24260, Honaker, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24260, Honaker, Virginia is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Southwest Virginia: A Scorecard for 24260

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. For residents of ZIP code 24260 (Norton, Virginia, and surrounding areas), access to quality care is paramount. This review assesses the hospitals closest to the area, providing a fact-based overview to aid in informed decision-making. We will consider factors crucial to lung cancer treatment, including hospital quality ratings, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The primary hospitals serving the 24260 area are located in Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. Residents may also consider facilities further afield, depending on their specific needs and preferences. The following hospitals are assessed based on their proximity and relevance to lung cancer care:

* **Norton Community Hospital (Norton, VA):** The closest hospital to the 24260 ZIP code.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN):** A regional medical center located approximately an hour's drive away.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN):** Another regional medical center, also about an hour away.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center (Norton, VA):** Another hospital located in Norton, VA.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center (Charlottesville, VA):** A larger academic medical center, further afield.

**Hospital Quality: CMS Star Ratings and Beyond**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality measures. These ratings offer a general overview of hospital performance. However, they are not the only factor to consider.

* **Norton Community Hospital:** As of the latest available data, Norton Community Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. This does not necessarily indicate poor quality, but it means that CMS data is not available for a rating.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center:** Holston Valley Medical Center is part of Ballad Health, a large healthcare system. Information on their CMS star ratings is available on the CMS website.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Bristol Regional Medical Center is also part of Ballad Health and has a CMS star rating.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center:** Information on the CMS star ratings for this hospital is available on the CMS website.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center:** The University of Virginia Medical Center is a large academic medical center. CMS star ratings are available on the CMS website.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times can be a significant concern, especially during a medical crisis. Shorter wait times can translate to faster diagnosis and treatment.

* **Norton Community Hospital:** Information on ER wait times is available on the hospital's website or through public reporting agencies. Local residents may have direct experience with wait times.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center:** ER wait times are reported on the Ballad Health website and through public sources.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center:** ER wait times are also reported on the Ballad Health website and through public sources.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center:** Information on ER wait times is available on the hospital's website or through public reporting agencies.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center:** As a larger hospital, ER wait times at UVA Medical Center may vary. Information is available on the UVA Health website and through public sources.

**Specialty Centers: Lung Cancer Expertise**

Lung cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving specialists such as pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The presence of dedicated specialty centers is a strong indicator of a hospital's commitment to lung cancer care.

* **Norton Community Hospital:** Information on specialty centers and lung cancer services is available on the hospital's website. The availability of a dedicated oncology unit and access to specialists is crucial.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center:** As a larger regional center, Holston Valley Medical Center likely has a more comprehensive oncology program. Details on lung cancer specialists, treatment options (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery), and support services are available on the Ballad Health website.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Bristol Regional Medical Center also offers comprehensive oncology services, including lung cancer treatment. Information on specialists, treatment modalities, and support programs can be found on the Ballad Health website.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center:** Information on specialty centers and lung cancer services is available on the hospital's website. The availability of a dedicated oncology unit and access to specialists is crucial.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA Medical Center boasts a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated lung cancer program. This program typically offers access to cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can improve access to specialists, provide remote monitoring, and facilitate follow-up care.

* **Norton Community Hospital:** Information on telehealth services, including consultations with specialists and remote monitoring options, is available on the hospital's website.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center:** Ballad Health likely offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists. Information is available on the Ballad Health website.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Bristol Regional Medical Center, part of Ballad Health, likely offers telehealth services.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center:** Information on telehealth services, including consultations with specialists and remote monitoring options, is available on the hospital's website.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA Health has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.

**Surgical Capabilities: Minimally Invasive Techniques**

The availability of advanced surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures (e.g., video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery – VATS), is a key consideration. These techniques often lead to shorter recovery times and fewer complications.

* **Norton Community Hospital:** Information on surgical capabilities, including the availability of minimally invasive techniques for lung cancer surgery, is available on the hospital's website.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center:** Holston Valley Medical Center likely offers minimally invasive surgical options for lung cancer. Details are available on the Ballad Health website.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Bristol Regional Medical Center, part of Ballad Health, likely offers minimally invasive surgical options for lung cancer.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center:** Information on surgical capabilities, including the availability of minimally invasive techniques for lung cancer surgery, is available on the hospital's website.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA Medical Center offers a full range of surgical options, including advanced minimally invasive techniques for lung cancer surgery.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments**

Participation in clinical trials offers patients access to the latest treatments and research advancements.

* **Norton Community Hospital:** Information on clinical trials participation is available on the hospital's website.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center:** Ballad Health may participate in clinical trials. Information is available on the Ballad Health website.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Bristol Regional Medical Center, part of Ballad Health, may participate in clinical trials.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center:** Information on clinical trials participation is available on the hospital's website.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA Medical Center actively participates in numerous clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Support Services: A Holistic Approach**

Lung cancer treatment extends beyond medical interventions. Access to support services, such as counseling, support groups, and palliative care, is crucial for patient well-being.

* **Norton Community Hospital:** Information on support services, including counseling, support groups, and palliative care, is available on the hospital's website.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center:** Holston Valley Medical Center likely offers a range of support services. Details are available on the Ballad Health website.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Bristol Regional Medical Center, part of Ballad Health, likely offers support services.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center:** Information on support services, including counseling, support groups, and palliative care, is available on the hospital's website.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA Medical Center provides comprehensive support services, including counseling, support groups, and palliative care.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences: The Human Element**

Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews offer patient feedback.

* **Norton Community Hospital:** Search for patient reviews on relevant websites.
* **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center:** Search for patient reviews on relevant websites.
* **Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Search for patient reviews on relevant websites.
* **Mountain View Regional Medical Center:** Search for patient reviews on relevant websites.
* **University of Virginia Medical Center:** Search for patient reviews on relevant websites.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Residents of the 24260 ZIP code should carefully consider the factors outlined in this review, including hospital quality ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth options, and support services. Researching each hospital, gathering information from multiple sources, and consulting with healthcare professionals will help patients make the best possible choice for their individual needs. The best hospital is the one that provides the most comprehensive, accessible, and compassionate care.