23663, Hampton, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23663, Hampton, Virginia is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in Newport News, VA: A Comprehensive Review**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near the 23663 ZIP code in Newport News, Virginia, focusing on key metrics crucial for patient care, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. This information is intended to assist individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The 23663 ZIP code, encompassing much of Newport News, Virginia, offers a range of healthcare options. Proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Norfolk and Richmond expands the possibilities. This review will primarily focus on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like specialized lung cancer programs, patient outcomes, and accessibility.

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

Riverside Regional Medical Center (RRMC), located at 500 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601, is a major player in the region. RRMC is a large, comprehensive hospital with a strong reputation. It is a Level II Trauma Center, indicating its capacity to handle complex medical emergencies.

* **CMS Star Rating:** RRMC holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, based on a complex algorithm evaluating various quality measures, suggests an average performance compared to other hospitals nationally.
* **Lung Cancer Specialization:** RRMC has a dedicated oncology program that addresses lung cancer. The hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach, involving pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists.
* **Surgical Expertise:** RRMC performs a variety of lung cancer surgeries, including lobectomies (removal of a lobe of the lung) and pneumonectomies (removal of an entire lung). The hospital's surgical outcomes are a critical factor to consider.
* **Radiation Therapy:** RRMC provides radiation therapy services, a crucial component of lung cancer treatment. The hospital utilizes advanced technologies to deliver precise radiation doses, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
* **Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies:** RRMC offers chemotherapy and targeted therapy treatments, tailored to the specific type and stage of lung cancer. Medical oncologists work closely with patients to manage side effects and optimize treatment outcomes.
* **ER Wait Times:** RRMC's emergency room wait times fluctuate. Data from sources like Medicare.gov and third-party websites provide estimates, but it is important to recognize that these can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall volume of patients. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times and consider the severity of their condition when choosing the ER.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** RRMC has expanded its telehealth offerings. Telehealth consultations can be particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to patients who live at a distance. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specialty and the provider.

**Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital: A Community Focus**

Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, located at 2 Bernardine Dr, Newport News, VA 23602, offers another option for lung cancer care. This hospital is known for its community focus and commitment to patient-centered care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Mary Immaculate Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Lung Cancer Services:** Mary Immaculate Hospital provides lung cancer diagnosis and treatment services. The hospital's oncology program offers a range of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical options.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Mary Immaculate Hospital utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care, bringing together specialists from various fields to create individualized treatment plans.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at Mary Immaculate Hospital are variable. Patients should check with the hospital or consult online resources for the most up-to-date information.
* **Telehealth:** Mary Immaculate Hospital has been expanding its telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring.

**Other Hospitals in the Region**

While RRMC and Mary Immaculate Hospital are the primary hospitals in the immediate vicinity of the 23663 ZIP code, other facilities within a reasonable driving distance offer lung cancer care. These include hospitals in Norfolk and Williamsburg.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital:** Located in Norfolk, VA, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is a large, tertiary care center. It is known for its advanced medical capabilities and specialized programs.

* **Lung Cancer Services:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital has a comprehensive cancer program that includes lung cancer treatment. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic tools, surgical options, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
* **Specialty Centers:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital has specialized centers for cancer care, potentially offering access to clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital can vary.

**Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System (Richmond):** Located in Richmond, VCU Health System offers another option for lung cancer care. It is a major academic medical center with a strong research focus.

* **Lung Cancer Services:** VCU Health System has a comprehensive cancer center that includes lung cancer treatment. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic tools, surgical options, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
* **Specialty Centers:** VCU Health System has specialized centers for cancer care, potentially offering access to clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments.
* **CMS Star Rating:** VCU Health System has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at VCU Health System can vary.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

When selecting a hospital for lung cancer care, patients should consider several factors:

* **Specialized Expertise:** Look for hospitals with experienced pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
* **Treatment Options:** Ensure the hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
* **Technology:** Assess the availability of advanced diagnostic tools and treatment technologies.
* **Patient Outcomes:** Inquire about the hospital's lung cancer survival rates and other outcome measures.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Location and Accessibility:** Consider the hospital's location and ease of access.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Inquire about telehealth options for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**ER Wait Time Caveats**

ER wait times are a critical factor in emergency situations. However, it is essential to recognize that wait times can fluctuate significantly. Information from online sources should be considered estimates. The severity of the patient's condition is the most important factor in determining wait time. Patients with life-threatening conditions will be prioritized.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is becoming an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery. It offers patients greater convenience and access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. The availability of telehealth services can vary by hospital and specialty.

**Conclusion**

The 23663 ZIP code and surrounding areas offer several options for lung cancer care. Riverside Regional Medical Center and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital are the primary facilities in the immediate vicinity. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and VCU Health System in Richmond offer additional options with specialized programs. Patients should carefully research each hospital, considering factors such as CMS star ratings, specialized expertise, treatment options, patient outcomes, and telehealth capabilities. Consulting with a primary care physician and seeking referrals to specialists is crucial in making informed decisions about lung cancer care. This review is intended to provide a starting point for that process.