18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near Waymart, PA (ZIP Code 18464)**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting journey. Access to quality care, from early detection to advanced treatment, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Waymart, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18464), examining their capabilities in lung cancer care, including factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options.

**Understanding the Landscape: Healthcare Access in Northeastern Pennsylvania**

The healthcare landscape in northeastern Pennsylvania, while offering access to various facilities, requires careful consideration. Proximity to major medical centers, specialized cancer care, and the availability of advanced technologies are crucial factors. The following analysis considers these elements, providing a comprehensive overview for patients and their families.

**Geisinger Health System: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger Health System, a prominent healthcare provider in the region, operates several hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Waymart. Geisinger's commitment to cancer care is evident through its dedicated cancer institutes and comprehensive services.

* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, PA):** This is Geisinger's flagship hospital and a major referral center. It boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS star rating system evaluates hospitals based on various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. Geisinger Medical Center's high rating indicates a commitment to providing high-quality care. The hospital features a dedicated cancer institute with multidisciplinary teams specializing in lung cancer. They offer advanced diagnostic tools, including PET/CT scans, and a range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Telehealth services are available, offering consultations and follow-up appointments for patients. ER wait times vary, but generally, patients can expect to be seen within a reasonable timeframe.
* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Plains Township, PA):** Located closer to Waymart than Danville, this hospital also offers cancer care services. While not a flagship like Danville, it still provides crucial services. They also offer cancer care, including diagnostic imaging and chemotherapy. ER wait times are typically shorter than at the Danville location.
* **Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton, PA):** This hospital provides a range of services, including cancer care. It's an important option for residents of the Scranton area.

**Commonwealth Health: Serving the Community**

Commonwealth Health, another significant healthcare provider in the region, operates hospitals that offer cancer care services.

* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA):** This hospital offers cancer care services, including diagnostic imaging and chemotherapy. ER wait times can vary, so it's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone.
* **Regional Hospital of Scranton (Scranton, PA):** Regional Hospital also provides cancer care services, making it another option for residents in the Scranton area.

**Other Important Considerations**

Beyond the major hospital systems, several factors are important to consider when evaluating lung cancer care options.

* **Specialty Centers:** Dedicated cancer centers, often affiliated with major hospitals, offer comprehensive care, including specialized expertise in lung cancer treatment. These centers typically have multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and supportive care staff.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as PET/CT scans, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Hospitals should also offer bronchoscopy and other diagnostic procedures.
* **Treatment Options:** Lung cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Hospitals should offer a range of these treatments to tailor care to individual patient needs.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are increasingly important for providing convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. Hospitals should offer telehealth options for patients who prefer them.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and improve outcomes. Hospitals with active research programs are often at the forefront of cancer care.
* **Support Services:** Lung cancer patients often require support services, such as counseling, support groups, and palliative care. Hospitals should offer these services to help patients cope with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, especially in urgent situations. Hospitals should strive to minimize wait times to ensure timely care.

**Specifics: Diving Deeper into Key Hospitals**

Let's delve into more specifics for some of the hospitals mentioned.

* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** This hospital's cancer institute is well-regarded, offering a comprehensive range of services. They have a dedicated team of lung cancer specialists, including thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They offer advanced imaging technologies, including PET/CT scans, and a full range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. They also participate in clinical trials. Telehealth options are available.
* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Plains Township):** While not as comprehensive as Danville, this hospital provides essential cancer care services, including diagnostic imaging and chemotherapy. Patients may be referred to Danville for more specialized treatments.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** This hospital provides cancer care services, including diagnostic imaging and chemotherapy. They work in conjunction with other providers in the area to offer comprehensive cancer care.
* **Regional Hospital of Scranton:** This hospital provides cancer care services and is another option for residents of the Scranton area.

**ER Wait Time Insights**

ER wait times are a crucial factor. While specific wait times fluctuate, online resources and hospital websites often provide estimated wait times. It's advisable to check these resources before heading to the emergency room. Generally, larger hospitals like Geisinger Medical Center may have longer wait times than smaller facilities.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. Geisinger Health System offers telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely. This can be particularly helpful for patients who live far from major medical centers or have mobility issues.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. Patients should consider the following factors:

* **Proximity:** The distance to the hospital and ease of access.
* **Specialization:** The hospital's expertise in lung cancer treatment.
* **Treatment Options:** The range of available treatment options.
* **Technology:** Access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as counseling and support groups.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews and testimonials can provide insights into patient experiences.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Path to Care**

The area near Waymart, PA (ZIP code 18464), offers several options for lung cancer care. Geisinger Health System, with its flagship hospital in Danville, stands out as a regional leader, offering comprehensive services and a high CMS star rating. Other hospitals, such as those within the Commonwealth Health system, also provide important services. Patients should carefully research their options, considering the factors outlined in this review, and consult with their primary care physician to determine the best course of action. Accessing timely, high-quality care is paramount in the fight against lung cancer.