08060, Mount Holly, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08060, Mount Holly, New Jersey is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 08060**

The fight against lung cancer is complex, requiring a multifaceted approach from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing care. For residents near ZIP code 08060 (Mount Holly, New Jersey, and surrounding areas), access to high-quality medical facilities is paramount. This review examines the landscape of lung cancer care available in the region, focusing on key hospitals and their capabilities.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The presence of lung cancer specialists, advanced diagnostic tools, and comprehensive treatment options significantly impacts patient outcomes. This review considers factors like hospital ratings, wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth services to provide a comprehensive overview.

**Virtua Memorial Hospital of Burlington County (Mount Holly, NJ)**

Located directly within ZIP code 08060, Virtua Memorial Hospital of Burlington County is a primary access point for local residents. While not a designated flagship hospital with a national reputation, Virtua Memorial offers a range of services relevant to lung cancer care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Virtua Memorial Hospital of Burlington County currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality, with higher ratings indicating better performance across various metrics.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** The average ER wait time at Virtua Memorial is a crucial factor for patients experiencing symptoms. Publicly available data indicates wait times that fluctuate, and it's best to check real-time data on sites like Google or the hospital's website.
* **Specialty Centers:** Virtua Memorial has a cancer center that provides diagnostic services, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They collaborate with medical oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth:** Virtua Health has expanded its telehealth offerings, including oncology consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth is a valuable asset for patients who may have difficulty traveling.

**Cooper University Hospital (Camden, NJ)**

Cooper University Hospital, located in Camden, NJ, is a major regional medical center and a potential destination for patients seeking advanced lung cancer care. It is a more significant facility than Virtua Memorial and has a broader scope of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Cooper University Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating, indicating higher overall quality compared to Virtua Memorial.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times at Cooper University Hospital are available online and vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. It's advisable to check real-time wait times before heading to the ER.
* **Specialty Centers:** Cooper has a comprehensive cancer center, including a thoracic oncology program specializing in lung cancer. The program offers advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical options, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.
* **Telehealth:** Cooper has invested in telehealth, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Jefferson Health (Various Locations)**

Jefferson Health operates several hospitals in the region, including those that may be accessible to residents near 08060. It is important to research the specific locations and their offerings.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Jefferson Health hospitals have varying CMS star ratings. It is necessary to investigate the ratings of individual hospitals within the Jefferson system.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times vary across Jefferson Health facilities. Checking online resources for real-time data is recommended.
* **Specialty Centers:** Jefferson Health has a well-regarded cancer network with multiple locations. The system offers a range of services, including thoracic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.
* **Telehealth:** Jefferson Health has a robust telehealth program, including oncology consultations and follow-up care.

**Other Considerations**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors influence the quality of lung cancer care.

* **Physician Expertise:** The experience and expertise of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists are critical. Researching the credentials and experience of physicians at each hospital is essential.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as PET/CT scans, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging. Hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment are better equipped to provide comprehensive care.
* **Treatment Options:** Availability of a full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, is vital.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials offers patients access to cutting-edge treatments. Hospitals with active research programs are often at the forefront of lung cancer care.
* **Support Services:** Lung cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Hospitals that offer support services, such as counseling, support groups, and palliative care, can significantly improve the patient experience.

**Comparing and Contrasting**

When comparing hospitals, consider the following:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the only indicator of quality, CMS ratings provide a useful benchmark. Higher ratings generally indicate better overall performance.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are crucial in emergencies.
* **Specialty Centers:** Specialized cancer centers offer comprehensive care and access to a broader range of specialists.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options can improve access to care and reduce travel burdens.
* **Physician Experience:** Researching the credentials and experience of physicians is essential.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. Consider the following steps:

1. **Consult with Your Primary Care Physician:** Discuss your concerns and get recommendations.
2. **Research Hospitals:** Review CMS ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth options.
3. **Investigate Physician Credentials:** Research the experience and expertise of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists.
4. **Consider Location and Accessibility:** Factor in travel time and ease of access.
5. **Seek Second Opinions:** Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from another specialist.
6. **Ask Questions:** Ask about treatment options, clinical trials, and support services.

**Conclusion**

Residents near ZIP code 08060 have access to a range of hospitals offering lung cancer care. Virtua Memorial Hospital of Burlington County, Cooper University Hospital, and Jefferson Health facilities are the primary options. Thorough research, consultation with healthcare providers, and a focus on individual needs are crucial for making informed decisions. Choosing a hospital with experienced specialists, advanced diagnostic tools, and comprehensive treatment options is essential for the best possible outcome.