes compared to Greenville Memorial. ER wait times at St. Francis Eastside are often shorter than at Greenville Memorial, typically averaging under an hour.

**Specialized Lung Cancer Services at St. Francis Eastside:** St. Francis Eastside has a dedicated cancer institute with a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care. They offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology services. The hospital emphasizes patient-centered care, providing support services like counseling, support groups, and nutritional guidance.

**Telehealth at Bon Secours St. Francis:** Bon Secours St. Francis has also invested in telehealth. They offer virtual appointments for oncology patients, allowing for consultations, follow-up care, and medication management. Specific data on telehealth usage and patient satisfaction are not readily available in public reports.

**St. Francis Downtown:** St. Francis Downtown, located closer to the city center, also provides lung cancer services, though its focus may be less comprehensive than Eastside. Its CMS rating and ER wait times are not readily available.

**Other Hospitals and Considerations:**

While Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis are the primary providers, other hospitals in the broader region may offer lung cancer services. These include smaller community hospitals or specialized clinics. However, their scope of services and access to advanced technologies may be limited compared to the flagship hospitals.

**Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System:** While not directly within the immediate vicinity of Travelers Rest, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is a significant regional provider. Their **Spartanburg Medical Center** offers comprehensive cancer care, including lung cancer treatment. Their CMS rating is not readily available. Patients may consider Spartanburg Medical Center if they live closer to Spartanburg or if they are seeking a specific treatment option not available at the Greenville hospitals.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

ER wait times can significantly impact patient experience and outcomes, especially for those experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer. Shorter wait times allow for quicker diagnosis and treatment initiation. While average wait times are available, it's essential to understand that these are just estimates. Patients should be prepared for potential delays and consider alternative options if wait times are excessive.

**Specialty Centers and Their Significance:**

Specialty centers, such as cancer institutes or thoracic surgery centers, often provide a higher level of expertise and access to advanced technologies. These centers typically have multidisciplinary teams that collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans. Patients should inquire about the specific services offered by each center, including access to clinical trials, advanced imaging techniques, and minimally invasive surgical options.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like lung cancer. It allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, reducing travel burdens and improving communication with their care team. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and medication management.

**Access to Clinical Trials:**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in lung cancer care. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials at each hospital and whether they meet the eligibility criteria.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Beyond medical treatment, patient experience and support services are crucial. Patients should inquire about the availability of support groups, counseling services, and patient navigators who can help them navigate the complexities of cancer care.

**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 services offered by each hospital. Factors to consider include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the sole determinant of quality, CMS ratings provide a general indication of hospital performance.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times can be critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.
* **Specialty Centers:** Access to specialized lung cancer centers can improve outcomes.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth can enhance access to care and reduce travel burdens.
* **Patient Experience and Support Services:** A supportive environment can improve quality of life.
* **Access to Clinical Trials:** Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments.

By carefully considering these factors and gathering information from multiple sources, patients can make informed decisions and choose the hospital that best meets their needs. It is always recommended to consult with a primary care physician or oncologist for personalized recommendations. The information provided in this review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.