Breast Cancer Score

15540, Fort Hill, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

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Hospital Score in 15540, Fort Hill, Pennsylvania

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15540, Fort Hill, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

Health Scores in 15540, Fort Hill, Pennsylvania

Breast Cancer Score 50
People Score 59
Provider Score 43
Hospital Score 64
Travel Score 27

Hospital Score Review of 15540, Fort Hill, Pennsylvania

## Breast Cancer Care in the Heart of Pennsylvania: A Review for ZIP Code 15540

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is daunting, and choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. For residents of ZIP code 15540, which encompasses the town of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, access to high-quality breast cancer care requires considering both local options and those within a reasonable driving distance. This review examines the key hospitals in the area, focusing on their breast cancer services, performance metrics, and accessibility, providing a fact-rich overview to aid in informed decision-making.

**Local Considerations: UPMC Bedford and Fulton County Medical Center**

The closest hospital to McConnellsburg, offering immediate access to care, is UPMC Bedford. While not directly within the 15540 ZIP code, its proximity makes it a primary consideration. UPMC Bedford does not have a dedicated breast cancer center, but it offers diagnostic imaging services, including mammography, and surgical oncology. Patients requiring more specialized treatment, such as radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, are often referred to UPMC's larger facilities. UPMC Bedford currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), indicating average overall performance. Emergency room wait times at UPMC Bedford average around 30 minutes, which is relatively standard for a rural hospital.

Fulton County Medical Center, located in McConnellsburg, is another local option. This smaller facility provides basic medical services, including diagnostic imaging. However, for comprehensive breast cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, patients are typically referred to larger hospitals. Fulton County Medical Center’s CMS star rating is unavailable. ER wait times are generally shorter than those at UPMC Bedford, averaging around 20 minutes.

**Venturing Further: UPMC Altoona and UPMC Harrisburg**

For residents of 15540 seeking more comprehensive breast cancer services, UPMC Altoona, approximately an hour's drive away, becomes a significant option. UPMC Altoona houses a dedicated cancer center, offering a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care. This center provides access to medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support services like oncology nurses, social workers, and patient navigators. UPMC Altoona’s CMS star rating is 3 stars. The hospital has a well-established breast imaging program, including advanced mammography and diagnostic imaging. ER wait times at UPMC Altoona are typically around 45 minutes.

UPMC Harrisburg, a more distant option (around a two-hour drive), is a flagship UPMC facility and offers a comprehensive cancer center. This center is known for its advanced treatment options, including clinical trials and access to cutting-edge therapies. It boasts a team of highly specialized physicians and a wide range of support services. UPMC Harrisburg’s CMS star rating is unavailable. ER wait times at UPMC Harrisburg are generally longer than those at UPMC Altoona, averaging around an hour.

**Beyond UPMC: Considerations for Other Hospitals**

While UPMC dominates the healthcare landscape in the region, other hospitals may be considered, especially for patients seeking specific expertise or treatment options. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located approximately two hours away, is a major academic medical center with a renowned cancer institute. Hershey Medical Center is known for its research and clinical trials, providing access to the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. Its CMS star rating is 4 stars, indicating above-average performance. ER wait times at Hershey Medical Center average around 50 minutes.

**Telehealth and Accessibility: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially for patients in rural areas. UPMC, Penn State Health, and other hospitals offer telehealth options for consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in 15540, reducing the need for frequent travel. The availability of telehealth services varies depending on the hospital and the specific type of care needed. Patients should inquire about telehealth options when scheduling appointments.

Accessibility, including travel time and transportation options, is a critical factor for residents of 15540. While UPMC Bedford and Fulton County Medical Center are easily accessible, patients requiring more specialized care will need to travel longer distances. Consider the availability of reliable transportation, the potential for traffic delays, and the physical demands of travel when choosing a hospital.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: Focusing on Breast Cancer Expertise**

When evaluating hospitals, it's essential to consider their specialized programs and centers dedicated to breast cancer care. Look for hospitals with:

* **Accredited Breast Centers:** Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) or the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) indicates a commitment to high-quality care.
* **Multidisciplinary Teams:** The best hospitals have teams of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care providers, working collaboratively.
* **Advanced Imaging and Diagnostics:** Access to state-of-the-art mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and other imaging technologies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Surgical Options:** The availability of various surgical techniques, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery, is important.
* **Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy:** Hospitals should offer comprehensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy services, including access to the latest treatment protocols.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials provides access to innovative therapies and research advancements.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer support services such as patient navigation, counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**Data and Metrics: Evaluating Hospital Performance**

Hospital performance data, such as CMS star ratings, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. However, it's essential to understand the limitations of these ratings. They are based on a limited set of metrics and may not fully reflect the quality of breast cancer care. Other metrics to consider include:

* **Survival Rates:** Look for hospitals that report their breast cancer survival rates, which can indicate the effectiveness of their treatment programs.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys can provide insights into the patient experience, including communication, care coordination, and overall satisfaction.
* **Complication Rates:** Hospitals should track and report complication rates, such as surgical site infections, which can indicate the quality of care.
* **Number of Breast Cancer Cases Treated:** Hospitals that treat a higher volume of breast cancer cases may have more experience and expertise.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

For residents of ZIP code 15540, choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care involves careful consideration of factors such as proximity, services offered, physician expertise, and patient experience. While local options like UPMC Bedford and Fulton County Medical Center provide immediate access to basic services, patients seeking comprehensive care may need to travel to UPMC Altoona, UPMC Harrisburg, or Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Utilizing telehealth services can help bridge the distance and improve access to care. By carefully evaluating the hospitals in the area, considering their strengths and weaknesses, and consulting with their primary care physician, patients in 15540 can make informed decisions and receive the best possible care for their breast cancer journey. The information provided in this review is intended to be a starting point for research and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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Health Scores in 15540, Fort Hill, Pennsylvania