24120, Meadows Of Dan, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24120, Meadows Of Dan, Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in the Vicinity of ZIP Code 24120: A Comprehensive Review**

Finding the best lung cancer care requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond proximity. This review analyzes hospitals near ZIP code 24120 (Radford, Virginia) focusing on key metrics crucial for patient outcomes, including quality ratings, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals, offering a snapshot of overall quality. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg, VA, is a key facility in the area. Its CMS star rating provides a general indication of its performance across various clinical areas. Reviewing its specific performance on metrics relevant to lung cancer, such as timely treatment for pneumonia and patient experience scores, is crucial.

Another significant player is Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, a larger facility in Roanoke, VA. It often serves as a regional referral center and may offer a broader range of specialized services and advanced technologies. Its CMS star rating should be examined alongside its performance in areas like cancer care, surgical outcomes, and patient safety.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Accessibility Metric**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant indicator of a hospital's capacity and efficiency. For patients experiencing lung cancer-related complications, timely access to care is paramount. Both Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital's ER wait times should be investigated. Publicly available data, often found on hospital websites or through platforms like ProPublica's Hospital Compare, can offer insights into average wait times. Shorter wait times generally indicate better access to care during emergencies.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

The presence of specialized cancer centers and programs is a crucial factor. Carilion Clinic's Cancer Center, often associated with Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, likely offers comprehensive cancer care services. This includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and support services. Investigating the center's specific lung cancer program, including the availability of multidisciplinary teams (pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists), is essential.

The availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies is another critical consideration. This includes access to advanced imaging (PET/CT scans), minimally invasive surgical techniques (e.g., video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery – VATS), and targeted therapies and immunotherapies. The review should assess the availability of these resources at the primary hospitals.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring Capabilities**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly for follow-up care and managing chronic conditions. The review should assess the availability of telehealth options for lung cancer patients, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and support group access. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Examining the hospital's telehealth platform's user-friendliness, patient support, and integration with electronic health records is important.

**Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery Expertise**

The quality of thoracic surgery services is a key determinant of lung cancer treatment outcomes. The review should investigate the experience and credentials of thoracic surgeons at the hospitals, including their board certifications and the number of lung cancer surgeries performed annually. High-volume surgeons often demonstrate better outcomes. Inquire about the hospital's use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, which can lead to faster recovery times and fewer complications.

**Radiation Oncology Services**

Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in lung cancer treatment. The review should evaluate the availability of advanced radiation therapy technologies, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). These techniques allow for more precise targeting of tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The expertise of radiation oncologists and the availability of support services, such as radiation therapy nurses and medical physicists, should also be assessed.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy Services**

Medical oncologists are responsible for developing and implementing chemotherapy and targeted therapy treatment plans. The review should investigate the medical oncology department's expertise in treating lung cancer, including its experience with the latest therapies and clinical trials. The availability of chemotherapy infusion centers, supportive care services (e.g., pain management, nutritional support), and access to clinical trials are important factors.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of quality care. The review should examine patient satisfaction scores, often available through CMS surveys (e.g., HCAHPS), and online reviews. These scores provide insights into patient perceptions of communication, responsiveness, and overall care.

**Support Services and Resources**

Lung cancer patients often require a range of support services. The review should assess the availability of support groups, patient navigators, social workers, and palliative care services. These resources can help patients cope with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.

**Clinical Trials and Research Opportunities**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. The review should investigate the hospitals' involvement in lung cancer research and the availability of clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials can offer patients access to innovative therapies and contribute to advancements in lung cancer treatment.

**Specific Hospital Profiles**

**Carilion New River Valley Medical Center:** This hospital's performance on lung cancer-related metrics should be assessed, including its surgical outcomes, access to specialized services, and patient experience. The review should investigate its partnership with Carilion Clinic and its access to resources.

**Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** As a regional referral center, this hospital likely offers a more comprehensive range of services. The review should delve into its lung cancer program, the expertise of its specialists, and the availability of advanced technologies.

**Other Considerations**

* **Proximity:** While this review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 24120, the patient's ability to travel and the availability of transportation should be considered.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Patients should confirm that their insurance plan covers the services offered by the hospitals under consideration.
* **Personal Preferences:** Patients' preferences regarding hospital size, location, and other factors should be considered.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer care requires a thorough evaluation of multiple factors. This review provides a framework for assessing hospitals near ZIP code 24120, focusing on quality ratings, specialized services, accessibility, and patient experience. By carefully considering these factors, patients can make informed decisions and access the best possible care for their specific needs. It is recommended to consult with a primary care physician or oncologist to discuss individual needs and preferences.