24354, Marion, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24354, Marion, Virginia is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24354**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Finding the right hospital, with the best resources and expertise, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 24354, offering a fact-rich overview of their lung cancer care capabilities. The information presented aims to provide a starting point for patients and their families as they make critical healthcare decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Access**

ZIP code 24354, encompassing the town of Marion, Virginia, is located in a region with a mix of rural and suburban settings. Access to specialized medical care can vary. This review will highlight hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like travel time and accessibility.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals, providing a general measure of quality. While not the sole determinant of care quality, these ratings offer a valuable benchmark.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA):** Located approximately 70 miles from Marion, Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital is a major regional medical center. It is a flagship facility within the Carilion Clinic network. As of the latest available data, it holds a CMS star rating of [Insert Current CMS Star Rating]. The hospital boasts a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated lung cancer program. They have a multidisciplinary team including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses. The cancer center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

**University of Virginia Medical Center (Charlottesville, VA):** Situated roughly 180 miles from Marion, the University of Virginia Medical Center is another major referral center. It is a highly regarded academic medical center. As of the latest available data, it holds a CMS star rating of [Insert Current CMS Star Rating]. The UVA Cancer Center offers advanced lung cancer treatment options, including cutting-edge clinical trials and access to the latest therapies. They have a dedicated thoracic oncology program with a team of specialists.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant indicator of hospital efficiency and patient access. While not directly related to lung cancer care, they can reflect overall hospital operations.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times at Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital fluctuate, but are generally reported to be [Insert current average ER wait time]. Patients should be aware that wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of their condition.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** The University of Virginia Medical Center's ER wait times are typically [Insert current average ER wait time]. As with any hospital, it is advisable to check current wait times through online resources or by calling the hospital directly.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs**

Dedicated lung cancer programs and specialty centers are crucial for comprehensive care. These programs often offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from various specialties.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** The hospital's cancer center provides a robust lung cancer program. This program offers diagnostic services, including advanced imaging and bronchoscopy. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. They also have a lung cancer screening program for high-risk individuals. The hospital emphasizes patient support services, including nurse navigators, support groups, and access to palliative care.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** The UVA Cancer Center has a renowned thoracic oncology program. This program features a team of specialists dedicated to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. They offer advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and access to clinical trials. The center is known for its expertise in complex lung cancer cases and its commitment to research. UVA also provides comprehensive support services, including genetic counseling, nutritional support, and psychosocial care.

**Diagnostic Capabilities: Early Detection is Key**

Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical for successful lung cancer treatment. Hospitals should offer a full range of diagnostic services.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** The hospital provides a full suite of diagnostic tools, including low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening, advanced imaging techniques (PET/CT scans), and bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for tissue sampling. They also offer rapid diagnostic pathways to expedite the diagnosis process.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA has state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities. They offer advanced imaging, including PET/CT scans and MRI. They also have expertise in bronchoscopy, EBUS, and navigational bronchoscopy for precise tissue sampling. Their pathology department is highly regarded, ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis.

**Surgical Expertise and Treatment Options**

Surgical intervention is often a key component of lung cancer treatment. Hospitals should have experienced thoracic surgeons and access to advanced surgical techniques.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** The hospital has a team of experienced thoracic surgeons who perform a range of surgical procedures, including lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). They also offer robotic-assisted surgery.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA's thoracic surgery program is highly respected. They offer a full spectrum of surgical options, including minimally invasive VATS and robotic-assisted surgery. They have expertise in complex surgical cases and are at the forefront of surgical innovation.

**Radiation Oncology Services**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment modality for lung cancer. Hospitals should have advanced radiation oncology services.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** The hospital's cancer center provides advanced radiation therapy services, including external beam radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). They have experienced radiation oncologists and medical physicists.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA's radiation oncology department offers cutting-edge technologies, including IMRT, SBRT, and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). They have a team of highly skilled radiation oncologists and medical physicists.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

Medical oncologists are essential for managing chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** The hospital has a team of medical oncologists who specialize in lung cancer. They provide chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. They also offer access to clinical trials.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA's medical oncology program is highly regarded. They provide comprehensive medical oncology services, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. They have access to a wide range of clinical trials, offering patients the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care Capabilities**

Telehealth services can enhance access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** Carilion Clinic has expanded its telehealth capabilities. They offer virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups. Specific availability for lung cancer patients should be confirmed.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA has a robust telehealth program. They offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support services. They are actively expanding their telehealth offerings to improve access to care for patients in remote areas. Specific availability for lung cancer patients should be confirmed.

**Patient Support Services: A Holistic Approach**

Comprehensive patient support services are crucial for managing the physical and emotional challenges of lung cancer.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** The hospital offers a range of support services, including nurse navigators, social workers, support groups, and access to palliative care. They focus on providing holistic care to patients and their families.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA provides a comprehensive array of support services, including nurse navigators, social workers, psychologists, dietitians, and access to palliative care. They also offer support groups and educational programs.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative therapies.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** The hospital participates in clinical trials, offering patients the opportunity to participate in research and access cutting-edge treatments. Specific trial availability should be confirmed.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA is a major research institution, and they offer a wide range of clinical trials for lung cancer patients. They are at the forefront of lung cancer research, offering patients access to the latest therapies and treatment options.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage**

Patients should inquire about insurance coverage and financial assistance programs.

**Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** Patients should contact the hospital's billing department to inquire about insurance coverage and financial assistance options.

**University of Virginia Medical Center:** UVA offers financial counseling and assistance programs to help patients manage the costs of care. Patients should contact the hospital's financial services department for more information.

**Making the Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific characteristics of each hospital. This review provides a starting point for research, but it is essential to consult with healthcare providers and gather as much information as possible before making a decision.

**Disclaimer:** *This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Hospital information is subject to change. Patients should verify all information directly with the hospitals.*