17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17017**

Finding the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision. This review examines the key hospitals in the vicinity of ZIP code 17017 (Harrisburg, PA), focusing on factors crucial for patients: quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth availability. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help patients make informed choices.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The Harrisburg area is served by several hospitals, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Proximity to specialized care, access to advanced technologies, and the overall patient experience are all vital considerations. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those most likely to be a primary choice for residents of the 17017 area.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system to evaluate hospitals based on various quality measures. These ratings offer a snapshot of a hospital's overall performance.

* **UPMC Harrisburg Hospital:** Located in Harrisburg, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital is a major player in the region. It is a large facility and generally receives a CMS star rating that fluctuates, but is often around 3 stars. This rating reflects performance across areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital is part of the larger UPMC system, which has a strong reputation for cancer care.

* **Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:** Situated in Hershey, PA, this hospital is a tertiary care center and teaching hospital. It typically receives a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher level of quality compared to many other hospitals. Hershey Medical Center is known for its advanced medical technology and specialized cancer programs.

* **WellSpan Health York Hospital:** Located in York, PA, this hospital is another regional provider. It typically receives a 3-star rating from CMS. While not directly in Harrisburg, it serves a significant portion of the surrounding population.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

ER wait times can be a significant factor, especially when dealing with potential complications. While specific wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and day of the week, general trends are available.

* **UPMC Harrisburg Hospital:** ER wait times at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital can vary. It is a busy ER, and wait times may be longer than at smaller facilities. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during peak hours.

* **Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:** Hershey Medical Center's ER typically experiences moderate wait times. As a Level I trauma center, it prioritizes critically ill patients, which can affect wait times for less urgent cases.

* **WellSpan Health York Hospital:** York Hospital’s ER wait times are generally comparable to UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, and can vary depending on the time of day and the number of patients.

**Specialty Centers and Cancer Programs**

Specialized cancer centers and programs are essential for comprehensive breast cancer care. These centers offer multidisciplinary teams, advanced treatments, and access to clinical trials.

* **UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital):** UPMC Harrisburg Hospital is affiliated with the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a renowned cancer network. This affiliation provides access to a wide range of cancer specialists, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care staff. The Hillman Cancer Center offers advanced treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

* **Penn State Cancer Institute (at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center):** The Penn State Cancer Institute is a comprehensive cancer center offering a full spectrum of breast cancer services. The Institute features a dedicated breast cancer program with specialized surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. It also provides access to clinical trials and cutting-edge research.

* **WellSpan Cancer Care:** WellSpan Health offers comprehensive cancer care services, including breast cancer treatment. Their programs include a multidisciplinary approach, integrating surgical, medical, and radiation oncology. They also offer support services such as genetic counseling and survivorship programs.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring.

* **UPMC:** UPMC has expanded its telehealth offerings. Patients can access virtual appointments with specialists, including oncologists. Telehealth is used for follow-up care, medication management, and patient education.

* **Penn State Health:** Penn State Health has also invested in telehealth capabilities. They provide virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. This allows patients to connect with their care teams from the comfort of their homes.

* **WellSpan Health:** WellSpan Health provides telehealth services, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring options. Telehealth is used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education.

**Specific Treatment Options and Technologies**

Access to advanced technologies and treatment options is a critical factor in breast cancer care.

* **UPMC:** UPMC Harrisburg Hospital offers a range of advanced treatments, including minimally invasive surgical techniques, targeted therapies, and access to clinical trials. They utilize advanced imaging technologies for diagnosis and staging.

* **Penn State Health:** Hershey Medical Center offers advanced surgical techniques, including breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy with reconstruction. They utilize radiation therapy, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). They also offer access to clinical trials and cutting-edge research.

* **WellSpan Health:** WellSpan offers advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. They also provide access to clinical trials.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

The patient experience is an essential aspect of care. Support services, such as counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs, play a crucial role in a patient's overall well-being.

* **UPMC:** UPMC provides patient navigators to guide patients through the treatment process. They offer support groups, counseling services, and survivorship programs.

* **Penn State Health:** Hershey Medical Center offers patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services. They have a strong focus on patient-centered care and provide resources for emotional and practical support.

* **WellSpan Health:** WellSpan provides patient navigators, support groups, and survivorship programs. They emphasize patient education and offer resources to help patients manage their care.

**Considerations for Choosing a Hospital**

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

* **Proximity:** The hospital's location and ease of access are important, especially for frequent appointments.
* **Specialization:** The hospital's expertise in breast cancer treatment and the availability of specialized services.
* **Technology:** Access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.
* **Patient Experience:** The hospital's reputation for patient-centered care, support services, and overall satisfaction.
* **Insurance Coverage:** The hospital's acceptance of the patient's insurance plan.
* **Physician Recommendations:** Seeking recommendations from primary care physicians or other specialists.

**Conclusion**

The hospitals near ZIP code 17017 offer varying levels of breast cancer care. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and WellSpan Health York Hospital are the primary choices. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center generally receives the highest CMS star rating and offers a comprehensive cancer institute. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital is a major regional provider with access to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. WellSpan Health York Hospital provides another option for comprehensive cancer care. Patients should carefully evaluate their individual needs and preferences when making their decision. Consulting with their primary care physician and seeking second opinions can help ensure they receive the best possible care.