23603, Newport News, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23603, Newport News, Virginia is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the 23603 Area: A Scorecard of Hospitals

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Finding the best possible care, close to home, is paramount. This review analyzes hospitals near the 23603 ZIP code, focusing on factors critical to lung cancer treatment: expertise, technology, accessibility, and patient outcomes. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and the availability of telehealth, providing a fact-rich assessment to help you make informed decisions.

**Defining the Landscape: Key Hospitals in the Vicinity**

The 23603 ZIP code, encompassing parts of Newport News, Virginia, has several hospitals within a reasonable radius. The most prominent are Riverside Regional Medical Center, Sentara CarePlex Hospital, and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital. Each offers a distinct approach to lung cancer care, and this review will examine their strengths and weaknesses.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center: A Flagship Institution**

Riverside Regional Medical Center, a major player in the Hampton Roads region, is a flagship hospital with a significant presence. It's a large, complex facility offering a wide range of services, including comprehensive cancer care. Riverside is typically the first choice for many in the area.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance Metrics:**

As of late 2023, Riverside Regional Medical Center holds a CMS star rating. This rating, based on publicly reported data, reflects the hospital's overall quality of care. The rating is based on a complex set of metrics, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. It's crucial to check the most current rating on the CMS website, as these can change.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

Riverside boasts a dedicated cancer center, often housing a multidisciplinary team specializing in lung cancer. This team typically includes pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff like nurses, social workers, and navigators. The presence of a multidisciplinary team is critical, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care. Riverside often has advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including advanced imaging (PET/CT scans), minimally invasive surgical techniques, and access to clinical trials. The availability of these resources is a significant advantage.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

ER wait times are a key consideration for any hospital. Riverside's ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Publicly available data, often found on websites like ProPublica, can provide insights into average wait times. It's essential to remember that these are averages and individual experiences may differ. Accessibility is generally good, with the hospital located in a central area of Newport News.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions. Riverside has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, allowing patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing treatment who may have difficulty traveling to the hospital frequently. Check the hospital's website or contact them directly for the latest telehealth options.

**Sentara CarePlex Hospital: A Community Focus**

Sentara CarePlex Hospital, located in nearby Hampton, also serves the 23603 area. While not as large as Riverside, CarePlex offers a strong community focus and a range of services, including cancer care.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance Metrics:**

Sentara CarePlex also has a CMS star rating, which should be reviewed on the CMS website for the most up-to-date information. The rating provides a valuable snapshot of the hospital's performance across various quality measures.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

CarePlex has a cancer center that provides lung cancer care. The hospital's team includes pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists. The hospital's resources for lung cancer treatment include advanced imaging, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Access to clinical trials may be more limited compared to larger facilities.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

ER wait times at Sentara CarePlex can also vary. Publicly available data can provide an estimate of wait times. The hospital is easily accessible for residents of Hampton and Newport News.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Sentara has also expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options. This can be a convenient option for patients. Contact the hospital directly to find out about their current telehealth services.

**Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital: A Faith-Based Approach**

Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, located in Newport News, offers a faith-based approach to healthcare. It's a smaller hospital than Riverside but provides a full range of services, including cancer care.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance Metrics:**

Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital also has a CMS star rating. Check the CMS website for the most current information.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

Mary Immaculate has a cancer center that provides lung cancer care. The hospital's team includes pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists. The hospital's resources for lung cancer treatment include advanced imaging, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Access to clinical trials may be more limited compared to larger facilities.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

ER wait times at Mary Immaculate can vary. Publicly available data can provide an estimate of wait times. The hospital is easily accessible for residents of Newport News.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Bon Secours has also expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options. This can be a convenient option for patients. Contact the hospital directly to find out about their current telehealth services.

**Comparing and Contrasting: Making the Right Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment requires careful consideration. Riverside Regional Medical Center, as a larger flagship hospital, often offers the broadest range of services, including access to cutting-edge technology and clinical trials. However, this may come with longer wait times in the ER. Sentara CarePlex and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital offer more community-focused care, potentially with shorter ER wait times, but may have fewer specialized resources.

**Key Considerations for Patients:**

* **Multidisciplinary Team:** Ensure the hospital has a dedicated lung cancer team, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Advanced Technology:** Look for hospitals with advanced imaging capabilities (PET/CT scans) and access to minimally invasive surgical techniques.
* **Clinical Trials:** If appropriate, inquire about participation in clinical trials, which can provide access to innovative treatments.
* **Telehealth Options:** Determine the availability of telehealth services for follow-up appointments and remote monitoring.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider ER wait times, especially if you anticipate needing emergency care.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the hospital's culture and patient satisfaction.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital is in your insurance network.

**Final Thoughts: A Personalized Approach**

Ultimately, the "best" hospital is the one that best meets your individual needs. This review provides a factual foundation for your decision-making process. Schedule consultations with specialists at the hospitals you are considering. Ask questions, voice your concerns, and trust your instincts. Lung cancer treatment is a journey, and finding the right healthcare team is the first, and most critical, step. Remember to continually check the most up-to-date information on CMS star ratings and hospital performance metrics, as these can change. Good luck.