15853, Ridgway, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15853, Ridgway, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 15853 Area: A Comprehensive Review

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can feel overwhelming. This review provides a fact-based overview of healthcare options for breast cancer patients in the vicinity of ZIP code 15853, focusing on key metrics like hospital quality, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability. This information is intended to help patients and their families make informed decisions about their care.

**Defining the Geographic Scope**

The 15853 ZIP code encompasses the town of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. For this review, we will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, including those in nearby cities like DuBois, Clearfield, and potentially extending to Johnstown and Pittsburgh, depending on the availability of specialized services.

**Flagship Hospitals and Quality Ratings**

Hospital quality is a critical factor in breast cancer care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality measures. These ratings offer a general indication of a hospital's overall performance.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital:** Located in DuBois, Pennsylvania, Penn Highlands DuBois is a significant healthcare provider for the region. As of the most recent data, its CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS website, hospital compare, as this rating can change. Penn Highlands DuBois has a dedicated cancer center, which is crucial for comprehensive breast cancer treatment. This center offers a range of services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care.

**UPMC Altoona:** While not directly in the 15853 ZIP code, UPMC Altoona, located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is within a reasonable driving distance and serves as a regional referral center. UPMC Altoona's CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS website, hospital compare. UPMC Altoona has a comprehensive cancer center and offers a full spectrum of breast cancer services.

**Other Hospitals and Considerations:**

Smaller community hospitals in the area may offer some breast cancer services, such as screening mammograms and basic surgical procedures. However, for complex cases or specialized treatments, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times can be a significant concern, especially for patients experiencing complications from treatment or needing immediate care. Information on ER wait times can be found on websites like Google Maps or hospital websites.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital:** ER wait times at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital should be checked on their website or through online resources.

**UPMC Altoona:** ER wait times at UPMC Altoona should be checked on their website or through online resources.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

The availability of specialized services is a key indicator of a hospital's ability to provide comprehensive breast cancer care. These services include:

* **Surgical Oncology:** Breast surgeons specializing in breast cancer surgery, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists who administer chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Radiation oncologists who provide radiation therapy.
* **Breast Imaging:** Access to advanced imaging techniques like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), ultrasound, and MRI.
* **Pathology:** Accurate and timely pathology services for diagnosis and staging.
* **Genetic Counseling and Testing:** Services to assess a patient's risk of developing breast cancer and determine if they carry genetic mutations.
* **Reconstructive Surgery:** Plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction following mastectomy.
* **Supportive Care:** Services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, and psychological support.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital:** Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital's cancer center offers a range of services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. Check their website for specific details on available services.

**UPMC Altoona:** UPMC Altoona's cancer center provides a comprehensive range of breast cancer services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. Check their website for specific details on available services.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Telehealth services can include virtual consultations with oncologists, support groups, and remote patient monitoring.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital:** Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital may offer telehealth services. Check their website for information on available telehealth options.

**UPMC Altoona:** UPMC Altoona has a robust telehealth program. Check their website for information on telehealth services related to breast cancer care.

**Specific Telehealth Stats:**

It is important to note that specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual consultations or the types of telehealth services offered, are often not publicly available. Patients should inquire directly with the hospitals about their telehealth capabilities.

**Additional Considerations:**

* **Accreditation:** Look for hospitals accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC). This accreditation signifies that the hospital meets specific standards for cancer care.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide this information.
* **Clinical Trials:** Consider whether the hospital participates in clinical trials, which can provide access to innovative treatments.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each hospital. This review provides a starting point for research, but it is essential to gather more detailed information from the hospitals themselves.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Visit Hospital Websites:** Thoroughly explore the websites of Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital and UPMC Altoona. Look for detailed information on their cancer centers, services offered, and physician profiles.
2. **Contact the Hospitals Directly:** Call the hospitals and speak with patient navigators or cancer center staff. Ask specific questions about the services you need, wait times, telehealth options, and insurance coverage.
3. **Consult with Your Primary Care Physician:** Discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with your primary care physician. They can provide valuable guidance and recommendations.
4. **Seek Second Opinions:** Consider getting a second opinion from another oncologist or breast cancer specialist to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan.

**Conclusion:**

Breast cancer care in the vicinity of the 15853 ZIP code offers a range of options, from community hospitals to regional referral centers. By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this review, patients can make informed decisions and access the best possible care for their individual needs. Remember to prioritize your health and well-being throughout the entire process.