24273, Norton, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24273, Norton, Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in Southwest Virginia: A Hospital Scorecard for ZIP Code 24273**

The residents of ZIP Code 24273, encompassing the town of Richlands, Virginia, and surrounding areas, face a significant health challenge: lung cancer. Southwest Virginia has historically seen higher rates of this disease, making access to quality, specialized care critical. This review examines the hospitals closest to 24273, assessing their lung cancer treatment capabilities, resources, and overall quality, providing a practical guide for patients and their families.

**Proximity and Primary Hospital Options**

The immediate vicinity of Richlands is primarily served by two major hospital systems: Ballad Health and Carilion Clinic. While smaller community hospitals exist, these two systems offer the most comprehensive care options for lung cancer patients. Distance is a crucial factor, and the drive times to these facilities from Richlands should be considered when evaluating options.

**Ballad Health: A Regional Network**

Ballad Health operates a network of hospitals across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. The closest Ballad Health facilities to 24273 are Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, and Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee.

* **Johnston Memorial Hospital (Abingdon, VA):** Johnston Memorial is a community hospital, offering a range of services. It is important to note that it is not a designated cancer center. This hospital may be a starting point for diagnosis and initial treatment, but for complex lung cancer cases, patients may be referred to larger facilities within the Ballad Health network. The CMS star rating for Johnston Memorial is variable, and it is recommended to check the most recent data on the CMS website. ER wait times can fluctuate, but generally, patients can expect to wait between 30 and 60 minutes. Telehealth services are available for some specialties, though the availability for pulmonology and oncology specifically should be confirmed.
* **Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN):** Holston Valley is a larger facility within the Ballad Health system, and it is a potential option for more advanced lung cancer care. It offers a cancer center, which provides a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The CMS star rating for Holston Valley should be consulted on the CMS website. ER wait times are typically longer than at smaller hospitals, potentially exceeding an hour during peak times. Holston Valley has a more robust telehealth program, with options for consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Carilion Clinic: A Regional Leader**

Carilion Clinic, headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, also serves the Southwest Virginia region. The primary Carilion facility relevant to 24273 residents is Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital.

* **Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital (Tazewell, VA):** Carilion Tazewell is a community hospital, and is the closest Carilion facility to Richlands. It offers basic medical services, but may not have the comprehensive lung cancer treatment capabilities of larger facilities. Patients with complex cases would likely be referred to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The CMS star rating for Carilion Tazewell is available on the CMS website. ER wait times can be variable, but are generally shorter than at larger hospitals. Telehealth services are available for some specialties.
* **Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA):** Located approximately a two-hour drive from Richlands, Carilion Roanoke Memorial is the flagship hospital of the Carilion Clinic system. It is a Level I trauma center and a regional referral center for complex medical conditions, including lung cancer. The hospital has a comprehensive cancer center, offering a full range of services, including advanced diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. Carilion Roanoke Memorial's CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS website. ER wait times can be longer, often exceeding an hour, due to the hospital's role as a regional referral center. Carilion Roanoke Memorial has a well-developed telehealth program, with extensive options for consultations, follow-up care, and remote monitoring.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients**

Several factors are paramount when choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment:

* **Specialized Expertise:** Look for hospitals with board-certified pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists specializing in lung cancer.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** The best cancer centers have a multidisciplinary team that collaborates on treatment plans, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and support staff.
* **Advanced Diagnostics:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as PET/CT scans, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Treatment Options:** The hospital should offer a full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Comprehensive support services, such as patient navigation, support groups, and palliative care, are essential for patients and their families.
* **Hospital Quality Ratings:** Review the CMS star ratings and other quality metrics to assess the hospital's overall performance.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can provide convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Specific Hospital Strengths and Weaknesses**

* **Ballad Health:** Holston Valley Medical Center within the Ballad Health system is the more advanced option, offering a cancer center. Johnston Memorial Hospital is a more convenient option for initial care, but may require referrals for more complex treatment. The network's strength lies in its regional reach, but patients may need to travel for specialized care.
* **Carilion Clinic:** Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital is the flagship facility, offering comprehensive lung cancer care. The drive time from Richlands is a significant factor. Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital offers local access for initial care, but may require referrals to Roanoke.

**Telehealth in the Context of Lung Cancer Care**

Telehealth plays an increasingly important role in lung cancer care, particularly for patients in rural areas. It can facilitate:

* **Remote consultations:** Patients can consult with specialists without traveling long distances.
* **Follow-up appointments:** Routine follow-up appointments can be conducted remotely.
* **Medication management:** Physicians can monitor medication side effects and adjust dosages remotely.
* **Remote monitoring:** Patients can use wearable devices to track vital signs and symptoms, which can be shared with their care team.
* **Support groups and educational programs:** Telehealth platforms can host virtual support groups and educational sessions.

The availability and quality of telehealth services vary among hospitals. Patients should inquire about telehealth options when choosing a hospital.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

ER wait times can be a significant factor for patients, particularly those experiencing acute symptoms. While wait times fluctuate, it is important to consider the average wait times at each hospital. Patients should be aware that wait times can be longer at larger hospitals and during peak hours.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Residents of ZIP Code 24273 have several options for lung cancer care, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The choice of hospital should be based on individual needs, preferences, and the complexity of the patient's condition. Patients should consider the following:

* **Severity of the condition:** Patients with advanced or complex cases may benefit from the comprehensive services offered at Carilion Roanoke Memorial or Holston Valley Medical Center.
* **Proximity:** The distance to the hospital is a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments. Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital and Johnston Memorial Hospital offer closer options.
* **Specialist availability:** Confirm the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists, who specialize in lung cancer.
* **Insurance coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its specialists are in the patient's insurance network.
* **Patient preferences:** Consider the patient's preferences for care, including the hospital's reputation, patient satisfaction ratings, and support services.

By carefully considering these factors, patients and their families can make an informed decision about where to receive the best possible lung cancer care. It is always recommended to consult with a primary care physician or specialist to discuss the best course of action. The information provided in this review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.