26739, Mount Storm, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26739, Mount Storm, West Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Moorefield, WV (ZIP Code 26739): A Data-Driven Review

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to quality care, especially when facing a serious illness, is paramount. This review focuses on the hospitals closest to Moorefield, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26739), evaluating their capabilities in lung cancer treatment based on available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options. While no single "score" exists, this analysis provides a factual overview to help inform healthcare decisions.

**Proximity Matters: The Immediate Landscape**

The immediate vicinity of Moorefield, WV, presents limited options for advanced lung cancer care. Residents often travel further for specialized services. Therefore, this review will extend its reach to include hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those that are likely to be considered for treatment.

**The West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine System: A Primary Contender**

The WVU Medicine system, with its flagship hospital in Morgantown, WV, is a significant player in the region. WVU Medicine is the most likely destination for complex cancer care.

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

Ruby Memorial Hospital, located in Morgantown (approximately 100 miles from Moorefield), is the primary tertiary care center within the WVU Medicine system. It's a Level I Trauma Center, indicating a high level of emergency and critical care capabilities. Ruby Memorial is a major cancer treatment facility, housing the WVU Cancer Institute.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Ruby Memorial Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, based on factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care.
* **Cancer Institute:** The WVU Cancer Institute is a comprehensive cancer center. They offer a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and pulmonology.
* **Specialty Centers:** The Cancer Institute houses specialized programs for various cancer types, including lung cancer. They likely have dedicated teams of specialists focused on diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and supportive care.
* **Surgical Capabilities:** Ruby Memorial performs complex thoracic surgeries, including lobectomies and pneumonectomies for lung cancer. The hospital's surgical outcomes data, while not always publicly available in granular detail, are an important factor to consider.
* **Radiation Oncology:** The hospital has advanced radiation therapy capabilities, including techniques like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), which are crucial for lung cancer treatment.
* **Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy:** The Cancer Institute provides chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments, including access to clinical trials for cutting-edge therapies.
* **Telehealth:** WVU Medicine has significantly expanded its telehealth services. Telehealth can be beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations, reducing the need for frequent travel. Specific telehealth statistics for lung cancer patients are not readily available, but the system's overall telehealth utilization is substantial.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Ruby Memorial can fluctuate. Publicly available data often shows average wait times, but these can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Checking real-time wait times online or calling the hospital before arriving is advisable.

**Other WVU Medicine Facilities (Potential Considerations)**

The WVU Medicine system includes other hospitals that might be relevant, depending on the specific needs of the patient:

* **WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center (Martinsburg, WV):** Located approximately 150 miles from Moorefield, this hospital may offer some cancer services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, it may not have the same level of specialized lung cancer expertise as Ruby Memorial.
* **WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center (Parkersburg, WV):** This hospital may also provide some cancer services. However, similar to Berkeley Medical Center, it is unlikely to have the full range of specialized lung cancer care found at Ruby Memorial.

**Other Hospitals within Driving Distance**

Other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance may also offer lung cancer treatment options.

* **University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore, MD):** Located approximately 200 miles from Moorefield, the University of Maryland Medical Center is a major academic medical center with a comprehensive cancer program. They offer advanced lung cancer treatments, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and access to clinical trials. Their National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center status indicates a high level of research and treatment expertise. However, travel distance is a significant consideration.
* **Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):** Also located in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins Hospital is renowned for its medical excellence and cancer care. They have a dedicated thoracic oncology center with a multidisciplinary team. Their expertise in lung cancer treatment is exceptional, but the travel distance is a major factor.
* **Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, VA):** Approximately 200 miles from Moorefield, Inova Fairfax Hospital is a large, comprehensive hospital with a cancer center. They offer a full range of lung cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. They may also have clinical trials available.

**Important Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients**

Several factors are crucial when selecting a hospital for lung cancer treatment:

* **Stage of Cancer:** The stage of the cancer dictates the treatment approach. Early-stage cancers may be treated primarily with surgery, while advanced stages often require a combination of therapies.
* **Subtype of Lung Cancer:** Different subtypes of lung cancer (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer) respond differently to treatments. The hospital's expertise in treating the specific subtype is essential.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Lung cancer treatment often requires a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and supportive care providers.
* **Access to Clinical Trials:** Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge therapies. Hospitals with active research programs are more likely to have clinical trial opportunities.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can provide insights into the quality of care and the patient experience.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirming insurance coverage for the chosen hospital and treatments is crucial.

**Specifics to Investigate Further**

* **Surgical Volumes:** Inquire about the number of lung cancer surgeries performed annually by the thoracic surgeons. High surgical volumes are often associated with better outcomes.
* **Survival Rates:** Ask about the hospital's survival rates for lung cancer patients, but understand that these statistics can be complex and influenced by many factors.
* **Access to Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapies:** Confirm that the hospital offers the latest targeted therapies and immunotherapies, if appropriate for the patient's cancer type.
* **Supportive Care Services:** Assess the availability of supportive care services, such as palliative care, pain management, and psychosocial support.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Choices**

For residents of Moorefield, WV (ZIP Code 26739), the WVU Medicine system, particularly Ruby Memorial Hospital, is likely the primary destination for advanced lung cancer care. The University of Maryland Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Inova Fairfax Hospital offer excellent options, but travel distance is a significant consideration. Thorough research, consultation with medical professionals, and careful consideration of individual needs are essential in making informed decisions about lung cancer treatment. This review provides a starting point for that process, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making and the need for personalized care.