15538, Fairhope, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15538, Fairhope, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 15538 Vicinity: A Scorecard

The ZIP code 15538, encompassing the town of Everett, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas, presents a specific landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to provide a factual assessment of the available options, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and the availability of specialized services. The information is current as of October 26, 2023, and relies on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other credible sources.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Everett, a rural community, is not home to a major medical center. Residents needing comprehensive breast cancer care typically look to hospitals in neighboring counties and towns. Proximity, travel time, and the availability of specialized services are key considerations.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The CMS Hospital Compare website provides a star rating system based on various quality measures. These ratings offer a general indication of hospital performance, though they don't encompass every aspect of breast cancer care.

**UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital (Bedford, PA):** Located approximately 20 miles from Everett, UPMC Bedford Memorial is a primary care hospital. As of the latest available data, it holds a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects overall hospital performance, including measures like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While it may not have a dedicated, comprehensive breast cancer center, it offers diagnostic imaging services, including mammography, and can provide referrals to UPMC's larger network for specialized treatment.

**UPMC Altoona (Altoona, PA):** Approximately 45 miles from Everett, UPMC Altoona is a larger regional hospital. It has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. UPMC Altoona likely offers a more extensive range of services, including surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. Patients would need to verify the specifics of their breast cancer program, including the availability of a dedicated breast cancer center, access to clinical trials, and the expertise of their surgical and medical oncology teams.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown, PA):** Located roughly 50 miles from Everett, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is another option. It has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. Conemaugh Memorial likely offers a comprehensive cancer program. Patients should investigate the specifics of their breast cancer care, including whether they have a dedicated breast cancer center, the availability of multidisciplinary teams, and the range of treatment options offered.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a significant consideration, especially when dealing with potential complications or urgent needs related to breast cancer. Data on ER wait times can vary and is often subject to change. However, it's possible to get an estimate of the average wait times for these hospitals through websites like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Patients should always check the most recent data before seeking emergency care. Shorter wait times are generally preferable, particularly in situations where timely intervention is crucial.

**Specialty Centers and Comprehensive Care**

The presence of dedicated breast cancer centers is a strong indicator of specialized care. These centers often bring together a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including:

* **Surgeons:** Experienced in breast cancer surgery, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive procedures.
* **Medical Oncologists:** Oversee chemotherapy and other systemic therapies.
* **Radiation Oncologists:** Administer radiation therapy.
* **Radiologists:** Specialize in breast imaging and diagnosis.
* **Pathologists:** Analyze tissue samples to determine the cancer's characteristics.
* **Nurse Navigators:** Guide patients through the complexities of treatment.
* **Other Support Staff:** Including genetic counselors, social workers, and physical therapists.

Patients should inquire about the specific services offered by each center, including:

* **Breast Imaging:** Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and other advanced imaging techniques.
* **Surgical Options:** Lumpectomy, mastectomy (including skin-sparing and nipple-sparing options), and reconstructive surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Therapy:** External beam radiation, brachytherapy.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to cutting-edge research and treatment options.
* **Support Services:** Counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services.

**Telehealth and Remote Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for patients in rural areas. Telehealth can offer:

* **Virtual Consultations:** With oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Of patients' symptoms and treatment progress.
* **Educational Resources:** Providing information about breast cancer and its treatment.
* **Support Groups:** Virtual meetings for patients to connect and share experiences.

Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services at the hospitals they are considering. This is particularly important for follow-up appointments, medication management, and support services, which can often be conducted remotely.

**Specific Considerations for 15538 Residents**

Residents of Everett and the surrounding areas face certain challenges in accessing breast cancer care:

* **Travel Distance:** The closest hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers are located a significant distance away, requiring longer travel times for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.
* **Transportation:** Access to reliable transportation is crucial, particularly for patients who may be undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
* **Limited Local Resources:** The lack of a major medical center in Everett means that patients must rely on hospitals in other towns, which can strain local resources.
* **Support Services:** Access to local support groups, counseling services, and other resources may be limited.

**Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider:

* **The severity of their diagnosis:** The stage and type of breast cancer will influence the complexity of treatment needed.
* **The availability of specialized services:** The presence of a dedicated breast cancer center, access to clinical trials, and the expertise of the medical team are essential.
* **Insurance coverage:** Ensure the chosen hospital and its providers are in-network.
* **Personal preferences:** Consider factors like the hospital's location, reputation, and the patient's comfort level with the medical team.

**Recommendations for Patients in the 15538 Area**

1. **Prioritize Early Detection:** Regular mammograms and self-breast exams are crucial for early detection.
2. **Investigate Comprehensive Cancer Centers:** Research the breast cancer programs at UPMC Altoona, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, and other regional hospitals. Inquire about their multidisciplinary teams, treatment options, and support services.
3. **Assess Telehealth Capabilities:** Determine which hospitals offer telehealth services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and support.
4. **Plan for Transportation:** Arrange for reliable transportation to and from appointments and treatments.
5. **Seek Support:** Connect with local support groups, cancer organizations, and other resources to help navigate the challenges of breast cancer.
6. **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions of your healthcare providers. Understand the details of your treatment plan and make informed decisions.
7. **Consider Second Opinions:** If you have any doubts or concerns, seek a second opinion from another oncologist or surgeon.

**Conclusion**

Breast cancer care in the 15538 area requires careful consideration of the available resources. While Everett itself lacks a major medical center, residents have access to hospitals in nearby towns. Patients must prioritize early detection, research the services offered by regional hospitals, and plan for the practical challenges of accessing care. By making informed choices and actively participating in their care, patients can increase their chances of successful treatment and recovery. This review provides a starting point for that process.