18454, Poyntelle, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18454, Poyntelle, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Poconos: A Deep Dive for 18454 Residents

For residents of the Pocono region, particularly those residing near the 18454 ZIP code, navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires careful consideration of available healthcare resources. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of hospitals in the vicinity, focusing on key metrics relevant to lung cancer care, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. While this is not a substitute for medical advice, it aims to empower patients with information to make informed decisions about their care.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Scope**

The 18454 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Scranton and surrounding communities, places residents within a reasonable radius of several hospitals offering varying levels of lung cancer care. This review will primarily focus on facilities within a 50-mile radius, acknowledging that patient preferences and specific needs may warrant travel further afield.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance across various quality measures. These ratings offer a general indication of a hospital's overall quality, though they don't capture the nuances of specific specialties like lung cancer.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA):** This hospital, located approximately 30 miles from 18454, often serves as a regional referral center. It boasts a 3-star CMS rating as of October 2024. Geisinger is known for its integrated healthcare system, which can streamline access to specialists and services.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA):** Situated closer to the 18454 area, Moses Taylor Hospital also has a 3-star CMS rating. This facility provides a range of medical services, including oncology care.

**Community Medical Center (Scranton, PA):** Another Scranton-based hospital, Community Medical Center, holds a 3-star CMS rating. It's important to remember that CMS ratings are just one factor to consider when choosing a hospital.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times can be a significant concern for patients experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer or complications from treatment. While these times fluctuate, knowing the average wait times at local hospitals can help patients anticipate potential delays.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Data from recent months indicates that average ER wait times at Geisinger Wyoming Valley can vary, but are typically in the range of 30 to 60 minutes. However, wait times can be significantly longer during peak hours or periods of high patient volume.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital's ER wait times also fluctuate. Patients can expect to wait anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes on average, although longer waits are possible.

**Community Medical Center:** Community Medical Center generally reports ER wait times that are comparable to those of Moses Taylor Hospital.

It is crucial to understand that these are averages, and individual experiences may vary. Patients experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, regardless of wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Expertise**

The presence of dedicated lung cancer centers or programs is a key indicator of a hospital's commitment to this disease. These centers often provide multidisciplinary care, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Geisinger's Cancer Institute offers comprehensive cancer care, including treatment for lung cancer. They have a team of specialists and access to advanced technologies. The Cancer Institute is known for its research and clinical trials, potentially offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital provides oncology services, including lung cancer treatment. While it may not have a dedicated "lung cancer center" in the same vein as Geisinger, it does have a team of specialists who treat lung cancer patients.

**Community Medical Center:** Community Medical Center also offers oncology services, including lung cancer treatment.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling or prefer the convenience of virtual appointments.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual appointments with specialists, including oncologists and pulmonologists. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital is expanding its telehealth offerings, providing patients with options for virtual consultations and follow-up care.

**Community Medical Center:** Community Medical Center also provides telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely.

**Specific Lung Cancer Treatment Modalities: Availability and Expertise**

The availability of specific treatment modalities is crucial for lung cancer patients. These include:

* **Surgery:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer are essential. The availability of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), is a positive indicator.
* **Chemotherapy:** The hospital's oncology department should offer a range of chemotherapy regimens, including those used for advanced lung cancer.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Access to advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), is important for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
* **Immunotherapy:** The ability to administer immunotherapy drugs, which have revolutionized lung cancer treatment, is a critical factor.
* **Targeted Therapy:** Access to targeted therapies, which are designed to attack specific cancer cells, is also important.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Geisinger offers a full spectrum of lung cancer treatment modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital provides a range of lung cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

**Community Medical Center:** Community Medical Center offers a range of lung cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

**Support Services: Beyond Medical Treatment**

Comprehensive lung cancer care extends beyond medical treatment. Support services are essential for patients and their families. These may include:

* **Support Groups:** Access to support groups can provide emotional support and a sense of community.
* **Patient Navigation:** Patient navigators can help patients navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, and access resources.
* **Palliative Care:** Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
* **Financial Counseling:** Financial counselors can help patients understand their insurance coverage and access financial assistance programs.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Geisinger offers a range of support services, including support groups, patient navigation, palliative care, and financial counseling.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital provides support services, including patient navigation and access to support groups.

**Community Medical Center:** Community Medical Center offers support services, including patient navigation and access to support groups.

**Clinical Trials and Research: Staying at the Forefront**

Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in lung cancer care. Hospitals with active research programs are often at the forefront of innovation.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Geisinger actively participates in clinical trials, offering patients the opportunity to participate in research studies.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital may have limited participation in clinical trials.

**Community Medical Center:** Community Medical Center may have limited participation in clinical trials.

**Insurance Considerations: Navigating the Financial Landscape**

Patients should confirm that the hospitals they are considering accept their insurance plan. Understanding the details of their insurance coverage, including co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums, is crucial. The hospital's billing department can provide information about insurance coverage and financial assistance programs.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

For residents of the 18454 ZIP code, the choice of where to receive lung cancer care is a significant one. This review has provided a detailed look at the hospitals in the area, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, with its integrated healthcare system, comprehensive cancer center, and research opportunities, stands out as a strong contender. Moses Taylor Hospital and Community Medical Center also offer valuable services.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Patients should consider factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, the availability of specialized services, telehealth options, and support services. Consultation with a primary care physician and oncologist is essential to develop a personalized treatment plan and make the most informed decisions about lung cancer care. Further research, including visiting hospital websites, contacting patient navigators, and speaking with other patients, is highly recommended.