17222, Fayetteville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17222, Fayetteville, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Chambersburg, PA: A Deep Dive

Finding the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Chambersburg, PA (ZIP code 17222), providing a fact-based overview of their capabilities, performance metrics, and accessibility for patients facing this challenging diagnosis.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape near Chambersburg is a mix of community hospitals and larger regional medical centers. Proximity is a key factor, but the quality of care, particularly for a complex disease like lung cancer, should be the primary consideration. This review will delve into factors like hospital ratings, specialist availability, treatment options, and patient access.

**The Role of CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings offer a publicly available assessment of hospital quality. While not the sole determinant of excellence, they provide a valuable starting point. Hospitals receive a star rating from one to five, with five stars representing the highest quality. It's important to note that CMS ratings are based on a limited set of measures and may not fully capture the nuances of specialized care like lung cancer treatment.

**Nearby Hospitals: An Initial Look:**

Several hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance of Chambersburg. These include:

* **WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital (Chambersburg, PA):** This is the local community hospital.
* **WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital (Gettysburg, PA):** Another hospital within the WellSpan Health system.
* **UPMC Carlisle (Carlisle, PA):** Part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center network.
* **Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, PA):** A major academic medical center.
* **Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):** A renowned institution, further afield.

**WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital:**

As the closest hospital to the 17222 ZIP code, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital is a critical access point for initial diagnosis and stabilization. While its CMS star rating may not be available due to its size, it is important to note that it has an emergency department and offers basic cancer care. Patients with complex lung cancer cases will likely be referred to larger centers for specialized treatment. ER wait times are an important consideration. The most recent data suggests an average ER wait time of approximately 30 minutes, but this can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital:**

WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, another WellSpan facility, offers a broader range of services than Chambersburg. It also has an emergency department. Patients may be able to receive initial diagnostic workups, and some chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For advanced lung cancer care, however, patients may be referred to WellSpan York Hospital, which has a more comprehensive cancer center.

**UPMC Carlisle:**

UPMC Carlisle is a part of the UPMC system, which is known for its extensive network and cancer care. It provides comprehensive cancer services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. UPMC Carlisle likely has a dedicated oncology unit and a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons. UPMC Carlisle's CMS star rating is a factor to consider. ER wait times at UPMC Carlisle are also important.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:**

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a major academic medical center and a regional referral center. It boasts a comprehensive cancer institute, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options for lung cancer. This includes access to clinical trials, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and specialized radiation therapy, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The Hershey Medical Center likely has a dedicated lung cancer program with a multidisciplinary team. It has a CMS star rating. ER wait times at Hershey Medical Center can vary, given its role as a major trauma center.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital:**

Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, is a world-renowned institution with a leading lung cancer program. Patients may travel to Johns Hopkins for the highest level of specialized care. The hospital's lung cancer center offers a full range of treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Johns Hopkins Hospital has a high CMS star rating. However, the distance and associated travel costs must be considered.

**Specialty Centers and Treatment Options:**

The availability of specialized centers and treatment options is a key differentiator. Look for hospitals with dedicated lung cancer programs or cancer centers. These centers typically offer:

* **Multidisciplinary Teams:** A team of specialists working together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, pathologists, radiologists, and oncology nurses.
* **Advanced Diagnostics:** Access to state-of-the-art imaging technologies, such as PET/CT scans, and advanced bronchoscopy techniques.
* **Surgical Expertise:** Thoracic surgeons experienced in minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and complex lung resections.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Access to advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as SBRT and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
* **Medical Oncology:** Access to the latest chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials to access innovative treatments and improve outcomes.
* **Support Services:** Access to support services, such as oncology nurses, social workers, nutritionists, and support groups.

**Telehealth and Patient Access:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Check which hospitals offer telehealth services for lung cancer patients. This can improve access to care, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility issues. Consider the availability of patient navigators or care coordinators who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer. Longer wait times can delay diagnosis and treatment. Research the average ER wait times at each hospital.

**Specific Questions to Ask:**

When choosing a hospital, ask these specific questions:

* What is the hospital's experience treating lung cancer?
* Does the hospital have a dedicated lung cancer program or cancer center?
* What types of diagnostic and treatment options are available?
* What is the hospital's participation in clinical trials?
* What is the average ER wait time?
* What support services are available for lung cancer patients?
* What is the hospital's CMS star rating?

**Making the Right Choice:**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. Consider all the factors discussed in this review, including hospital ratings, specialist availability, treatment options, and patient access. Consult with your primary care physician and other specialists to make an informed decision. The goal is to find a hospital that provides the highest quality of care and supports your individual needs. Remember that proximity is important, but the expertise and resources of the medical team are paramount in the fight against lung cancer.