15623, Claridge, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15623, Claridge, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Greensburg, PA Area: A Scorecard for 2024

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a deeply personal decision, and one that demands careful consideration. This review analyzes the major healthcare providers serving the area near ZIP code 15623 (Greensburg, PA), focusing on factors critical for breast cancer patients: quality of care, specialized services, accessibility, and patient experience. We'll examine hospital ratings, wait times, and the availability of cutting-edge treatments to provide a comprehensive overview.

**The Landscape: Key Players in the Region**

The Greensburg area is primarily served by two major healthcare systems: Excela Health and UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Both systems offer a range of services, including breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. This review will focus on their flagship hospitals and relevant facilities, providing a comparative analysis.

**Excela Health: A Community-Focused Approach**

Excela Health operates three hospitals in the region: Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg), Excela Health Latrobe Hospital (Latrobe), and Excela Health Frick Hospital (Mount Pleasant). Westmoreland Hospital, located directly in Greensburg, serves as the primary hub for cancer care within the system.

* **Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital:** This hospital is the most relevant for residents of 15623. It houses the Excela Health Cancer Center, offering a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. The hospital has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. The emergency room wait times at Westmoreland Hospital are generally reported to be around 30-60 minutes, though these can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume.

* **Excela Health Latrobe Hospital:** Located a short drive from Greensburg, Latrobe Hospital also provides cancer services, though the scope is generally less comprehensive than at Westmoreland. Latrobe Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating, similar to Westmoreland.

* **Excela Health Frick Hospital:** Located further south, Frick Hospital offers a smaller range of cancer services, and is not as easily accessible for residents of 15623.

**UPMC: A Regional Powerhouse**

UPMC, a large integrated health system, provides significant healthcare coverage in the region. While UPMC does not have a hospital located directly within Greensburg, several UPMC facilities are easily accessible.

* **UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside (Pittsburgh):** These two hospitals are the flagship institutions for UPMC, located in Pittsburgh, approximately a 45-minute drive from Greensburg. Both hospitals are highly rated and offer comprehensive cancer services, including specialized breast cancer centers. UPMC Presbyterian has a 4-star CMS rating, while UPMC Shadyside has a 5-star CMS rating, reflecting excellent quality of care. However, the drive time and city traffic must be considered.

* **UPMC East (Monroeville):** Located closer to Greensburg, UPMC East offers cancer services and may be a more convenient option for some patients. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Breast Cancer Centers and Specialized Services**

Both Excela Health and UPMC offer dedicated breast cancer centers, providing a centralized location for diagnosis, treatment, and support.

* **Excela Health Cancer Center (Westmoreland Hospital):** This center provides a range of services, including diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy), radiation oncology, and supportive care services like counseling and support groups. The center emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists from various fields working together to develop individualized treatment plans.

* **UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (Pittsburgh and surrounding locations):** UPMC's Hillman Cancer Center is a nationally recognized cancer center, offering cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. The Hillman Cancer Center has multiple locations, including those at UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside. These centers offer a comprehensive range of services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, immunotherapy, and access to clinical trials. The Hillman Cancer Center also has satellite locations, including UPMC East, which may offer more convenient access for some patients.

**Diagnostic Imaging and Technology**

Access to advanced imaging technology is crucial for breast cancer detection and staging. Both healthcare systems invest in state-of-the-art equipment.

* **Excela Health:** Westmoreland Hospital offers digital mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI. The availability of tomosynthesis (3D mammography) should be confirmed, as this technology can improve detection rates.

* **UPMC:** UPMC facilities, particularly UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside, offer a full range of imaging services, including digital mammography, tomosynthesis, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and PET/CT scans.

**Surgical Options and Oncological Treatments**

The availability of skilled surgeons and advanced treatment options is critical.

* **Excela Health:** Westmoreland Hospital offers surgical oncology services, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Medical oncology services, including chemotherapy and targeted therapies, are also available. Radiation therapy is provided on-site.

* **UPMC:** UPMC hospitals offer a wide range of surgical options, including minimally invasive techniques. Medical oncology services include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and access to clinical trials. Radiation therapy is available at various locations, including the Hillman Cancer Center.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring**

Telehealth is increasingly important for cancer patients, providing convenient access to care and support.

* **Excela Health:** Excela Health has expanded its telehealth services, including virtual consultations with oncologists, support groups, and remote patient monitoring. The availability of specific telehealth services for breast cancer patients should be confirmed.

* **UPMC:** UPMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online support resources. The Hillman Cancer Center utilizes telehealth to provide access to specialists and support services.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Patient experience is a crucial factor in choosing a hospital.

* **Excela Health:** Excela Health emphasizes patient-centered care and offers support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and counseling. Patient satisfaction scores, as reported by CMS, provide insights into patient experiences.

* **UPMC:** UPMC focuses on providing a positive patient experience and offers comprehensive support services, including patient navigators, social workers, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant concern, particularly for patients experiencing cancer-related complications.

* **Excela Health:** As mentioned earlier, ER wait times at Westmoreland Hospital are typically in the 30-60 minute range, but can fluctuate.

* **UPMC:** ER wait times at UPMC facilities vary depending on the location and time of day. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before visiting an ER.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

* **Excela Health:** While Excela Health participates in clinical trials, the scope is generally more limited than at larger research institutions.

* **UPMC:** The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is a major research institution, offering a wide range of clinical trials for breast cancer patients. This provides access to the latest treatment options and research breakthroughs.

**Cost and Insurance Coverage**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are essential considerations.

* **Both Systems:** Both Excela Health and UPMC accept a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should confirm their insurance coverage with their provider and the hospital before receiving treatment. Financial assistance programs may be available.

**Making the Decision: A Summary**

Choosing the best hospital for breast cancer care requires careful consideration of individual needs and preferences.

* **For Convenience and Community Focus:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital offers a convenient option for residents of Greensburg, with a comprehensive cancer center and a community-focused approach. However, patients should be aware of the hospital's CMS rating and the scope of available services.

* **For Comprehensive Care and Advanced Treatments:** UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside offer access to a nationally recognized cancer center, cutting-edge treatments, and clinical trials. However, patients should consider the drive time and potential for higher costs. UPMC East may be a more convenient option, but the scope of services may be less comprehensive.

* **Considerations:** Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, including the stage and type of cancer, treatment preferences, and access to support services. They should also research physician qualifications and experience. Consulting with their primary care physician and seeking second opinions is highly recommended.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs. Hospital ratings and wait times can change, so it is essential to verify the most current information.