18415, Damascus, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18415, Damascus, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Poconos: A Review of Hospitals Near 18415

Finding the best lung cancer care requires a thorough assessment of available hospitals, considering factors like expertise, technology, and patient outcomes. This review focuses on hospitals near the 18415 ZIP code, offering a fact-rich overview to aid informed decision-making.

**The Landscape: Northeastern Pennsylvania's Healthcare Hub**

The Pocono region, encompassing the 18415 ZIP code, is served by a network of hospitals, ranging from community facilities to larger regional medical centers. Proximity is a key consideration, but so is the quality of care. This review will analyze key hospitals, focusing on their lung cancer-specific resources and overall performance indicators.

**Flagship Institutions: A Deep Dive**

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA):** Located approximately 30 miles from the 18415 ZIP code, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center is a major player in the region. It holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. Geisinger's cancer program, including its lung cancer services, is a significant draw. They offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to develop individualized treatment plans. The hospital is equipped with advanced imaging technology, including PET/CT scans, crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. ER wait times, a general indicator of hospital efficiency, average around 30-45 minutes, according to recent data. Geisinger's telehealth program is robust, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas. Specific telehealth statistics for oncology services are available on the Geisinger website.

**Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono (East Stroudsburg, PA):** Situated closer to the 18415 ZIP code, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono provides a convenient option. Lehigh Valley Health Network, of which LVH-Pocono is a part, has a strong reputation for cancer care. While LVH-Pocono itself may not have a dedicated lung cancer center, it benefits from the resources and expertise of the broader network. The hospital offers diagnostic services, including CT scans and bronchoscopies, and collaborates with specialists at other Lehigh Valley facilities for advanced treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. CMS star ratings for LVH-Pocono are generally around 3 stars. Emergency room wait times are typically in the 45-60 minute range. Telehealth services are available, offering remote consultations and follow-up care, although specific oncology-related telehealth statistics are not readily available.

**Other Notable Hospitals**

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA):** Located approximately 20 miles from the 18415 ZIP code, Moses Taylor Hospital is part of the Commonwealth Health network. They offer a range of cancer services, including lung cancer care. While Moses Taylor may not have the same breadth of resources as larger hospitals like Geisinger, it provides a local option for diagnosis and treatment. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center, and they offer a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment. CMS star ratings are typically around 3 stars. Emergency room wait times tend to be around 30-45 minutes. Telehealth services are available, but specific oncology-related statistics are not readily available.

**Community Hospitals and Considerations**

Smaller community hospitals in the area may offer basic diagnostic services and supportive care. However, for complex lung cancer cases, patients may need to travel to larger regional centers with specialized expertise and advanced technology.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

While not all hospitals near 18415 have dedicated lung cancer centers, many offer specialized programs and services. These programs often involve a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and oncology nurses. Look for hospitals that offer:

* **Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards:** These boards bring together specialists to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive treatment plans.
* **Advanced Imaging:** Access to PET/CT scans, MRI, and other advanced imaging techniques is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Minimally Invasive Surgery:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), can offer less invasive surgical options.
* **Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy:** Access to the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, is essential.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times can be a useful indicator of a hospital's overall efficiency and resource allocation. While not directly related to lung cancer care, longer wait times can indicate potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. The hospitals listed above generally have ER wait times in the 30-60 minute range, but these can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients in rural areas. Telehealth services can provide convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. The hospitals in this review generally offer telehealth services, but the availability of oncology-specific telehealth programs varies.

**CMS Star Ratings: A General Indicator**

CMS star ratings provide a general overview of a hospital's performance. These ratings are based on a variety of quality metrics, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While not a definitive measure of lung cancer care quality, CMS star ratings can be a helpful starting point for evaluating hospitals.

**Specifics on Lung Cancer Treatment Options**

The hospitals in this area offer the full spectrum of lung cancer treatment options. This includes:

* **Surgery:** Thoracic surgeons perform surgical procedures to remove cancerous tissue. The type of surgery depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly used.
* **Chemotherapy:** Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to prevent recurrence, or as a primary treatment for advanced lung cancer.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used to treat localized tumors or to relieve symptoms.
* **Targeted Therapy:** Targeted therapies are drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth. These therapies are often used for patients with specific genetic mutations.
* **Immunotherapy:** Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system fight cancer. It has shown promising results in treating advanced lung cancer.

**Patient Considerations and Recommendations**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs and preferences, including:

* **Stage of Cancer:** The stage of the cancer will influence the type of treatment needed.
* **Overall Health:** Patients' overall health will affect their ability to tolerate treatment.
* **Proximity:** Proximity to the hospital is an important consideration, especially for frequent appointments.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and talk to other patients to get a sense of the hospital's patient experience.

**Conclusion**

The hospitals near the 18415 ZIP code offer a range of lung cancer care options. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, with its larger scope and specialized programs, is a leading choice. Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono provides a convenient local option with access to the resources of the Lehigh Valley Health Network. Moses Taylor Hospital offers another local option. Patients should carefully research their options, considering the factors discussed in this review, to make an informed decision about their care. Consulting with a primary care physician or oncologist is crucial in determining the best course of action.