15624, Crabtree, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15624, Crabtree, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Care Near Greensburg, PA (ZIP Code 15624)

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a deeply personal and critical decision. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Greensburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15624), evaluating their strengths and weaknesses based on available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. This information is designed to provide a factual foundation for informed decision-making, but it is not a substitute for consultation with your physician.

**Key Considerations: Beyond Proximity**

Proximity is a factor, but comprehensive breast cancer care involves more than just a convenient location. Consider the hospital's expertise, the breadth of services offered (from screening to surgery and beyond), the availability of clinical trials, and the support systems in place for patients and their families. The hospitals reviewed here offer varying levels of these crucial elements.

**Excela Health System: A Local Powerhouse**

Excela Health, a prominent healthcare system in the region, operates several hospitals that serve the Greensburg area. Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg is the closest flagship hospital, and its performance is a key consideration.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg:**

Westmoreland Hospital is a large, full-service hospital. It has a dedicated breast care center. The hospital offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, including mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Westmoreland Hospital has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

**CMS Star Ratings:** CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings provide a snapshot of hospital quality, based on various metrics. Westmoreland Hospital currently has a 3-star rating. While this rating is not the highest possible, it indicates an average level of performance compared to other hospitals nationally.

**ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are an important indicator of accessibility and patient flow. Data indicates that ER wait times at Westmoreland Hospital fluctuate, but the hospital generally performs well in this area.

**Specialty Centers:** Westmoreland Hospital has a dedicated cancer center that offers comprehensive care. The hospital also has a strong focus on surgical oncology.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Excela Health has been expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth appointments are available for some oncology services, including follow-up consultations and support group meetings.

**Other Excela Health Facilities:** Excela Health also operates other hospitals in the area, including Excela Health Latrobe Hospital and Excela Health Frick Hospital. These facilities may offer some breast cancer services, but the comprehensive care is generally concentrated at Westmoreland Hospital.

**UPMC System: A Regional Giant**

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system is a major healthcare provider in Western Pennsylvania, and its facilities are within a reasonable driving distance of Greensburg. UPMC's reputation for cancer care is well-established.

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh:**

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, located in Pittsburgh, is a flagship facility for women's health, including breast cancer. It is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a designation that signifies a high level of research, treatment, and patient care. Magee-Womens Hospital offers a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical options, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and access to clinical trials.

**CMS Star Ratings:** UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital generally receives high CMS star ratings, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Magee-Womens Hospital can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. However, the hospital is known for its efficient emergency services.

**Specialty Centers:** Magee-Womens Hospital has a dedicated breast cancer center with a multidisciplinary team of specialists. The hospital also has a strong focus on research and clinical trials.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UPMC has invested heavily in telehealth, and Magee-Womens Hospital offers a range of virtual appointments for oncology patients. This includes consultations, follow-up appointments, and support group meetings.

**UPMC Hillman Cancer Center:**

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, with multiple locations throughout the region, is another important resource for breast cancer care. While not located directly in Greensburg, the Hillman Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer services, including breast cancer treatment. The Hillman Cancer Center has several locations, including one in nearby Pittsburgh, which may be accessible to patients in the Greensburg area.

**Other Hospitals to Consider:**

Other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Greensburg may offer some breast cancer services. However, their offerings may be more limited compared to the hospitals discussed above.

**Forbes Hospital, Monroeville:** Forbes Hospital, part of the Allegheny Health Network, is another hospital within a reasonable driving distance. It offers a range of medical services, including cancer care.

**Key Considerations for Decision-Making:**

When choosing a hospital for breast cancer care, patients should consider several factors:

* **Expertise:** The hospital's experience in treating breast cancer, as demonstrated by the number of cases treated annually and the expertise of the medical team.
* **Accreditation:** Look for hospitals accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
* **Treatment Options:** The availability of a full range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
* **Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials, which can offer patients the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of other patients.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.

**Beyond the Hospital Walls: The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach**

Effective breast cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving a team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses. Patients should seek out hospitals that offer a coordinated and collaborative approach to care.

**Telehealth: A Growing Component of Care**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important component of cancer care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and support services. Patients should inquire about the telehealth capabilities of the hospitals they are considering.

**Conclusion: A Personalized Journey**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a deeply personal decision. This review provides factual information about hospitals near Greensburg, PA (ZIP code 15624), but the best choice for each patient will depend on their individual needs and preferences. Patients should consult with their physicians, gather information from multiple sources, and make an informed decision that aligns with their values and goals.