26285, Norton, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26285, Norton, West Virginia is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care Near ZIP Code 26285: A Comprehensive Review**

This review provides an in-depth look at the hospitals near ZIP code 26285 (Parsons, West Virginia), focusing on their capacity to diagnose and treat lung cancer. We'll analyze factors crucial to patient care, including hospital ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth options. Given the rural nature of the area, access to quality healthcare can be challenging, making this analysis particularly relevant.

**Proximity and General Considerations**

The immediate vicinity of Parsons, WV, is primarily served by smaller community hospitals. Larger, more specialized facilities are located further afield, necessitating travel for complex lung cancer treatment. This review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in the potential impact of travel on patient care.

**Hospital Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings provide a readily accessible measure of hospital quality. These ratings, based on various metrics, offer a general indication of performance. Unfortunately, hospitals directly within Parsons, WV, may not have CMS star ratings due to their size or specific reporting requirements. Therefore, we must look at facilities within a broader radius.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Located approximately 80 miles northwest of Parsons, Mon Health Medical Center is a significant regional hospital. While a specific CMS star rating for the hospital is not available at the time of this review, Mon Health is part of a larger healthcare system. The system has a strong reputation for quality, and the hospital offers comprehensive cancer services.

**WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV)**

Ruby Memorial Hospital, also in Morgantown, is the flagship hospital of the WVU Medicine system. It is a Level I Trauma Center and a major referral center for the region. Ruby Memorial consistently receives high marks for quality, often exceeding national averages in various categories. Ruby Memorial has a strong cancer program, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options. While a precise CMS star rating may fluctuate, Ruby Memorial’s commitment to quality is well-established.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration, especially for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, it's essential to understand the general patterns.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Mon Health Medical Center, being a regional hospital, typically experiences wait times that align with national averages. However, these times can vary depending on the day of the week and the volume of patients. Patients should anticipate potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV)**

Ruby Memorial Hospital, as a Level I Trauma Center, often handles a high volume of emergency cases. Consequently, ER wait times can be longer than at smaller hospitals. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, understanding that the hospital prioritizes the most critical cases.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

The availability of specialized cancer centers is paramount for optimal lung cancer care. These centers offer multidisciplinary teams, advanced technologies, and access to clinical trials.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Mon Health Medical Center offers a comprehensive cancer program, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital's cancer center provides a range of diagnostic and treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions.

**WVU Medicine – Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center (Morgantown, WV)**

The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at Ruby Memorial Hospital is a leading cancer center in the region. It is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, a prestigious designation that reflects its commitment to research, education, and comprehensive patient care. The center offers a full spectrum of lung cancer services, including advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and access to clinical trials. The center's multidisciplinary team includes pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, and supportive care specialists.

**Diagnostic Capabilities: Imaging and Biopsy**

Accurate and timely diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective lung cancer treatment. Access to advanced imaging technologies and biopsy capabilities is crucial.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Mon Health Medical Center provides a range of diagnostic imaging services, including CT scans, MRI, and PET scans. The hospital also offers biopsy capabilities, allowing for tissue samples to be obtained for accurate diagnosis.

**WVU Medicine – Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center (Morgantown, WV)**

The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center boasts state-of-the-art imaging technologies, including advanced CT scanners, PET/CT scanners, and MRI machines. The center also has a dedicated interventional pulmonology program, offering advanced bronchoscopy techniques, including endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and navigational bronchoscopy, for precise diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.

**Treatment Options: Surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy**

The availability of various treatment options is essential for tailoring care to individual patient needs.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Mon Health Medical Center offers a range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The hospital's surgical team performs lung resections, while radiation therapy is delivered using advanced techniques.

**WVU Medicine – Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center (Morgantown, WV)**

The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center provides a comprehensive array of treatment options. The center's thoracic surgeons perform minimally invasive lung resections, including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery. The radiation oncology department utilizes advanced techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The medical oncology team offers a full spectrum of chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. Remote patient monitoring can also improve care coordination.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Mon Health Medical Center has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring services. These services can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education.

**WVU Medicine – Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center (Morgantown, WV)**

The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center has a robust telehealth program, providing virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and access to online support groups. These services help to reduce travel burdens and improve patient access to care.

**Support Services and Patient Navigation**

Comprehensive cancer care extends beyond medical treatments. Access to support services, such as patient navigation, counseling, and support groups, is crucial for patients and their families.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Mon Health Medical Center offers a range of support services, including patient navigation, social work, and support groups. These services help patients navigate the complexities of cancer care and provide emotional support.

**WVU Medicine – Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center (Morgantown, WV)**

The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center provides a comprehensive array of support services, including patient navigation, social work, psychological counseling, nutrition counseling, and support groups. The center also offers resources for financial assistance and palliative care.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in lung cancer care.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Mon Health Medical Center may offer participation in clinical trials, although the scope is typically less extensive than at larger research institutions.

**WVU Medicine – Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center (Morgantown, WV)**

The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center is actively involved in clinical research and offers numerous clinical trials for lung cancer patients. This provides patients with access to the latest treatment options and contributes to the advancement of cancer care.

**Accessibility and Travel Considerations**

The distance from Parsons, WV, to Morgantown, WV, can be a significant factor for patients. Travel time and potential lodging costs should be considered when choosing a hospital.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

The drive to Mon Health Medical Center from Parsons, WV, is approximately 80 miles, which may take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

**WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV)**

The drive to Ruby Memorial Hospital from Parsons, WV, is also approximately 80 miles, with a similar travel time.

**Conclusion**

For residents of ZIP code 26285 seeking lung cancer care, the WVU Medicine system, particularly Ruby Memorial Hospital and the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, offers the most comprehensive and advanced options. The NCI designation, advanced technologies, multidisciplinary teams, and access to clinical trials provide a significant advantage. While Mon Health Medical Center offers valuable services, the specialized expertise and resources available at Ruby Memorial Hospital make it the preferred choice for complex lung cancer cases. The travel distance is a consideration, but the potential benefits of receiving care at a leading cancer center often outweigh the inconvenience. Patients should discuss their individual needs and preferences with their primary care physician to determine the most appropriate course of action.