24378, Troutdale, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24378, Troutdale, Virginia is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Southwest Virginia: A Hospital Review Near ZIP Code 24378

Finding the best lung cancer care requires navigating a complex healthcare landscape. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 24378 (Wytheville, Virginia), offering insights into their capabilities, performance metrics, and specialized services relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The information presented is based on publicly available data, including CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings, ER wait times, and hospital websites, as of October 26, 2023. Please note that healthcare information changes frequently, and patients should always consult with their physician for personalized recommendations.

**Proximity and Accessibility: The Landscape**

The immediate vicinity of Wytheville, Virginia, is largely served by smaller community hospitals and regional healthcare networks. Residents may need to travel further to access specialized lung cancer centers. This review will consider hospitals within a roughly 100-mile radius, encompassing key facilities in Virginia and potentially crossing into neighboring states like North Carolina.

**Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (Christiansburg, VA): A Regional Hub**

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (NRVMC) in Christiansburg, VA, represents a key regional hospital for the area. It is approximately 40 miles from Wytheville. While the hospital does not have a CMS star rating, it is part of the larger Carilion Clinic network, which operates several hospitals in Southwest Virginia. NRVMC offers comprehensive medical services, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, and oncology.

**Lung Cancer Specifics at NRVMC:** NRVMC provides diagnostic services, including CT scans and biopsies, essential for lung cancer detection. They also offer surgical oncology services. Patients may be referred to other Carilion Clinic facilities for more specialized treatments, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures. NRVMC likely participates in the Carilion Clinic's overall telehealth initiatives, which can provide access to specialist consultations and follow-up care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**ER Wait Times at NRVMC:** Based on publicly available data, ER wait times at NRVMC can fluctuate. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before arriving.

**LewisGale Medical Center (Salem, VA): A Larger Network Presence**

LewisGale Medical Center, located in Salem, VA, is another significant hospital within the region. It is approximately 75 miles from Wytheville. LewisGale is part of the HCA Healthcare network, a large for-profit healthcare system. The hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars, reflecting its overall performance based on various quality metrics.

**Lung Cancer Services at LewisGale:** LewisGale offers a cancer center with a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care. This typically includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and support staff. The hospital likely offers diagnostic services like CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopies. Surgical options, including minimally invasive techniques, may be available.

**Telehealth at LewisGale:** HCA Healthcare has a substantial telehealth program. Patients at LewisGale may have access to virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services, enhancing access to care, especially for patients residing in more rural areas.

**ER Wait Times at LewisGale:** ER wait times at LewisGale can be found online or by calling the hospital directly. These times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN): Crossing State Lines**

Bristol Regional Medical Center, located in Bristol, Tennessee, is approximately 60 miles from Wytheville. It is part of Ballad Health, a regional healthcare system. The hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**Lung Cancer Care at Bristol Regional:** Bristol Regional Medical Center has a cancer center that provides comprehensive cancer care. This includes diagnostic services, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital likely has experienced pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons. They may offer advanced treatment options, including clinical trials.

**Telehealth at Bristol Regional:** Ballad Health has invested in telehealth services, including virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in the surrounding rural areas.

**ER Wait Times at Bristol Regional:** ER wait times at Bristol Regional can be found on the Ballad Health website or by calling the hospital.

**Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN): A Ballad Health Facility**

Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN, is another facility within the Ballad Health system, approximately 75 miles from Wytheville. The hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**Lung Cancer Services at Holston Valley:** As part of Ballad Health, Holston Valley offers comprehensive cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. They likely have a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to lung cancer care.

**Telehealth at Holston Valley:** Ballad Health's telehealth initiatives extend to Holston Valley, providing access to virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**ER Wait Times at Holston Valley:** Information on ER wait times at Holston Valley can be found on the Ballad Health website or by contacting the hospital directly.

**Factors to Consider in Hospital Selection**

When choosing a hospital for lung cancer care, several factors are crucial:

* **Specialist Expertise:** The experience and qualifications of the medical team, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, are paramount.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging technologies like CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopy is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Treatment Options:** The availability of various treatment modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, is important.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** A coordinated approach involving a team of specialists ensures comprehensive care.
* **Support Services:** Access to support services like patient navigators, social workers, and support groups can significantly improve the patient experience.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Patient Experience:** Reviews from other patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the hospital environment.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The availability of telehealth services can enhance access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.
* **Hospital Accreditation:** Accreditation from organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC) indicates a commitment to quality cancer care.

**The Importance of Personalized Care**

This review provides a general overview of hospitals near ZIP code 24378. However, the best choice for lung cancer care depends on the individual's specific diagnosis, stage of cancer, and overall health. Patients should consult with their primary care physician and a pulmonologist or oncologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and hospital. The patient's preferences, including proximity to home, access to support services, and the availability of specific treatment options, should also be considered.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Options**

The hospitals near Wytheville, Virginia, offer a range of services for lung cancer care. While the immediate area may rely on regional networks, larger facilities in Christiansburg, Salem, and Bristol, Tennessee, provide more specialized care. Patients should carefully evaluate their options, considering the factors outlined above, and work closely with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their treatment. Accessing information on ER wait times and telehealth availability can further assist in the decision-making process, ensuring patients receive timely and convenient care. Remember that this review is a starting point; personalized consultation with medical professionals is critical for optimal lung cancer management.