18935, Milford Square, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18935, Milford Square, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care Near Quakertown, PA (ZIP Code 18935): A Comprehensive Review**

The diagnosis of lung cancer is a life-altering event. When facing such a challenge, access to high-quality medical care is paramount. This review examines the hospitals offering lung cancer treatment options near Quakertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18935), focusing on key factors like hospital ratings, specialized centers, emergency room wait times, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

**Proximity and Key Hospitals:**

The immediate vicinity of Quakertown offers several hospitals, with the most prominent options located within a reasonable driving distance. These hospitals serve as the primary healthcare providers for residents in the area.

**St. Luke's University Hospital – Bethlehem:**

St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem, PA, is a major player in the region's healthcare landscape. It's a large, multi-campus system. St. Luke's is known for its comprehensive cancer care services. St. Luke's offers a dedicated cancer center with specialized oncologists, surgeons, and support staff. The hospital is a teaching hospital and is affiliated with several medical schools.

**CMS Star Rating:** St. Luke's University Hospital – Bethlehem has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers:** St. Luke's has a dedicated lung cancer program that includes a multidisciplinary team of specialists. This team typically includes pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other support staff. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including minimally invasive surgical techniques, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

**ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at St. Luke's can vary. Patients should expect to wait, but it is important to remember that the wait time will vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the patient's condition. Patients should check the hospital's website or call the emergency room to inquire about current wait times.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** St. Luke's has expanded its telehealth offerings. Telehealth appointments are available for certain follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. The hospital is actively increasing its telehealth capabilities to improve access to care.

**Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest:**

Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, located in Allentown, PA, is another major hospital in the region. It is part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, a large health system. Lehigh Valley Hospital is a large, tertiary care center with a wide range of specialties.

**CMS Star Rating:** Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest has a 4-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates a higher level of quality compared to St. Luke's.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers:** Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest has a comprehensive cancer center with specialized lung cancer services. The hospital has a dedicated team of specialists who work together to provide personalized care. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest can fluctuate. Patients should check the hospital's website or call the emergency room for the most up-to-date information.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Lehigh Valley Health Network has a robust telehealth program. Telehealth appointments are available for various specialties, including oncology. The network is committed to expanding its telehealth services to improve access to care.

**Doylestown Hospital:**

Doylestown Hospital is located in Doylestown, PA, and offers a range of medical services. It is a community hospital that serves the surrounding area.

**CMS Star Rating:** Doylestown Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS, similar to Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers:** Doylestown Hospital has a cancer institute that provides comprehensive cancer care. The hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Doylestown Hospital can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or call the emergency room for the most current information.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Doylestown Hospital has telehealth services available. The hospital is working to expand its telehealth offerings.

**Other Considerations:**

**Radiation Oncology:** The availability of radiation oncology services is crucial for lung cancer treatment. Both St. Luke's and Lehigh Valley Hospital have advanced radiation therapy departments, including options like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

**Surgical Expertise:** Thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery are essential. Patients should inquire about the surgeons' experience, the types of surgical procedures offered (e.g., minimally invasive techniques), and the hospital's success rates.

**Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists play a vital role in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Patients should research the oncologists' experience and their approach to treatment.

**Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with cutting-edge treatment options. Patients should inquire about clinical trial availability at each hospital.

**Support Services:** Lung cancer treatment often requires extensive support services. Patients should inquire about available support groups, counseling services, and patient navigators.

**Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:**

Online patient reviews can offer valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and U.S. News & World Report provide patient ratings and reviews. However, it's essential to interpret these reviews with caution, as they may not always be representative of the overall quality of care.

**Telehealth in Lung Cancer Care:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in lung cancer care. Telehealth can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. It can improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from the hospital or have difficulty traveling. Both St. Luke's and Lehigh Valley Hospital offer telehealth services, and their capabilities are continuously expanding.

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

Emergency room wait times can be a significant concern. Long wait times can be stressful and potentially delay critical care. Patients should research the average wait times at each hospital's emergency room. It is important to note that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Patients near Quakertown, PA (ZIP code 18935) have several options, including St. Luke's University Hospital – Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, and Doylestown Hospital. Each hospital offers a range of services and has its strengths and weaknesses. Patients should carefully consider the factors discussed in this review, including CMS star ratings, specialized centers, ER wait times, telehealth capabilities, and patient reviews, to make the best decision for their individual needs. Consulting with a primary care physician and seeking second opinions from specialists are also highly recommended.