39540, Diberville, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39540, Diberville, Mississippi is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in the Gulf Coast: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 39540**

The Mississippi Gulf Coast, encompassing the area around ZIP code 39540 (Gulfport), offers a range of healthcare options for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This review examines the key hospitals in the vicinity, focusing on their capabilities, resources, and performance metrics relevant to lung cancer treatment. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth services to provide a comprehensive overview.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings provide a valuable, albeit simplified, gauge of hospital quality. These ratings, based on a variety of factors, are a starting point for evaluating a hospital's overall performance.

* **Memorial Hospital at Gulfport:** Located directly within the 39540 ZIP code, Memorial Hospital is a significant player in the local healthcare landscape. As of the latest available data, Memorial Hospital holds a CMS star rating. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across several key areas, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center, offering a range of services, including radiation oncology and chemotherapy.

* **Singing River Health System (Pascagoula):** While not directly in the 39540 ZIP code, Singing River Health System in Pascagoula is a major regional provider, easily accessible from Gulfport. Singing River has a CMS star rating. The hospital system operates a comprehensive cancer center, providing multidisciplinary care for various cancers, including lung cancer.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, particularly for patients experiencing acute symptoms related to lung cancer or its treatment. Longer wait times can exacerbate patient distress and delay necessary interventions.

* **Memorial Hospital at Gulfport:** Memorial Hospital's ER wait times are generally in line with national averages, though specific real-time data fluctuates. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

* **Singing River Health System (Pascagoula):** Singing River's ER wait times are also variable, but the hospital strives to maintain efficient operations. It's advisable to check current wait times through online resources or by calling the hospital directly before visiting the ER.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer-Specific Resources**

The presence of specialized centers and resources dedicated to lung cancer care is a strong indicator of a hospital's commitment to treating this complex disease.

* **Memorial Hospital at Gulfport:** Memorial Hospital's cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment. This includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and surgical oncologists working collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans. The hospital also provides access to diagnostic imaging, including CT scans and PET scans, essential for staging and monitoring lung cancer.

* **Singing River Health System (Pascagoula):** Singing River's cancer center is equipped to handle various lung cancer cases. The center has a dedicated team of specialists, including thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The hospital also offers advanced technologies for diagnosis and treatment, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced radiation therapy.

**Telehealth Services: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who live in more remote areas.

* **Memorial Hospital at Gulfport:** Memorial Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations with specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care services. The hospital is actively working to increase the availability of telehealth options.

* **Singing River Health System (Pascagoula):** Singing River also provides telehealth services, including virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists. These services can improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel for patients. The hospital is continually investing in its telehealth infrastructure.

**Diagnostic Capabilities: The Foundation of Treatment**

Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical for effective lung cancer treatment. Hospitals' diagnostic capabilities, including imaging and pathology services, are crucial.

* **Memorial Hospital at Gulfport:** Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive diagnostic services, including advanced imaging technologies like CT scans, PET scans, and bronchoscopy. The hospital's pathology department is equipped to analyze tissue samples and provide accurate diagnoses.

* **Singing River Health System (Pascagoula):** Singing River offers a full range of diagnostic services, including advanced imaging, bronchoscopy, and pathology services. The hospital's diagnostic capabilities are essential for staging lung cancer and monitoring treatment response.

**Treatment Modalities: A Spectrum of Options**

The availability of various treatment modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, is a key factor in assessing a hospital's ability to provide comprehensive lung cancer care.

* **Memorial Hospital at Gulfport:** Memorial Hospital offers a range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The hospital's oncology team is experienced in utilizing various treatment approaches, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

* **Singing River Health System (Pascagoula):** Singing River provides a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. The hospital's oncology team is at the forefront of lung cancer treatment advancements.

**Patient Support Services: Beyond Medical Treatment**

Comprehensive lung cancer care extends beyond medical treatments. Patient support services, such as support groups, counseling, and palliative care, are vital for overall well-being.

* **Memorial Hospital at Gulfport:** Memorial Hospital offers patient support services, including access to support groups, counseling, and palliative care. These services are designed to help patients and their families cope with the physical and emotional challenges of lung cancer.

* **Singing River Health System (Pascagoula):** Singing River provides a range of patient support services, including support groups, counseling, and palliative care. The hospital is committed to providing holistic care that addresses the needs of patients and their families.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Therapies**

Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative treatments and therapies.

* **Memorial Hospital at Gulfport:** Memorial Hospital may offer access to clinical trials, depending on the specific research being conducted. Patients should discuss clinical trial options with their oncologist.

* **Singing River Health System (Pascagoula):** Singing River actively participates in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies and treatment options. Patients should discuss clinical trial eligibility with their oncologist.

**Conclusion: Navigating Lung Cancer Care on the Gulf Coast**

The hospitals near ZIP code 39540 offer a range of options for lung cancer care. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, being within the ZIP code, provides convenient access to comprehensive services. Singing River Health System in Pascagoula, a regional provider, offers a robust cancer center. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a hospital, consulting with their primary care physician and oncologist to make an informed decision. Factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth services, and the availability of specific treatment modalities should all be considered. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, patients can find the best possible care and support for their lung cancer journey.