15455, Leisenring, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15455, Leisenring, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Laurel Highlands: A Scorecard for 15455

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is daunting, and choosing the right hospital is critical. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near the 15455 ZIP code, focusing on key metrics relevant to breast cancer care. We’ll examine hospital quality, access to specialists, and the availability of modern treatment options. This information is designed to empower patients in making informed decisions about their care.

**Proximity and Core Hospitals:**

The 15455 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Uniontown and surrounding areas in southwestern Pennsylvania, is primarily served by hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. The closest major facilities are Uniontown Hospital, part of the WVU Medicine system, and Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant. Other regional options, such as UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, offer more specialized services but require a longer travel time.

**Uniontown Hospital: A Closer Look**

Uniontown Hospital, a WVU Medicine affiliate, is a primary care facility serving the immediate community. While it provides essential services, its breast cancer care offerings are more limited than larger, tertiary hospitals. Patients often rely on this hospital for initial screenings, diagnostic imaging, and potentially some chemotherapy treatments.

Uniontown Hospital’s CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating is a key indicator of overall quality. As of the latest available data, the hospital’s rating is [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Uniontown Hospital Here – This data changes and needs to be verified.**]. This rating reflects performance across various categories, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

ER wait times are a crucial consideration. The average ER wait time at Uniontown Hospital is [**Insert Current ER Wait Time for Uniontown Hospital Here – This data changes and needs to be verified.**]. This figure represents the time from when a patient arrives at the emergency room until they are seen by a healthcare professional. Long wait times can be stressful, especially for patients experiencing symptoms.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital: Regional Options**

Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant is another option for residents of the 15455 area. It offers a broader range of services than Uniontown Hospital, including a dedicated cancer center. This center provides chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services.

Frick Hospital's CMS star rating is [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Frick Hospital Here – This data changes and needs to be verified.**]. The hospital's performance in areas related to breast cancer care, such as early detection programs and patient satisfaction, should be evaluated.

ER wait times at Frick Hospital are generally [**Insert Current ER Wait Time for Frick Hospital Here – This data changes and needs to be verified.**]. Again, this metric is important for patients needing immediate medical attention.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

For complex breast cancer cases, access to specialized care is vital. Neither Uniontown Hospital nor Frick Hospital is a designated comprehensive cancer center. Patients requiring advanced treatments, such as complex surgical procedures or clinical trials, may need to travel to larger facilities.

**UPMC Presbyterian: A Flagship Option**

UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh is a flagship hospital with a renowned cancer center. This hospital is known for its advanced treatment options, including cutting-edge surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. It is a major referral center for patients throughout the region.

UPMC Presbyterian’s CMS star rating is [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for UPMC Presbyterian Here – This data changes and needs to be verified.**]. The hospital's high rating reflects its commitment to quality care and patient safety.

ER wait times at UPMC Presbyterian are typically [**Insert Current ER Wait Time for UPMC Presbyterian Here – This data changes and needs to be verified.**]. However, given its location in a major city, wait times may vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Telehealth and Remote Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for cancer patients. It offers convenience and can improve access to care, especially for those living in rural areas.

Both Uniontown Hospital and Frick Hospital have been expanding their telehealth capabilities. They offer remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education programs. The specific telehealth services available for breast cancer patients include [**Insert Specific Telehealth Services Offered by Uniontown Hospital and Frick Hospital Here – This data changes and needs to be verified.**].

UPMC Presbyterian has a robust telehealth program, providing remote consultations, virtual support groups, and remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The hospital’s telehealth statistics for breast cancer patients include [**Insert Specific Telehealth Stats for UPMC Presbyterian Here – This data changes and needs to be verified.**].

**Surgical Oncology and Treatment Options:**

The availability of skilled surgeons and advanced surgical techniques is crucial for breast cancer patients. Uniontown Hospital offers surgical services, but for more complex cases, patients may be referred to specialists at Frick Hospital or UPMC Presbyterian.

Frick Hospital offers surgical oncology services, including lumpectomies, mastectomies, and sentinel node biopsies. The hospital's surgical outcomes and complication rates should be considered when evaluating care.

UPMC Presbyterian has a team of highly specialized breast surgeons who perform a wide range of procedures, including breast reconstruction. The hospital's surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction scores are generally high.

**Radiation Oncology:**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Frick Hospital has radiation oncology services on-site. UPMC Presbyterian offers advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy:**

Medical oncologists specialize in the medical treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Uniontown Hospital offers chemotherapy services, and Frick Hospital has a dedicated cancer center with medical oncologists.

UPMC Presbyterian has a comprehensive medical oncology program, with access to a wide range of chemotherapy drugs and clinical trials. The hospital's medical oncologists are experts in treating all stages of breast cancer.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of cancer care. Hospitals should provide comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and counseling.

Uniontown Hospital and Frick Hospital offer patient navigators to help patients navigate the complexities of cancer care. They also provide support groups and educational resources.

UPMC Presbyterian has a comprehensive patient support program, including patient navigators, social workers, and a wide range of support groups. The hospital also offers financial counseling and other resources to help patients manage the challenges of cancer treatment.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to innovative treatments. UPMC Presbyterian is a major research center, offering numerous clinical trials for breast cancer patients. Frick Hospital and Uniontown Hospital may have limited access to clinical trials through affiliations with larger institutions.

**Insurance and Cost Considerations:**

The cost of breast cancer care can be substantial. Patients should verify that their insurance plans are accepted at the hospitals they are considering. They should also inquire about the cost of specific treatments and services.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Residents of the 15455 area have several options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Uniontown Hospital offers convenient access to basic services, while Frick Hospital provides a more comprehensive range of cancer care. UPMC Presbyterian, though requiring more travel, provides access to advanced treatments and specialized expertise. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when making their choice. This review provides a starting point for that process, and further research and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential.