05148, Londonderry, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05148, Londonderry, Vermont is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Southern Vermont: A Hospital Scorecard Near ZIP Code 05148

Finding the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 05148 (Ludlow, Vermont), providing a fact-based assessment of their capabilities, focusing on metrics relevant to lung cancer care. While Vermont's healthcare landscape is primarily rural, access to quality care is paramount. We'll examine flagship hospitals, specialty centers, and other factors to help you make an informed choice.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Access**

The immediate vicinity of Ludlow, Vermont, presents a limited number of hospitals. Residents often travel for specialized care, necessitating a broader geographical perspective. This review considers facilities within a roughly 50- to 100-mile radius, encompassing parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, offering a more comprehensive picture of available options.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH): A Flagship for New England**

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, New Hampshire, stands out as a major regional healthcare provider. It's a tertiary care center, meaning it offers a wide range of specialized services, including comprehensive cancer care. DHMC consistently earns high marks for its lung cancer program.

* **CMS Star Rating:** DHMC holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience.
* **Lung Cancer Specialty Center:** DHMC boasts a dedicated Norris Cotton Cancer Center, providing multidisciplinary care for lung cancer patients. This means a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and supportive care staff, collaborate on each patient's treatment plan.
* **Advanced Treatment Options:** DHMC offers state-of-the-art treatment options, including advanced imaging (PET/CT scans), minimally invasive surgical techniques (e.g., video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery - VATS), targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.
* **ER Wait Times:** While specific ER wait times fluctuate, DHMC generally reports wait times that are competitive within the region. Patients can often access real-time wait time information through the hospital's website or mobile app.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** DHMC has invested significantly in telehealth services, particularly important for rural populations. Telehealth allows for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists without requiring extensive travel. This is particularly beneficial for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
* **Patient Outcomes:** DHMC's lung cancer program consistently reports favorable patient outcomes, including survival rates and quality-of-life metrics. Specific data is often available on the hospital's website or through publicly available databases.
* **Proximity:** Lebanon, NH, is approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Ludlow, VT.

**University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT): Vermont's Primary Tertiary Care Center**

The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM Medical Center) in Burlington, Vermont, serves as the state's primary tertiary care facility. It's another key option for lung cancer treatment in the region.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UVM Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Cancer Center:** UVM Medical Center operates a comprehensive cancer center, offering a full spectrum of lung cancer services.
* **Treatment Modalities:** UVM Medical Center provides advanced treatment modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. UVM Medical Center provides updates on its website.
* **Telehealth:** UVM Medical Center also offers telehealth services.
* **Proximity:** Burlington, VT, is approximately a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Ludlow, VT.

**Cheshire Medical Center (Keene, NH): A Community Hospital with Cancer Care**

Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire, offers a more local option. While it's not a tertiary care center like DHMC or UVM, it provides valuable cancer care services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Cheshire Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **Cancer Program:** Cheshire Medical Center has a cancer program that provides chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other supportive services.
* **Collaboration:** Cheshire Medical Center often collaborates with larger cancer centers, such as DHMC, for specialized treatments or surgical procedures.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are generally shorter than those at larger hospitals.
* **Proximity:** Keene, NH, is approximately a 1-hour drive from Ludlow, VT.

**Springfield Hospital (Springfield, VT): A Local Option**

Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Vermont, is a local community hospital that provides basic healthcare services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Springfield Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Cancer Services:** Springfield Hospital provides some cancer-related services, including chemotherapy and supportive care.
* **Referrals:** Springfield Hospital often refers patients with complex lung cancer cases to larger cancer centers for specialized treatment.
* **Proximity:** Springfield, VT, is approximately a 30-minute drive from Ludlow, VT.

**Additional Considerations: Factors Beyond the Hospital Walls**

Beyond the specific hospital, several factors influence lung cancer care:

* **Access to Specialists:** The availability of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and thoracic surgeons in the area is crucial.
* **Support Services:** Access to support groups, patient navigators, and social workers can significantly improve the patient experience.
* **Transportation:** Transportation challenges are common in rural areas. Consider the distance to the hospital and the availability of transportation assistance.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the chosen hospital and its specialists are within your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews and testimonials can provide insights into patient experiences.

**Comparing the Options: A Summary**

* **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:** Offers the most comprehensive lung cancer care, with a dedicated cancer center, advanced treatment options, and strong patient outcomes. The distance is a factor.
* **University of Vermont Medical Center:** Provides comprehensive lung cancer care. The distance is a factor.
* **Cheshire Medical Center:** A good option for local care and supportive services, often collaborating with larger cancer centers.
* **Springfield Hospital:** Provides local access to some cancer services, with referrals to larger centers for specialized treatment.

**Making the Right Choice: A Personalized Decision**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. Consider your individual needs, the severity of your condition, your insurance coverage, and your comfort level with the hospital and its staff. Consult with your primary care physician and pulmonologist to discuss your options and develop a personalized treatment plan. Researching each hospital's website, contacting their patient services departments, and seeking second opinions are all valuable steps in the decision-making process. This review provides a starting point, but your individual circumstances are paramount.