24279, Pound, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24279, Pound, Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care Near ZIP Code 24279: A Comprehensive Review**

Finding the best lung cancer care is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 24279 (Tazewell, Virginia) and provides a detailed assessment of their capabilities, focusing on factors crucial for lung cancer patients. This area, while rural, offers access to a range of healthcare options, including regional hospitals and referral centers.

**Regional Hospital Overview**

The primary hospital serving Tazewell County is **Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital**. This facility is a critical access hospital, which means it receives special federal funding and is designed to serve rural communities. While it may not offer the full spectrum of specialized lung cancer services found at larger facilities, it serves as a crucial entry point for emergency care and initial diagnostic testing.

**Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital**

Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience, based on data submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The hospital's emergency room wait times are generally moderate, averaging around 30-60 minutes, but can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital is equipped with diagnostic imaging, including CT scans, which are essential for lung cancer detection and staging.

**Specialty Centers and Referral Options**

Given the limitations of a critical access hospital, patients diagnosed with lung cancer often require referral to specialized cancer centers for advanced treatment. The closest major referral centers are located in Roanoke, Virginia, approximately a 2-hour drive from Tazewell. These centers offer a wider range of services, including advanced surgical options, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

**Carilion Clinic, Roanoke**

The **Carilion Clinic**, based in Roanoke, is a major healthcare provider in the region and is the primary referral center for patients from Tazewell. The Carilion Clinic is a large, integrated healthcare system with multiple hospitals and specialty centers. Its flagship hospital, **Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital**, is a 4-star CMS-rated facility, indicating a higher level of quality compared to Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital.

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital offers a comprehensive cancer center, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care services. The hospital's lung cancer program is well-established, with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

The Carilion Clinic has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. Telehealth is particularly valuable for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent travel to Roanoke for routine care. Telehealth statistics for the Carilion Clinic show a significant increase in virtual visits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this trend continues.

**LewisGale Medical Center, Salem**

Another option for lung cancer care is **LewisGale Medical Center** in Salem, Virginia, also about a 2-hour drive from Tazewell. LewisGale Medical Center is a 3-star CMS-rated facility. It has a cancer center with a range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.

LewisGale Medical Center's lung cancer program includes a team of specialists and offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options. The hospital's emergency room wait times are comparable to those at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.

**Factors to Consider: Access, Expertise, and Technology**

When evaluating lung cancer care options, several factors are paramount. Access to a skilled multidisciplinary team is critical. This team should include pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and nurses specializing in cancer care.

The availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies is also essential. This includes high-resolution imaging (CT scans, PET scans), minimally invasive surgical techniques (e.g., video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery – VATS), advanced radiation therapy (e.g., stereotactic body radiation therapy – SBRT), and access to clinical trials.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Beyond clinical expertise, the patient experience is a crucial consideration. This includes the availability of support services, such as patient navigation, social work, psychological counseling, and support groups. Patient navigation helps patients navigate the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and providing emotional support.

**Comparative Analysis**

Comparing the hospitals, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, with its 4-star CMS rating and comprehensive cancer center, offers the most advanced lung cancer care options for patients near ZIP code 24279. LewisGale Medical Center, while a 3-star facility, provides a viable alternative with a cancer program and a range of services.

Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital, while providing essential emergency and initial diagnostic services, relies on referral to larger centers for specialized lung cancer treatment. The travel distance to Roanoke or Salem is a significant factor for patients in Tazewell County.

**Telehealth's Role**

Telehealth plays a crucial role in bridging the geographical gap for patients in rural areas. The Carilion Clinic's robust telehealth program provides virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, reducing the need for frequent travel. Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance patient convenience.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are an important consideration, especially for patients experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer. While wait times can vary, the average wait times at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and LewisGale Medical Center are typically between 30 minutes and an hour. Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital's wait times are generally similar, but can fluctuate.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Access to clinical trials is an important aspect of lung cancer care, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and LewisGale Medical Center both participate in clinical trials, offering patients the opportunity to participate in research studies.

**Financial Considerations**

The cost of care is a significant concern for all patients. The cost of lung cancer treatment can vary widely depending on the stage of the disease, the treatment plan, and the insurance coverage. Patients should discuss the financial implications of their treatment with their healthcare providers and insurance company.

**Conclusion**

For patients near ZIP code 24279, the best options for lung cancer care are located in Roanoke and Salem, Virginia. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, with its 4-star CMS rating and comprehensive cancer center, offers the most advanced care. LewisGale Medical Center provides a viable alternative. Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital serves as a crucial entry point for initial assessment and stabilization. Patients should consider factors such as access to a multidisciplinary team, advanced technology, patient support services, and the availability of clinical trials. Telehealth is a valuable tool for improving access to care and reducing the burden of travel for patients in this rural area. Thorough research and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential to make informed decisions about lung cancer treatment.