18823, Harford, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18823, Harford, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area: A Deep Dive for Patients Near 18823

Finding the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision, especially when facing a diagnosis. This review focuses on hospitals serving the region near ZIP code 18823, providing a fact-rich overview of their capabilities, performance indicators, and resources for lung cancer patients. We’ll examine key aspects, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings, to help patients and their families make informed choices.

**Defining the Scope: Proximity and Accessibility**

ZIP code 18823, encompassing the town of Friendsville, Pennsylvania, places patients within a reasonable radius of major healthcare providers in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. This review considers hospitals within a practical driving distance, focusing on those that typically serve this population. Access to care, including transportation options and the availability of specialists, is a crucial consideration.

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

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable tool for assessing hospital quality. CMS assigns star ratings based on a range of factors, including patient experience, safety of care, and effectiveness of care. While these ratings shouldn't be the sole determinant, they offer a helpful starting point.

**Geisinger Health System:** Geisinger, a large integrated health system, is a significant presence in the region. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, is a flagship facility. While not directly in the immediate vicinity of 18823, it serves as a referral center for complex cases. CMS star ratings can fluctuate, so it's essential to check the latest data on the Hospital Compare website. Geisinger has a robust cancer program, including a dedicated lung cancer program, and often scores well in patient experience metrics.

**Commonwealth Health:** Commonwealth Health operates several hospitals in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. These include Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. CMS star ratings for these facilities should be reviewed on the Hospital Compare website. The system's cancer programs, including those focused on lung cancer, should be assessed for their accreditation status and the availability of multidisciplinary teams.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Window into Access**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's capacity and efficiency. Long wait times can be stressful and potentially delay critical care. Data on ER wait times is often available through hospital websites or through resources like ProPublica's Hospital Checkup tool.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger Medical Center, due to its size and regional draw, may experience varying ER wait times. Patients should check real-time wait times on the Geisinger website or through online tools.

**Commonwealth Health:** ER wait times at Commonwealth Health hospitals, such as Moses Taylor and Wilkes-Barre General, should be monitored. These can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs: Expertise and Resources**

The presence of specialized cancer centers and dedicated lung cancer programs is a key factor in evaluating a hospital's capabilities. These programs typically offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger has a well-established cancer institute, often offering advanced treatment options, including clinical trials. Their lung cancer program should be evaluated for its accreditation status, the availability of advanced imaging techniques (such as PET/CT scans), and the use of minimally invasive surgical procedures. They often have dedicated nurse navigators to assist patients through the treatment process.

**Commonwealth Health:** Commonwealth Health's cancer programs should be examined for their lung cancer-specific resources. This includes the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and targeted therapies. The presence of a multidisciplinary tumor board, where specialists collaborate on treatment plans, is a positive indicator.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telehealth services can include virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and support groups.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger has been a leader in telehealth adoption. Patients should investigate the availability of telehealth options for lung cancer consultations, follow-up appointments, and supportive care services. Remote monitoring programs for patients undergoing treatment can improve outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions.

**Commonwealth Health:** Commonwealth Health's telehealth capabilities should be evaluated. This includes the availability of virtual appointments with oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists. The use of remote monitoring technologies to track patient symptoms and medication adherence is another important consideration.

**Surgical Capabilities: A Focus on Minimally Invasive Techniques**

Surgical intervention is often a crucial part of lung cancer treatment. The availability of experienced thoracic surgeons and the use of minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), are important factors.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger's surgical capabilities should be assessed, including the number of thoracic surgeons and their experience with VATS and robotic-assisted surgery. The hospital's outcomes data for lung cancer surgery, such as complication rates and survival rates, should be considered.

**Commonwealth Health:** The surgical expertise at Commonwealth Health hospitals should be evaluated. This includes the availability of thoracic surgeons and the use of minimally invasive surgical approaches. Patient outcomes data should be reviewed when available.

**Support Services: Navigating the Challenges of Cancer**

Lung cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. The availability of comprehensive support services is crucial for patients and their families.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger often provides a range of support services, including patient navigators, social workers, support groups, and access to palliative care. The availability of these resources should be confirmed.

**Commonwealth Health:** Commonwealth Health's support services should be investigated. This includes the availability of patient navigators, counseling services, and support groups. The presence of a palliative care team is a significant benefit.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments**

Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative treatments and therapies. The availability of clinical trials is an important consideration, especially for patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger often participates in clinical trials for lung cancer. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials that may be suitable for their specific situation.

**Commonwealth Health:** The availability of clinical trials at Commonwealth Health hospitals should be investigated. This includes the types of trials offered and the eligibility criteria.

**Patient Experience: Understanding the Human Element**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. This includes factors such as communication with healthcare providers, the clarity of information, and the overall satisfaction with the care received.

**Geisinger:** Patient experience data, often available through CMS surveys and other sources, should be reviewed. Patient testimonials and online reviews can provide valuable insights.

**Commonwealth Health:** Patient experience data at Commonwealth Health hospitals should be considered. This includes patient satisfaction scores and online reviews.

**Financial Considerations: Navigating the Costs of Care**

The cost of lung cancer treatment can be significant. Patients should inquire about the hospital's financial assistance programs, insurance coverage, and the availability of financial counselors.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger's financial assistance programs should be investigated. Patients should inquire about the hospital's billing practices and the availability of financial counseling.

**Commonwealth Health:** Commonwealth Health's financial assistance programs should be explored. Patients should understand the hospital's billing procedures and the availability of financial counseling services.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Patients near ZIP code 18823 should carefully consider the factors outlined in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, surgical expertise, support services, clinical trial availability, patient experience, and financial considerations. Consulting with their primary care physician, pulmonologist, and oncologist is essential to making an informed choice that aligns with their individual needs and preferences. This review provides a starting point for a thorough investigation, empowering patients to advocate for their own health and well-being.