08720, Allenwood, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08720, Allenwood, New Jersey is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Brick Township, NJ (08720): A Scorecard

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting task. Choosing the right hospital is critical. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near Brick Township, New Jersey (ZIP code 08720), focusing on factors crucial for lung cancer care, including quality metrics, specialized services, and accessibility. This information is intended to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape near Brick Township is primarily defined by hospitals in Ocean County and nearby Monmouth County. Proximity is a key consideration, but quality of care, access to specialized services, and patient experience are paramount. This review examines key players, highlighting strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data.

**Hackensack Meridian Health – Ocean Medical Center (Brick Township, NJ):**

Ocean Medical Center, located directly within Brick Township, is a natural starting point. As part of the larger Hackensack Meridian Health network, it benefits from system-wide resources. The hospital is a significant presence in the community and offers a comprehensive range of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Ocean Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, encompassing factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's important to consider that ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.
* **Lung Cancer Specifics:** Ocean Medical Center has a dedicated oncology department, providing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, signifying adherence to rigorous standards for cancer care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Average ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in emergencies. Publicly available data indicates that ER wait times at Ocean Medical Center can fluctuate. Patients should check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through apps before arriving.
* **Telehealth:** Hackensack Meridian Health has invested significantly in telehealth services. Patients can access virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists, which can be particularly valuable for follow-up appointments and managing side effects.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital has a robust cancer center offering multidisciplinary care. This means patients benefit from a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and supportive care staff.
* **Accessibility:** Ocean Medical Center is conveniently located within Brick Township, making it accessible to residents of the area. Parking and transportation options are generally available.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune, NJ):**

Located in Neptune, NJ, Jersey Shore University Medical Center is another major player in the region, part of the Hackensack Meridian Health system. It offers a wider range of specialized services and is often considered a regional referral center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Jersey Shore University Medical Center currently holds a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to Ocean Medical Center.
* **Lung Cancer Specifics:** Jersey Shore has a comprehensive cancer center, including a thoracic surgery program specializing in lung cancer. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including minimally invasive surgical techniques and clinical trials.
* **ER Wait Times:** As a larger hospital, ER wait times at Jersey Shore can vary. It's advisable to check real-time wait times before visiting.
* **Telehealth:** Jersey Shore, as part of the Hackensack Meridian Health system, offers extensive telehealth options, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs.
* **Specialty Centers:** Jersey Shore boasts specialized centers for cancer care, including a lung cancer screening program and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment planning. The hospital has a strong reputation for its oncology services.
* **Accessibility:** Located in Neptune, Jersey Shore is a reasonable drive from Brick Township. However, traffic conditions should be considered.

**Riverview Medical Center (Red Bank, NJ):**

Another Hackensack Meridian Health facility, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, offers a different set of strengths.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Riverview Medical Center holds a 4-star CMS rating, similar to Jersey Shore.
* **Lung Cancer Specifics:** Riverview offers cancer care services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation therapy. The hospital's cancer center provides comprehensive care, and they participate in clinical trials.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can fluctuate. Check the hospital's website or app for real-time information.
* **Telehealth:** Riverview is integrated with the Hackensack Meridian Health telehealth network.
* **Specialty Centers:** Riverview has a cancer care program with a multidisciplinary approach.
* **Accessibility:** Red Bank is a bit further from Brick Township than Neptune, but still within a reasonable driving distance.

**Monmouth Medical Center (Long Branch, NJ):**

Monmouth Medical Center, part of RWJBarnabas Health, is another major hospital in the region.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Monmouth Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating.
* **Lung Cancer Specifics:** Monmouth Medical Center has a cancer center that provides comprehensive care for lung cancer patients, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation therapy. They offer advanced treatment options.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website or app for real-time information.
* **Telehealth:** RWJBarnabas Health offers telehealth services.
* **Specialty Centers:** Monmouth Medical Center has a cancer center with a multidisciplinary approach.
* **Accessibility:** Long Branch is accessible from Brick Township.

**Beyond the Flagships: Considerations for Smaller Hospitals and Outpatient Centers:**

While the flagship hospitals are crucial, smaller hospitals and outpatient centers can play a vital role in lung cancer care. These facilities often offer specialized services, diagnostic testing, and supportive care.

* **Community Medical Center (Toms River, NJ):** Located in Toms River, Community Medical Center, part of RWJBarnabas Health, provides cancer care services.
* **Outpatient Oncology Centers:** Numerous outpatient oncology centers operate in the area, offering chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other services. These centers often provide a more convenient and patient-centered experience.
* **Diagnostic Centers:** Diagnostic centers offer imaging services, such as CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs, which are essential for diagnosing and staging lung cancer.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

* **Physician Expertise:** Research the experience and credentials of the pulmonologists, medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists at each hospital.
* **Treatment Options:** Ensure the hospital offers the full range of lung cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Supportive Care:** Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive supportive care services, including pain management, nutritional counseling, and psychological support.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the hospital's culture and patient satisfaction.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a complex decision. The hospitals near Brick Township, NJ, offer a range of options, from large regional medical centers to smaller community hospitals and outpatient centers. Ocean Medical Center offers local convenience, while Jersey Shore and Riverview Medical Centers, both part of Hackensack Meridian Health, and Monmouth Medical Center offer a broader range of services and higher CMS ratings. Patients should carefully consider the factors outlined in this review, consult with their physicians, and conduct thorough research to make the best possible decision for their individual needs. Remember to check real-time ER wait times and confirm insurance coverage.