16724, Crosby, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16724, Crosby, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Treatment Options Near ZIP Code 16724

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer treatment is a critical decision. Proximity to your home, access to specialized care, and the overall quality of the institution are all paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 16724 (Bradford, Pennsylvania) and provides a fact-rich assessment to help you make an informed choice. Due to the rural nature of the area, the immediate options are limited, but we will examine the closest facilities and their strengths, weaknesses, and relevant data.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

Bradford, PA, is a small city, and residents often travel for specialized medical care. The closest major medical centers are located in larger cities like Erie, PA, and Buffalo, NY. This review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in potential travel time for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

**The Importance of CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality of care, patient experience, and other metrics. These ratings, while not the sole determinant of a hospital's quality, offer a valuable comparative tool. Hospitals receive ratings from one to five stars, with five being the highest.

**Local Options: UPMC Kane and Bradford Regional Medical Center**

The immediate local options for residents of 16724 are UPMC Kane and Bradford Regional Medical Center. While not directly offering comprehensive cancer centers, they serve as crucial access points for initial screenings, referrals, and some supportive care.

**UPMC Kane:**

UPMC Kane, approximately 30 miles from Bradford, is a smaller community hospital. It does not have a dedicated breast cancer center. However, it offers primary care services and can facilitate referrals to UPMC's larger facilities for specialized cancer care. UPMC Kane's CMS star rating is unavailable. The hospital's ER wait times are typically shorter than larger city hospitals, but the services are limited. Telehealth options may be available through UPMC's broader network.

**Bradford Regional Medical Center:**

Bradford Regional Medical Center, located within the city of Bradford, is a critical access hospital. It also does not have a dedicated breast cancer center. Like UPMC Kane, it offers primary care and can make referrals to larger facilities. Bradford Regional Medical Center's CMS star rating is unavailable. The hospital's ER wait times are generally shorter than those in larger cities. They offer some telehealth services, including access to specialists through its affiliation with UPMC.

**Venturing Further: UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA**

The next logical step for breast cancer care is UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA, approximately 80 miles from Bradford. This hospital represents a significant upgrade in terms of specialized cancer services.

**UPMC Hamot:**

UPMC Hamot is a larger regional hospital with a dedicated cancer center. It is part of the UPMC system, providing access to a network of specialists and advanced treatments. UPMC Hamot's CMS star rating is unavailable. The hospital's ER wait times are typically longer than the local hospitals, but they offer a broader range of emergency services. The hospital provides comprehensive breast cancer services, including:

* **Multidisciplinary Team:** A team of medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists collaborate on patient care.
* **Advanced Imaging:** State-of-the-art imaging technologies, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), ultrasound, and MRI, are available for diagnosis and staging.
* **Surgical Options:** A range of surgical options, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery, are offered.
* **Radiation Therapy:** Advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), are available.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are available.
* **Clinical Trials:** Patients have access to clinical trials for cutting-edge treatments.
* **Support Services:** Comprehensive support services, including patient navigation, genetic counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services, are available.

UPMC Hamot has a robust telehealth program, which can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas. Telehealth appointments can reduce travel time and provide convenient access to specialists.

**The Buffalo, NY Option: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center**

For those willing to travel a bit further, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY, approximately 100 miles from Bradford, offers a world-class cancer treatment experience.

**Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center:**

Roswell Park is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. This designation signifies that the center meets rigorous standards for cancer research, treatment, and prevention. Roswell Park is a leading center for breast cancer care, offering:

* **Expert Specialists:** Renowned breast cancer specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care providers.
* **Cutting-Edge Research:** Access to the latest clinical trials and innovative treatments.
* **Advanced Technologies:** State-of-the-art imaging, surgical techniques, and radiation therapy.
* **Comprehensive Services:** A full range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, survivorship care, and support services.
* **Specialized Programs:** Dedicated programs for high-risk patients, genetic counseling, and breast cancer prevention.

Roswell Park's ER wait times are generally longer than UPMC Hamot. Telehealth services are available, expanding access to specialists and follow-up care.

**Comparing ER Wait Times and Telehealth Availability:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in emergencies. The smaller local hospitals, UPMC Kane and Bradford Regional Medical Center, generally have shorter wait times. UPMC Hamot and Roswell Park, being larger hospitals, typically have longer wait times. However, they offer more comprehensive emergency services. Telehealth availability is increasing across all the hospitals, providing a convenient way to access specialists and follow-up care. UPMC Hamot and Roswell Park have robust telehealth programs.

**Assessing Specialty Centers and Support Services:**

The availability of specialty centers and support services is essential for comprehensive breast cancer care. UPMC Hamot and Roswell Park offer dedicated cancer centers with multidisciplinary teams and a wide range of support services, including patient navigation, support groups, and rehabilitation. The local hospitals offer limited support services and rely on referrals to larger facilities.

**Making Your Decision:**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer treatment is a personal decision. Consider the following factors:

* **Severity of Diagnosis:** For early-stage breast cancer, UPMC Hamot may be sufficient. For more complex cases or advanced stages, Roswell Park offers a higher level of specialized care.
* **Proximity and Travel:** Factor in travel time and the availability of transportation.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and specialists are within your insurance network.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider the hospital's environment, the communication style of the medical team, and the availability of support services.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of 16724 have limited local options, with UPMC Kane and Bradford Regional Medical Center serving as access points for referrals. UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA, offers a more comprehensive cancer center with a range of specialized services. For those willing to travel further, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY, provides world-class care and access to cutting-edge treatments. Carefully weigh the factors discussed in this review to make the best decision for your individual needs. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and seek second opinions to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.