31768, Moultrie, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 31768, Moultrie, Georgia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in Southwest Georgia: A Hospital Review Near 31768**

The search for optimal lung cancer care can be daunting. This review focuses on hospitals near the ZIP code 31768 (Moultrie, Georgia) and provides a fact-based assessment of their capabilities, incorporating publicly available data to assist in informed decision-making. The information presented is current as of October 26, 2023, and is subject to change. Always verify information directly with the hospitals before making healthcare decisions.

**Colquitt Regional Medical Center (Moultrie, GA): A Community Focus**

Colquitt Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Moultrie, GA, is the primary hospital within the 31768 ZIP code. CRMC is a 99-bed facility serving the immediate and surrounding communities. As a community hospital, its focus is on providing a broad range of services. CRMC is not a designated flagship cancer center, but it does offer oncology services.

CRMC's website indicates a cancer care program, which likely includes chemotherapy and supportive care. However, specific details about lung cancer-specific treatment options, such as advanced surgical capabilities or radiation therapy, are not readily available on the hospital's website. Patients with complex cases may need to seek referral to larger facilities.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals. As of the latest available data, CRMC's CMS star rating is unavailable. This means the hospital has not been rated by CMS, which may be due to a variety of factors, including data availability.

ER wait times are a crucial consideration. According to data from CMS, the median ER wait time at CRMC is unavailable. This lack of data makes it difficult to assess the efficiency of the emergency department.

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. CRMC offers telehealth services, although the specific details about the types of telehealth services available for oncology patients are not readily available on the hospital's website.

**Looking Beyond Moultrie: Regional Options**

For more specialized lung cancer care, patients in the 31768 area often look to hospitals in nearby cities. Albany, Georgia, and Tallahassee, Florida, are potential destinations.

**Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Albany, GA): A Regional Hub**

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, GA, is a larger regional medical center, approximately 40 miles from Moultrie. Phoebe Putney offers a more comprehensive range of services, including a dedicated cancer center.

Phoebe Putney's Cancer Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. This typically involves a team of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals, collaborating to develop individualized treatment plans. Specific information on lung cancer treatment modalities, such as surgical capabilities, radiation therapy technology, and access to clinical trials, should be directly confirmed with Phoebe Putney.

Phoebe Putney's CMS star rating is unavailable. This suggests that the hospital has not been rated by CMS.

ER wait times are an important factor. As of the latest available data, Phoebe Putney's median ER wait time is unavailable.

Phoebe Putney offers telehealth services. The extent of telehealth services available for oncology patients should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (Tallahassee, FL): A Florida Option**

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is a major medical center in Tallahassee, Florida, approximately 75 miles from Moultrie. TMH is a larger, more specialized facility.

TMH has a comprehensive cancer center that offers a full range of cancer services. TMH's cancer center likely offers advanced treatment options for lung cancer, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and access to clinical trials. Specific information about lung cancer treatment modalities, such as surgical capabilities, radiation therapy technology, and access to clinical trials, should be directly confirmed with TMH.

TMH has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This indicates that the hospital is rated by CMS and received a rating of average.

ER wait times are a factor. According to CMS data, the median ER wait time at TMH is 24 minutes. This suggests a relatively efficient emergency department.

TMH offers telehealth services. The extent of telehealth services available for oncology patients should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Other Considerations: Specialty Centers and Support Services**

Beyond the primary hospitals, consider the availability of specialty centers and support services. These can significantly impact the quality of care.

**Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging technology, such as PET/CT scans and advanced bronchoscopy, is critical for accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Inquire about the availability of these technologies at each hospital.

**Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards:** Lung cancer treatment is most effective when guided by a multidisciplinary team. Confirm whether the hospitals have tumor boards that regularly review patient cases and develop treatment plans.

**Support Services:** Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Look for hospitals that offer support services, such as patient navigators, social workers, support groups, and access to palliative care.

**Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. Inquire about the availability of clinical trials for lung cancer at each hospital.

**Financial Considerations:** Cancer treatment can be expensive. Inquire about insurance coverage, financial assistance programs, and cost estimates for treatment at each hospital.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare. Telehealth can provide convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services.

**Telehealth Availability:** Confirm the availability of telehealth services for oncology patients at each hospital. Inquire about the types of telehealth services offered, such as video consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education.

**Conclusion: Weighing the Options**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care requires careful consideration. While Colquitt Regional Medical Center provides local services, patients may need to seek more specialized care at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany or Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare in Tallahassee. Each hospital has its strengths and weaknesses.

Consider the following factors when making your decision:

* **Specialty Services:** The availability of a comprehensive cancer center with a multidisciplinary team.
* **Advanced Technology:** Access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.
* **CMS Star Rating:** While not the only factor, it provides a general assessment of hospital quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** An indicator of the efficiency of the emergency department.
* **Telehealth Services:** The availability of convenient access to care.
* **Support Services:** The availability of patient navigators, support groups, and other resources.
* **Proximity:** The convenience of location and travel time.

Contact the hospitals directly to gather the most up-to-date information and to discuss your specific needs. Consulting with your primary care physician or oncologist is also crucial in making an informed decision about your care. This review provides a starting point for your research, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.