14489, Lyons, New York Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 14489, Lyons, New York is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in the Finger Lakes Region: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 14489**

The fight against lung cancer is a complex one, demanding specialized care, advanced technology, and a dedicated team of professionals. For residents near ZIP code 14489 (Newark, New York), access to quality lung cancer treatment is a critical concern. This review examines the hospitals in the surrounding area, focusing on key metrics that impact patient outcomes and experience.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The immediate vicinity of Newark, NY, offers a limited selection of hospitals. However, the broader region, including Rochester and Syracuse, provides access to more comprehensive cancer care facilities. This review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those that are likely to be the primary choices for residents in the 14489 area.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable tool for evaluating hospital quality. CMS assigns star ratings based on a variety of factors, including patient experience, safety of care, and effectiveness of care. While these ratings are not the sole determinant of quality, they offer a useful benchmark.

**Strong Memorial Hospital (Rochester, NY):** Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Newark, Strong Memorial Hospital is a flagship facility of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). It consistently receives high ratings and is a major referral center for complex medical cases. Strong Memorial has a comprehensive cancer center, the Wilmot Cancer Institute, which offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment. The Wilmot Cancer Institute is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, a distinction that signifies excellence in cancer research, treatment, and prevention. Strong Memorial’s CMS star rating fluctuates, but it generally hovers around a solid 4 stars.

**Rochester General Hospital (Rochester, NY):** Part of the Rochester Regional Health system, Rochester General Hospital is another significant option in the Rochester area, roughly the same distance from Newark as Strong Memorial. Rochester General Hospital offers a comprehensive cancer program, including lung cancer screening and treatment. Rochester General Hospital typically receives a 3-star rating from CMS, reflecting a good level of care.

**Crouse Hospital (Syracuse, NY):** Located approximately 70 miles east of Newark, Crouse Hospital is a major healthcare provider in the Syracuse area. Crouse Hospital’s cancer center offers a range of services, including lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Crouse Hospital's CMS star rating is generally around 3 stars.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant indicator of hospital efficiency and capacity. Long wait times can be stressful and delay critical care, especially for patients experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer or its treatment. While real-time data is often difficult to obtain, publicly available data and patient reviews can provide some insight.

**Strong Memorial Hospital:** As a large, tertiary care center, Strong Memorial Hospital's ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. However, the hospital has invested in systems to improve efficiency. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Rochester General Hospital:** Rochester General Hospital generally has shorter ER wait times compared to Strong Memorial, although this can fluctuate. Patients seeking emergency care should be prepared for some waiting.

**Crouse Hospital:** Crouse Hospital's ER wait times are generally comparable to those of Rochester General Hospital.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise**

The presence of specialized centers and experienced medical professionals is crucial for lung cancer treatment. These centers often offer advanced diagnostic tools, innovative therapies, and a multidisciplinary team approach.

**Wilmot Cancer Institute (Strong Memorial Hospital):** The Wilmot Cancer Institute at Strong Memorial Hospital stands out as a center of excellence for lung cancer care. Its NCI designation underscores its commitment to research and clinical trials. The institute has a dedicated team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists. They offer advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

**Rochester Regional Health Cancer Centers:** Rochester Regional Health operates several cancer centers throughout the region, including at Rochester General Hospital. These centers offer a comprehensive range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.

**Crouse Hospital Cancer Center:** Crouse Hospital has a cancer center that provides a range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.

**Diagnostic Capabilities: Early Detection is Key**

Early detection of lung cancer is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Hospitals should have access to advanced diagnostic tools, including low-dose CT scans for screening, bronchoscopy, and advanced imaging techniques.

**Strong Memorial Hospital:** Strong Memorial Hospital has state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities, including advanced imaging and bronchoscopy. The Wilmot Cancer Institute actively promotes lung cancer screening for eligible individuals.

**Rochester General Hospital:** Rochester General Hospital offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services, including low-dose CT scans and bronchoscopy.

**Crouse Hospital:** Crouse Hospital provides diagnostic services, including CT scans and bronchoscopy.

**Treatment Options: A Spectrum of Care**

Lung cancer treatment involves a variety of approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The availability of these options is a key factor in assessing a hospital's capabilities.

**Strong Memorial Hospital:** The Wilmot Cancer Institute offers a full spectrum of treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to cutting-edge clinical trials.

**Rochester General Hospital:** Rochester General Hospital provides a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

**Crouse Hospital:** Crouse Hospital offers a variety of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, remote monitoring, and follow-up care.

**Strong Memorial Hospital:** The University of Rochester Medical Center has invested in telehealth services, including remote monitoring programs and virtual consultations.

**Rochester General Hospital:** Rochester Regional Health also offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring.

**Crouse Hospital:** Crouse Hospital provides telehealth services, including virtual consultations.

**Specific Telehealth Stats (Where Available)**

Unfortunately, specific telehealth statistics for individual hospitals are often not publicly available. However, it is worth inquiring about the availability of telehealth services during the initial consultation.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

The patient experience is a critical aspect of care. Hospitals should offer support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care, to help patients and their families navigate the challenges of lung cancer.

**Strong Memorial Hospital:** The Wilmot Cancer Institute offers a range of support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.

**Rochester General Hospital:** Rochester General Hospital provides patient support services, including patient navigators and support groups.

**Crouse Hospital:** Crouse Hospital offers patient support services, including patient navigators and support groups.

**Proximity and Travel Considerations**

The distance from Newark, NY (ZIP code 14489) to the hospitals discussed is a significant factor. Strong Memorial Hospital and Rochester General Hospital are the closest, with a drive time of approximately 45 minutes. Crouse Hospital in Syracuse is approximately a 1 hour 15-minute drive. Travel time can be a significant consideration for patients undergoing frequent treatments or requiring regular follow-up appointments.

**Insurance Coverage and Financial Considerations**

Patients should verify that their insurance plan covers the services offered by the hospitals they are considering. Financial counselors are available at most hospitals to help patients understand their costs and explore financial assistance options.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

For residents near Newark, NY (ZIP code 14489), Strong Memorial Hospital and Rochester General Hospital in Rochester offer the most accessible and comprehensive lung cancer care options. The Wilmot Cancer Institute at Strong Memorial Hospital, with its NCI designation, stands out for its research focus and advanced treatment options. Crouse Hospital in Syracuse provides another viable option, though travel time is a factor. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when making their decision. Consulting with their primary care physician and seeking referrals to specialists are essential steps in navigating the complexities of lung cancer care.