26705, Aurora, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26705, Aurora, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care Near 26705: A Deep Dive**

The search for optimal lung cancer care is a serious undertaking, and proximity to quality medical facilities is a crucial factor. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 26705, offering a detailed look at their capabilities, performance metrics, and resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

**Regional Overview and Key Players**

The immediate vicinity of 26705, which encompasses areas like Keyser, West Virginia, and surrounding communities, presents a landscape where access to specialized cancer care requires considering hospitals in nearby states, particularly Maryland and Pennsylvania. While smaller community hospitals within the ZIP code’s immediate vicinity may offer basic services, comprehensive lung cancer treatment often necessitates referral to larger, more specialized facilities.

**WVU Medicine – Berkeley Medical Center (Martinsburg, WV)**

Located approximately 70 miles from 26705, WVU Medicine – Berkeley Medical Center is a significant regional healthcare provider. While not a dedicated cancer center, Berkeley Medical Center offers a range of cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The hospital’s affiliation with the larger WVU Medicine network provides access to a broader range of specialists and resources.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Berkeley Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality and patient safety measures.
* **ER Wait Times:** Average ER wait times at Berkeley Medical Center fluctuate, but data suggests they can range from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the time of day and patient volume.
* **Telehealth:** WVU Medicine has expanded its telehealth offerings, potentially allowing for remote consultations with specialists, including oncologists, for patients in the 26705 area.
* **Lung Cancer Services:** Berkeley Medical Center provides diagnostic imaging, including CT scans and PET scans, essential for lung cancer detection and staging. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also available on-site. Surgical oncology services, however, may require referral to a larger WVU Medicine facility.

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

Ruby Memorial Hospital, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, is the flagship hospital of the WVU Medicine system and a Level I Trauma Center. While further afield from 26705 (approximately 130 miles), it offers a more comprehensive array of cancer services, including a dedicated cancer center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Ruby Memorial Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** As a major trauma center, ER wait times can vary significantly, often exceeding an hour during peak times.
* **Telehealth:** Ruby Memorial has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas like 26705.
* **Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center:** Ruby Memorial is home to the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, a comprehensive cancer center offering multidisciplinary care. This includes medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials. The center is equipped with advanced technologies, such as advanced imaging and radiation therapy equipment.
* **Lung Cancer Specifics:** The Cancer Center has a dedicated lung cancer program. This includes thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery, medical oncologists experienced in lung cancer treatment, and radiation oncologists utilizing advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). They also have a team of nurses, navigators, and support staff.

**University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore, MD)**

Approximately 160 miles from 26705, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore offers a high level of cancer care. It is a major academic medical center with a strong reputation for research and advanced treatments.

* **CMS Star Rating:** The University of Maryland Medical Center has a 4-star CMS rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary, often averaging between 1 to 2 hours.
* **Telehealth:** The University of Maryland Medical System is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center:** This is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, indicating a high level of expertise and research activity. The center provides comprehensive lung cancer care, including advanced diagnostics, surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **Lung Cancer Specifics:** The Greenebaum Cancer Center has a dedicated thoracic oncology program with a multidisciplinary team. This includes thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and specialized nurses. They offer advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, and access to cutting-edge therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD)**

Johns Hopkins Hospital, also located in Baltimore (approximately 160 miles from 26705), is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation. It is renowned for its expertise in complex medical cases and its commitment to research.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Johns Hopkins Hospital has a 5-star CMS rating, the highest possible.
* **ER Wait Times:** Due to its high volume and complexity of cases, ER wait times can be lengthy, often exceeding 2 hours.
* **Telehealth:** Johns Hopkins has a well-established telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.
* **The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center:** This is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. It provides a full spectrum of lung cancer services, including cutting-edge diagnostics, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials.
* **Lung Cancer Specifics:** The Kimmel Cancer Center has a highly specialized thoracic oncology program. This includes a team of renowned thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pulmonologists. They offer advanced surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, and access to the latest therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies. They also have a strong focus on research and offer numerous clinical trials for lung cancer patients.

**UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (Pittsburgh, PA)**

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (approximately 180 miles from 26705), is a large and well-regarded cancer center. It offers a comprehensive range of cancer services and has a strong presence in the region.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, the main hospital associated with the Hillman Cancer Center, has a 4-star CMS rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UPMC facilities can vary, often averaging between 1 to 2 hours.
* **Telehealth:** UPMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Lung Cancer Services:** The Hillman Cancer Center provides a full range of lung cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They have a multidisciplinary team of specialists and offer access to clinical trials.
* **Lung Cancer Specifics:** The Hillman Cancer Center has a dedicated lung cancer program with a team of thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pulmonologists. They offer advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, and access to the latest therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

**Other Considerations**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors should be considered when evaluating lung cancer care options near 26705:

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its specialists are in-network with your insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Research patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of other lung cancer patients. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can be helpful.
* **Support Services:** Assess the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.
* **Clinical Trials:** Inquire about the availability of clinical trials, which can provide access to innovative treatments.
* **Travel and Accommodation:** Consider the travel distance and the availability of accommodations for patients and their families, especially if treatment requires frequent visits.

**Conclusion**

For individuals residing near 26705 seeking lung cancer care, the options range from local community hospitals offering basic services to major medical centers with comprehensive cancer programs. The choice of hospital depends on individual needs, the stage of the cancer, and the desired level of specialization. While WVU Medicine facilities offer a closer option, the University of Maryland Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provide access to a higher level of expertise, advanced technologies, and clinical trials. Thorough research, consultation with medical professionals, and careful consideration of all factors are crucial in making the best decision for optimal lung cancer care.