05354, Vernon, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05354, Vernon, Vermont is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 05354 (Springfield, VT)

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical first step. This review analyzes hospitals near Springfield, Vermont (ZIP code 05354), focusing on key factors relevant to lung cancer care, including hospital quality metrics, specialized services, and access to care. Due to the rural nature of the area, this review will primarily focus on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging that patient preferences and specific needs will vary.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Springfield, Vermont, is a relatively rural area. Consequently, residents often travel to larger hospitals for specialized care. While local hospitals may offer initial assessments and some supportive services, comprehensive lung cancer treatment frequently necessitates travel. This review prioritizes hospitals within a 1-2 hour driving radius, acknowledging that patient choices may extend further depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH): A Flagship Institution**

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), located in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is a major player in the region. It’s approximately a 1-hour drive from Springfield, VT. DHMC is a large, tertiary care center and a teaching hospital, offering a comprehensive range of medical services, including advanced lung cancer treatment.

* **CMS Star Rating:** DHMC generally receives a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While the CMS star rating is a useful indicator, it’s crucial to remember that it’s a general measure and doesn’t encompass all aspects of specialized care like lung cancer treatment.
* **Lung Cancer Specialty Center:** DHMC boasts a dedicated Thoracic Oncology Program, offering multidisciplinary care. This program typically includes pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists who collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans.
* **Surgical Capabilities:** DHMC's surgical teams are experienced in minimally invasive techniques, including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which can lead to faster recovery times for some patients. They also offer complex procedures like lung resections and mediastinal lymph node dissections.
* **Radiation Oncology:** The hospital features advanced radiation therapy technologies, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which can deliver precise radiation doses to tumors.
* **Medical Oncology:** DHMC offers a full spectrum of medical oncology services, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. They also participate in clinical trials, providing patients access to cutting-edge treatment options.
* **Telehealth:** DHMC has invested significantly in telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent travel. Telehealth utilization rates have increased significantly in recent years, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at DHMC can fluctuate. Patients should expect to wait, but the hospital generally strives to see patients promptly. The average wait time is usually within the national average, but it's always advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before arriving.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores at DHMC are generally positive, but can vary based on the specific department and the individual patient's experience. Patient feedback is used to improve care.

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

Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire, is another option, approximately a 1-hour drive from Springfield. While smaller than DHMC, Cheshire Medical Center is a well-regarded community hospital with a strong focus on cancer care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Cheshire Medical Center consistently receives a 4- or 5-star rating from CMS, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety.
* **Cancer Center:** Cheshire Medical Center has a dedicated cancer center, offering comprehensive cancer care services. They partner with Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center, providing access to a wider network of specialists and resources.
* **Medical Oncology:** The hospital provides chemotherapy and other medical oncology treatments.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Cheshire Medical Center offers radiation therapy services.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Surgical oncology services are available, with experienced surgeons performing lung cancer-related procedures.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are available for some appointments and follow-up care.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Cheshire Medical Center are generally reasonable, often shorter than those at larger tertiary centers.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores are typically high, reflecting a focus on patient-centered care.

**Springfield Hospital (Springfield, VT): Local Care and Support**

Springfield Hospital, located directly in Springfield, Vermont, provides local healthcare services. It is a critical access hospital, which means it receives special funding to serve rural communities.

* **Local Services:** Springfield Hospital offers primary care, diagnostic imaging (including CT scans and X-rays), and some supportive services for cancer patients.
* **Limited Specialized Treatment:** Springfield Hospital does not offer comprehensive lung cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or advanced medical oncology. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer will be referred to larger hospitals for specialized care.
* **Telehealth:** Springfield Hospital utilizes telehealth for some consultations and follow-up appointments, connecting patients with specialists at larger hospitals.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Springfield Hospital are generally shorter than those at larger hospitals.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive.

**Other Considerations: Access, Transportation, and Support**

Beyond the hospitals themselves, several other factors are important for lung cancer patients:

* **Access to Care:** The availability of appointments, the ease of scheduling, and the proximity of the hospital to the patient's home are all critical.
* **Transportation:** For patients without personal transportation, access to reliable transportation services is essential. This can include family support, volunteer driver programs, and public transportation options.
* **Support Services:** Lung cancer patients often benefit from support groups, counseling, and other supportive services. These resources can be found at the hospitals mentioned above and through local cancer support organizations.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Understanding insurance coverage for treatment costs is crucial. Patients should verify their insurance benefits and understand their out-of-pocket expenses.
* **Clinical Trials:** Patients may want to inquire about clinical trial opportunities, which can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

For residents of Springfield, VT (05354), Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, offers the most comprehensive lung cancer care, including a dedicated Thoracic Oncology Program, advanced surgical and radiation therapy options, and access to clinical trials. Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, NH, provides a strong alternative with a cancer center and a partnership with Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Springfield Hospital offers local support and diagnostic services, but patients will need to travel to larger hospitals for specialized lung cancer treatment.

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and the availability of resources. Consulting with their primary care physician, gathering information from multiple sources, and asking questions are essential steps in making an informed choice.