23420, Painter, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23420, Painter, Virginia is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the 23420 Area: A Deep Dive

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near the 23420 ZIP code, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth availability. This information is designed to empower patients and their families in making informed choices.

**Understanding the Landscape: Key Considerations**

The 23420 ZIP code encompasses a portion of Virginia Beach, Virginia, an area with access to a range of healthcare facilities. Evaluating lung cancer care requires examining several factors: the expertise of the medical staff, the availability of advanced treatment options, the speed and efficiency of care delivery, and the overall patient experience.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals, providing a snapshot of overall quality. While not the sole indicator of excellence, these ratings offer a valuable benchmark.

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, located within the 23454 ZIP code, is a prominent healthcare provider serving the region. As of the latest publicly available data, its CMS star rating is a key consideration. This rating reflects performance across various categories, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

Another major player in the region is Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, also in Virginia Beach. Assessing its CMS star rating is crucial, as it offers a comparative perspective on quality of care.

**ER Wait Times: A Window into Efficiency**

Emergency room wait times can be an indicator of a hospital's capacity and efficiency. Long wait times can be stressful for patients, particularly those experiencing symptoms potentially related to lung cancer.

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital's ER wait times are a key data point. Publicly available data, often accessible through hospital websites or third-party platforms, should be consulted for the most current information.

Similarly, Sentara Princess Anne Hospital's ER wait times are a vital consideration. Shorter wait times generally suggest a more efficient emergency department, which can be crucial for patients requiring prompt evaluation and treatment.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

The presence of specialized cancer centers and programs is a significant factor in assessing lung cancer care. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses, all focused on lung cancer treatment.

Sentara Cancer Centers, which includes locations at both Virginia Beach General and Princess Anne Hospitals, offer comprehensive cancer care. Evaluating the specific lung cancer programs within these centers is essential. This includes assessing the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as PET/CT scans and bronchoscopy, and the range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

The availability of clinical trials is another important aspect of specialty centers. Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in lung cancer care.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring. Its availability can improve access to care, especially for patients living in more remote areas or those with mobility limitations.

Sentara Healthcare has expanded its telehealth offerings. Assessing the availability of telehealth services for lung cancer patients, including virtual consultations with oncologists and remote monitoring of symptoms, is crucial.

**Specific Treatment Options and Technologies**

The range of treatment options available at each hospital is a key consideration. Lung cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies, tailored to the individual patient's needs and the stage of the disease.

**Surgery:** The availability of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), can lead to faster recovery times and reduced pain. Assessing the expertise of thoracic surgeons in performing these procedures is important.

**Chemotherapy:** Hospitals should offer a full range of chemotherapy regimens, including newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

**Radiation Therapy:** The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), can improve treatment accuracy and reduce side effects.

**Additional Considerations:**

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores, often available through CMS data or patient reviews, provide valuable insights into the overall patient experience.

**Support Services:** Access to support services, such as patient navigators, social workers, and support groups, can help patients and their families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of lung cancer.

**Financial Considerations:** Understanding the costs of care and the hospital's financial assistance programs is important.

**Hospital Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC) indicates a commitment to high-quality cancer care.

**Specific Hospital Profiles:**

**Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital:** Known for its comprehensive cancer center and advanced technologies, including advanced imaging and radiation therapy. Evaluate the specific lung cancer program, the expertise of the medical staff, and the availability of clinical trials. Assess ER wait times and CMS star ratings.

**Sentara Princess Anne Hospital:** Offers cancer care services. Evaluate the specific lung cancer program, the expertise of the medical staff, and the availability of clinical trials. Assess ER wait times and CMS star ratings.

**Other Potential Options:** Depending on the specific needs of the patient, other hospitals in the broader region might be considered, including those in Norfolk or Chesapeake.

**Data Sources and Verification:**

This review relies on publicly available data from sources such as CMS, hospital websites, and third-party healthcare rating platforms. It is crucial to verify the accuracy of this information by consulting the most current data available and contacting the hospitals directly.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer care is a complex decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near the 23420 ZIP code based on key metrics. By considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and treatment options, patients and their families can make informed choices that align with their individual needs and preferences. Remember to consult with your physician and conduct thorough research to find the best possible care.