16201, Kittanning, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16201, Kittanning, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Care Near Clarion, PA (ZIP Code 16201)

Finding the right breast cancer care is a journey, and proximity to quality healthcare is a significant factor. This review analyzes the hospitals closest to Clarion, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16201), evaluating their capabilities and providing a "Breast Cancer Score" based on available data. This score considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized cancer centers, telehealth offerings, and other key indicators of quality and accessibility.

**The Landscape: Regional Healthcare Options**

Clarion, PA, a rural community, relies heavily on regional healthcare providers. Residents often travel to larger cities for specialized care. Examining the hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering both proximity and the presence of comprehensive breast cancer services, is crucial.

**Defining "Best": The Score's Criteria**

Our "Breast Cancer Score" is not a single, definitive number. Instead, it's a qualitative assessment based on the following:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rates hospitals on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, reflecting overall quality of care. Higher ratings generally indicate better performance.
* **Specialized Cancer Centers:** The presence of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers or hospitals with dedicated breast cancer centers is a major plus. These centers often offer cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary care.
* **Breast Cancer Specialists:** The availability of board-certified breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists is critical.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), MRI, and PET scans is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Treatment Options:** The range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies, is considered.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services like genetic counseling, patient navigation, support groups, and survivorship programs enhances the patient experience.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times can be indicative of efficiency and responsiveness.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth options for consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services can improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** While subjective, patient reviews and satisfaction scores provide valuable insights.

**Hospital Analysis: A Closer Look**

**UPMC Northwest (Seneca, PA):** Located approximately 15 miles from Clarion, UPMC Northwest is a primary care hospital. It is not a flagship hospital. UPMC Northwest has a 3-star CMS rating. While it provides essential services, it is not a specialized cancer center. Patients needing advanced breast cancer care would likely be referred to other UPMC facilities. ER wait times are generally moderate. Telehealth options may be available for some follow-up appointments.

**Clarion Hospital (Clarion, PA):** Clarion Hospital is a local hospital, serving the immediate community. It is not a flagship hospital. This hospital is a 3-star CMS rated facility. It offers basic diagnostic services and may provide some initial breast cancer screenings. However, for complex cases, patients are typically referred to larger hospitals with specialized cancer centers. ER wait times are generally moderate. Telehealth options are likely limited.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh, PA):** Approximately 90 miles from Clarion, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is a major academic medical center and a flagship hospital. This hospital is a 4-star CMS rated facility. It is home to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a comprehensive cancer center offering a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including advanced diagnostics, surgical options, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and supportive care. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside has a large team of breast cancer specialists. ER wait times can vary, but the hospital is equipped to handle complex cases. Telehealth options are available for consultations and follow-up appointments.

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital (Pittsburgh, PA):** Located in Pittsburgh, roughly 90 miles from Clarion, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is a specialized hospital focusing on women's health. This hospital is a 4-star CMS rated facility. It is a leading center for breast cancer care, offering a multidisciplinary approach with a focus on women's health needs. It provides comprehensive services, including advanced imaging, surgical options, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and access to clinical trials. ER wait times are variable. Telehealth options are available.

**Forbes Hospital (Monroeville, PA):** Forbes Hospital, approximately 80 miles from Clarion, is part of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN). This hospital is a 3-star CMS rated facility. It offers breast cancer services through its cancer institute, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, and chemotherapy. While it is not an NCI-designated center, it provides comprehensive care. ER wait times can be variable. Telehealth options may be available.

**Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh, PA):** Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), also part of AHN and located in Pittsburgh (approximately 90 miles from Clarion), is a major teaching hospital. This hospital is a 3-star CMS rated facility. AGH provides breast cancer care through its cancer institute, offering a range of services, including diagnostics, surgical options, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. ER wait times can be variable. Telehealth options are likely available.

**Comparing the Options: The Breast Cancer Score Breakdown**

Based on the criteria, here's a general assessment:

* **UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside & UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital:** These Pittsburgh-based hospitals receive the highest "Breast Cancer Score." Their proximity to Clarion requires travel, but they offer the most comprehensive care, including NCI-level cancer centers, specialized breast cancer teams, advanced technologies, and extensive support services.
* **Forbes Hospital & Allegheny General Hospital:** These hospitals in the Pittsburgh area provide solid breast cancer care with specialized cancer institutes, but may not offer the same level of clinical trial access or specialized expertise as the UPMC facilities.
* **UPMC Northwest & Clarion Hospital:** These local hospitals provide essential services, but patients requiring specialized breast cancer treatment will likely need to be referred to larger hospitals.

**Considerations for Patients:**

* **Distance:** The primary factor for many patients will be distance. While the UPMC and AHN facilities in Pittsburgh offer the best care, the travel time and potential for fatigue should be considered.
* **Insurance:** Insurance coverage is a critical factor. Patients should confirm which hospitals are in their network and what services are covered.
* **Personal Preferences:** Patient preferences, such as the desire for a specific surgeon or a particular treatment approach, should be considered.
* **Support Systems:** The availability of support services, such as transportation assistance, childcare, and emotional support, is essential.

**Telehealth's Role:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially for patients in rural areas. Telehealth can facilitate consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and access to support groups. Patients should inquire about telehealth options at each hospital.

**ER Wait Times:**

ER wait times can be a factor, especially in emergency situations. Patients should be aware of the typical wait times at each hospital and consider this factor when choosing a facility.

**The Bottom Line:**

For residents of Clarion, PA (ZIP Code 16201), the best breast cancer care is likely found at the larger hospitals in Pittsburgh, particularly UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. While these facilities require travel, they offer the most comprehensive and advanced care. UPMC Northwest and Clarion Hospital provide local options for initial screenings and basic care, but patients with complex needs should seek care at the larger centers. Careful consideration of distance, insurance coverage, personal preferences, and support services is crucial when making a decision. Patients should also inquire about telehealth options to improve access to care.