18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in Northeast Pennsylvania: A Review for 18439 Residents

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. For residents of the 18439 ZIP code, encompassing the Hawley, PA area, access to quality healthcare is a priority. This review analyzes the key hospitals in and around the region, focusing on their lung cancer services, performance metrics, and accessibility.

**Proximity and Key Hospitals**

The immediate vicinity of Hawley offers limited options for comprehensive cancer care. Residents often look to larger medical centers within a reasonable driving distance. The primary hubs for advanced care are located in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and further afield in New York City and Philadelphia.

**Geisinger Health System: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger Health System is a dominant force in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Their flagship hospital, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, is a significant draw for specialized cancer treatment. While not directly in the 18439 area, Danville is within a reasonable driving distance for many residents. Geisinger has a strong reputation for its cancer programs, including lung cancer services.

Geisinger Medical Center, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), holds a **4-star rating**. This rating reflects overall hospital quality, considering factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally good standard of care.

Geisinger's cancer centers boast multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and specialized nurses. They offer comprehensive services, from diagnosis and staging to treatment and supportive care. They are known for their advanced imaging capabilities, including PET/CT scans and advanced bronchoscopy techniques.

**Telehealth at Geisinger:** Geisinger has embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent travel. Specific data on lung cancer telehealth utilization is not readily available, but Geisinger's overall telehealth statistics are substantial.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Geisinger Medical Center can vary. Publicly available data from sources like ProPublica and Healthgrades can provide estimated wait times, but these are subject to change. It's crucial to consider that wait times are influenced by patient volume and the severity of cases.

**Other Geisinger Facilities:** Geisinger also has several smaller hospitals and clinics throughout the region, offering some cancer-related services. These facilities may provide initial consultations, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy closer to home, but complex surgeries and specialized treatments often require referral to the main center in Danville.

**Commonwealth Health: A Scranton Presence**

Commonwealth Health operates several hospitals in the Scranton area, including Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. These facilities offer cancer care services, though they may not have the same level of specialization as Geisinger.

**CMS Star Ratings:** Both Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton have **3-star ratings** from CMS. This indicates a generally acceptable level of care, but the ratings are lower than Geisinger Medical Center.

Commonwealth Health hospitals provide diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They have medical oncologists and radiation oncologists on staff. However, for complex lung cancer cases, patients may need to be referred to larger centers.

**Telehealth:** Commonwealth Health has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring. Information on the specific utilization of telehealth for lung cancer patients is not readily available, but the system's telehealth program is growing.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Commonwealth Health hospitals in Scranton can vary. Publicly available data sources offer estimated wait times, but these can fluctuate.

**Other Hospitals to Consider**

**Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN):** While further afield, Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, is another option. LVHN has a strong reputation for cancer care and offers comprehensive lung cancer services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Lehigh Valley Hospital has a **3-star rating** from CMS.

LVHN has a dedicated cancer institute with multidisciplinary teams. They offer advanced imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. The distance from the 18439 area may be a factor for some patients.

**Telehealth:** LVHN has a well-established telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Lehigh Valley Hospital can vary.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond general hospital ratings, specific programs and centers are crucial for lung cancer care.

**Thoracic Surgery:** The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons is critical. These surgeons perform lung resections and other surgical procedures. Geisinger Medical Center and Lehigh Valley Hospital have well-regarded thoracic surgery programs.

**Radiation Oncology:** Access to advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), is essential. Geisinger and LVHN offer these advanced treatments.

**Medical Oncology:** The medical oncology team manages chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The expertise of the medical oncologists and their access to clinical trials are crucial factors.

**Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments. Geisinger and LVHN are actively involved in clinical research and offer clinical trial opportunities for lung cancer patients.

**Patient Navigation and Support Services:** Cancer centers often provide patient navigators who help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. They assist with appointments, insurance, and support services.

**Accessibility and Considerations for 18439 Residents**

The 18439 area's rural location presents accessibility challenges.

**Travel Distance:** Travel time to the major cancer centers is a significant factor. Danville (Geisinger) is the closest major center, but Scranton and Allentown require longer drives.

**Transportation:** Transportation options may be limited. Patients may need to rely on family, friends, or community transportation services.

**Financial Considerations:** The cost of care, including travel, lodging, and treatment, can be substantial. Insurance coverage and financial assistance programs are important.

**Support Services:** Access to support groups, counseling, and palliative care services is crucial. Cancer centers often offer these services, but they may be more readily available at larger facilities.

**Making the Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care requires careful consideration.

**Factors to Weigh:**

* **Hospital Rating:** CMS star ratings provide a general indicator of quality.
* **Specialty Programs:** Focus on thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology expertise.
* **Access to Clinical Trials:** Consider the availability of clinical trial opportunities.
* **Telehealth Options:** Evaluate the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Factor in travel distance, transportation options, and financial considerations.
* **Patient Experience:** Consider reviews and testimonials from other patients.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify insurance coverage for the chosen hospital and treatment options.

**Recommendations:**

For residents of the 18439 area, the following is recommended:

1. **Start with a Primary Care Physician:** Obtain a referral to a pulmonologist or oncologist for initial evaluation and diagnosis.
2. **Consider Geisinger Medical Center:** This is likely the best option for comprehensive care, despite the distance.
3. **Explore Commonwealth Health:** This is a more local option, but may require referral for complex cases.
4. **Evaluate Lehigh Valley Health Network:** Consider this if the distance is manageable and the specific services are a good fit.
5. **Research Telehealth Options:** Utilize telehealth for consultations and follow-up appointments to reduce travel.
6. **Inquire about Patient Navigation:** Seek assistance from patient navigators to navigate the healthcare system.
7. **Seek Second Opinions:** Obtain second opinions from different hospitals to ensure the best treatment plan.

**Conclusion**

Lung cancer care requires a multifaceted approach. While the 18439 area has limited direct access to specialized cancer centers, residents have access to regional hospitals with varying levels of expertise. By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this review, individuals can make informed decisions about their care and choose the hospital that best meets their needs.