39483, Foxworth, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39483, Foxworth, Mississippi is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Pine Belt: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 39483

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. For residents near ZIP code 39483 (the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area), several healthcare options exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review delves into the key factors to consider when evaluating these facilities, focusing on lung cancer-specific resources, overall quality metrics, and accessibility.

**The Landscape: Major Players and Their Stakes**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Hattiesburg area are Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley. Both are large, established hospitals with a range of specialties. Their performance in lung cancer care, however, can vary.

**Forrest General Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Forrest General Hospital (FGH), located in Hattiesburg, is a significant regional medical center. It is a large hospital with a comprehensive range of services. As of the latest available data, FGH holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a level of care that is generally considered acceptable.

Regarding lung cancer, FGH offers a multidisciplinary approach. This means that patients benefit from the combined expertise of pulmonologists (lung specialists), thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The hospital has a dedicated oncology department, which is crucial for coordinating complex cancer treatment plans.

The hospital's ER wait times are a key factor for patients. The average ER wait time at FGH, according to recent data, is around 30-45 minutes. This is a relatively moderate wait time, but it can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

FGH has invested in telehealth services. Telehealth is increasingly important in oncology, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, manage follow-up appointments, and receive support from the comfort of their homes. The hospital's telehealth capabilities include video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and virtual support groups. The availability and utilization rates of these services are crucial for patients who may have mobility issues or live in rural areas.

**Merit Health Wesley: Assessing the Competition**

Merit Health Wesley, also in Hattiesburg, is the other major hospital in the area. It also offers a broad spectrum of medical services. Merit Health Wesley also holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating suggests a similar overall quality of care as Forrest General Hospital.

Merit Health Wesley also has a dedicated oncology program. The hospital offers a multidisciplinary team to provide care for lung cancer patients. It has pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists on staff.

ER wait times at Merit Health Wesley are comparable to FGH, with an average wait time of around 30-45 minutes. These times can vary based on the influx of patients.

Merit Health Wesley has also expanded its telehealth offerings. This includes virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities. The hospital’s telehealth program is designed to improve access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Technologies**

Beyond the general services, the presence of specialty centers and advanced technologies is vital for lung cancer treatment. Neither FGH nor Merit Health Wesley is a designated National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center. NCI centers are recognized for their cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and comprehensive cancer care. However, both hospitals offer advanced imaging capabilities, including CT scans and PET scans, which are essential for diagnosing and staging lung cancer.

The availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), is also important. SBRT delivers high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Information on the availability of these technologies should be confirmed with each hospital.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Participation in clinical trials offers patients access to the latest treatment options and can be a crucial factor in improving outcomes. Neither FGH nor Merit Health Wesley currently has a robust clinical trial program. Patients seeking access to clinical trials may need to travel to larger cancer centers in other cities.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience**

Accessibility is a critical consideration, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments. Both hospitals are located in Hattiesburg, making them relatively accessible for residents of the surrounding areas. However, transportation challenges can still exist for some patients.

Patient experience is also a key factor. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience. The CMS star ratings provide some insight into patient satisfaction, but it is also helpful to read online reviews and testimonials from other patients.

**Considerations Beyond the Hospitals**

It is important to remember that the quality of care extends beyond the hospital walls. Factors such as the availability of support services, including patient navigators, social workers, and support groups, can significantly impact a patient's experience. The availability of these resources should be investigated.

**Comparing the Options: A Summary**

Both Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley offer comprehensive lung cancer care in the Hattiesburg area. Both hospitals have a 3-star CMS rating. Both have dedicated oncology programs with multidisciplinary teams. Both offer telehealth services.

**Making the Choice: Key Questions to Ask**

When choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment, patients should ask the following questions:

* What is the experience of the pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists in treating lung cancer?
* What advanced imaging and radiation therapy technologies are available?
* Are there any clinical trials available?
* What support services are offered, such as patient navigators and support groups?
* What is the patient satisfaction rating?
* What is the average ER wait time?

**Conclusion: Navigating the System**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Residents near ZIP code 39483 have two primary options: Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley. Both hospitals provide a range of services. Thorough research, including asking the right questions and considering individual needs, is crucial for making an informed decision. Consulting with a primary care physician or oncologist is also highly recommended. The ultimate goal is to find a healthcare provider that offers the best possible care and support during this challenging journey.