08738, Mantoloking, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08738, Mantoloking, New Jersey is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care Near Toms River, NJ (ZIP Code 08738): A Comprehensive Review**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to quality care is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near Toms River, NJ (ZIP code 08738), evaluating their lung cancer services, including factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to aid informed decision-making.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality metrics. These ratings offer a general gauge of overall hospital performance.

**Community Medical Center (Toms River, NJ):** Located directly within the 08738 ZIP code, Community Medical Center (CMC), part of RWJBarnabas Health, is a primary care provider. CMS data indicates a 3-star rating. This rating reflects a hospital's performance in various areas, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. CMC has a dedicated oncology department, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Their lung cancer program offers screening, diagnosis, and treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune, NJ):** Situated approximately 20 miles north of Toms River, Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC), also part of RWJBarnabas Health, is a larger facility. JSUMC consistently scores higher than CMC in CMS ratings, with a 4-star rating. JSUMC is a comprehensive cancer center. They offer a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care, including advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical options, and access to clinical trials.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center (Brick, NJ):** Ocean Medical Center, located in Brick, NJ, a short drive from Toms River, is another option. CMS data indicates a 3-star rating. Ocean Medical Center offers a range of cancer services, including lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. They have a dedicated oncology department and collaborate with other specialists to provide comprehensive care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration, especially in emergencies. Longer wait times can delay critical care. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate.

**Community Medical Center:** Information on ER wait times at CMC can be found on their website or through third-party sources. Generally, wait times in the Toms River area can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of cases.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC, being a larger facility, often has longer ER wait times than smaller hospitals. However, they typically have a larger staff and resources to handle a high volume of patients.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center's ER wait times are accessible through their website or third-party resources.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Specialized centers and programs often indicate a hospital's expertise in a specific area, like lung cancer.

**Community Medical Center:** CMC's oncology department provides a range of services for lung cancer patients. They offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC's comprehensive cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach. They have specialized teams of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care specialists.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center's oncology department provides diagnosis and treatment options for lung cancer. They offer a range of services, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

**Lung Cancer Screening Programs**

Early detection is crucial for lung cancer. Screening programs for high-risk individuals can significantly improve outcomes.

**Community Medical Center:** CMC likely offers lung cancer screening programs, particularly for individuals meeting specific criteria, such as those with a history of smoking. Contact their oncology department for specifics.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC offers a robust lung cancer screening program, often utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. They focus on identifying high-risk individuals and providing early intervention.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center also likely offers lung cancer screening programs, including LDCT scans. Contact their oncology department for details on eligibility and scheduling.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care Options**

Telehealth offers convenience and accessibility, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Community Medical Center:** CMC may offer telehealth options for certain services, such as follow-up appointments and consultations. Check their website or contact their oncology department for information.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC has expanded its telehealth capabilities. They offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center likely offers telehealth options for certain services. Contact their oncology department for information.

**Surgical Options and Expertise**

Surgical expertise is a critical factor in lung cancer treatment.

**Community Medical Center:** CMC offers surgical options for lung cancer, including lobectomy and wedge resection.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC has experienced thoracic surgeons who perform complex lung cancer surgeries, including minimally invasive techniques.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center provides surgical options for lung cancer, including lobectomy and wedge resection.

**Radiation Therapy Capabilities**

Advanced radiation therapy techniques can improve treatment outcomes.

**Community Medical Center:** CMC offers radiation therapy services for lung cancer patients.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC has advanced radiation therapy capabilities, including techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center provides radiation therapy services for lung cancer patients.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy**

Medical oncologists oversee chemotherapy and other systemic treatments.

**Community Medical Center:** CMC has medical oncologists who provide chemotherapy and other systemic treatments.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC has a team of medical oncologists who specialize in lung cancer treatment.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center has medical oncologists who provide chemotherapy and other systemic treatments.

**Supportive Care Services**

Supportive care services, such as palliative care and psychosocial support, are essential for patients' well-being.

**Community Medical Center:** CMC offers supportive care services, including palliative care and psychosocial support.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC provides comprehensive supportive care services, including palliative care, pain management, and psychosocial support.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center offers supportive care services, including palliative care and psychosocial support.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with innovative treatment options.

**Community Medical Center:** CMC may participate in clinical trials. Contact their oncology department for information.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC is actively involved in lung cancer research and clinical trials. They offer patients access to cutting-edge treatment options.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Ocean Medical Center may participate in clinical trials. Contact their oncology department for information.

**Patient Experience and Reviews**

Patient reviews and experiences offer valuable insights into a hospital's quality of care.

**Community Medical Center:** Patient reviews for CMC can be found on various websites, such as Healthgrades and Vitals.

**Jersey Shore University Medical Center:** JSUMC has a strong reputation. Patient reviews are available on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals.

**Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center:** Patient reviews for Ocean Medical Center can be found on websites like Healthgrades and Vitals.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a significant decision. This review provides a snapshot of available options near Toms River, NJ (08738). While CMS star ratings offer a general indicator, other factors like specialty centers, ER wait times, and telehealth options are also important. Patients should research each hospital thoroughly, consider their individual needs, and consult with their primary care physician or oncologist to determine the best fit for their care.