17268, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17268, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Shadow of South Mountain: A Review for ZIP Code 17268

The residents of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding ZIP code 17268, are fortunate to live in an area with access to a network of hospitals and healthcare providers, including those specializing in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Navigating this landscape, however, can be complex. This review aims to provide a fact-rich overview of the available options, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center designations, and telehealth capabilities, to help patients make informed decisions about their breast cancer care.

**Proximity and Primary Care: The Foundation of Early Detection**

The cornerstone of successful breast cancer treatment is early detection. This necessitates regular screenings and a strong relationship with a primary care physician. In the immediate vicinity of 17268, several primary care practices offer these essential services. Patients should proactively discuss their family history, risk factors, and screening preferences with their primary care doctor.

**The Regional Heavyweights: Chambersburg and Gettysburg**

Two hospitals stand out as primary contenders for breast cancer care for those in the 17268 area: WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital and Gettysburg Hospital. Both offer a range of services and are accessible within a reasonable driving distance.

**WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital:** This hospital, located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is a significant regional provider. It is a large, full-service hospital and a vital resource for the community. Chambersburg Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of quality and patient care.

WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital’s Breast Health Center provides comprehensive services, including diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI. The center also offers breast biopsies and surgical consultations. They also have a dedicated team of breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

ER wait times at Chambersburg Hospital fluctuate, but data suggests an average wait time of around 45-60 minutes. This is a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing acute symptoms or requiring immediate medical attention. Telehealth options are available, allowing patients to connect with specialists remotely for consultations and follow-up appointments. Details on specific telehealth services can be found on the WellSpan website.

**Gettysburg Hospital:** Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, this hospital is another key healthcare provider for the region. Gettysburg Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars, similar to Chambersburg Hospital.

Gettysburg Hospital’s Women’s Health Center offers a range of services, including mammography, breast ultrasound, and bone density screenings. They have a dedicated breast care team including surgeons and radiologists.

ER wait times at Gettysburg Hospital are variable, but generally align with the regional average. Telehealth services are available, allowing patients to access specialists remotely. Specific telehealth offerings and appointment scheduling details can be found on the hospital's website.

**Beyond the Immediate Vicinity: Expanding the Options**

While Chambersburg and Gettysburg hospitals are the closest options, residents of 17268 may also consider hospitals further afield, especially if seeking specialized care or specific treatment options.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:** Located approximately an hour and a half drive from Waynesboro, this hospital is a major academic medical center and a flagship facility within the Penn State Health system. It holds a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to Chambersburg and Gettysburg Hospitals.

Hershey Medical Center’s Penn State Cancer Institute is a comprehensive cancer center offering a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care services. They have a dedicated breast cancer program that is known for its research and clinical trials.

ER wait times at Hershey Medical Center can be longer than at smaller community hospitals, often exceeding an hour, reflecting the high volume of patients. The hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services. The Penn State Health website provides detailed information on telehealth services.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):** While a significant drive (approximately 2 hours) from Waynesboro, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is a globally renowned medical institution. It consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation and has a 5-star CMS rating.

Johns Hopkins’ Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a world-class cancer center with a dedicated breast cancer program. They offer cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and access to leading experts in the field. The hospital has a very comprehensive breast cancer program and is known for its research and innovation.

ER wait times at Johns Hopkins Hospital can be lengthy, reflecting the high volume of patients and the complexity of cases. Telehealth services are available, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Specialty Centers and Designations: Seeking Expertise**

When evaluating breast cancer care options, it's crucial to consider specialty center designations. These designations often indicate a hospital's commitment to providing high-quality, specialized care.

**Accreditation:** Look for hospitals accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer. This accreditation signifies that the hospital meets specific standards for cancer care, including multidisciplinary teams, comprehensive services, and patient-centered care. Both Chambersburg and Gettysburg hospitals have ACS accreditation. Hershey Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital also have ACS accreditation.

**Breast Centers of Excellence:** Some hospitals may be designated as Breast Centers of Excellence by organizations like the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This accreditation signifies that the center meets rigorous standards for breast cancer care, including a multidisciplinary approach, advanced imaging capabilities, and patient navigation services. Hershey Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital are likely candidates for this designation.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing acute symptoms or requiring immediate medical attention. While this data can fluctuate, it's essential to consider the average wait times for each hospital. The wait times at the smaller community hospitals (Chambersburg and Gettysburg) may be shorter than those at larger, academic medical centers (Hershey and Johns Hopkins). However, the availability of specialized services and expertise may be a trade-off.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. It allows patients to access specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. All the hospitals mentioned in this review offer telehealth services, including remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Patients should inquire about the specific telehealth services offered by each hospital and how they can be accessed.

**Patient Navigation and Support Services**

Beyond medical treatment, access to patient navigation and support services is critical. These services can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, connect with support groups, and access resources for financial assistance and emotional support. All the hospitals mentioned in this review offer some level of patient navigation and support services.

**Making the Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Residents of 17268 should consider their individual needs, preferences, and priorities. Factors to weigh include:

* **Proximity:** The distance to the hospital and the ease of travel.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services, such as advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.
* **Expertise:** The experience and expertise of the medical team.
* **Accreditation and Designations:** Accreditation by organizations like the ACS and NAPBC.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average wait times in the emergency room.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability of telehealth services.
* **Patient Support Services:** The availability of patient navigation, support groups, and financial assistance resources.

By carefully considering these factors and consulting with their primary care physician, residents of 17268 can make an informed decision about their breast cancer care and find the best possible treatment options for their individual needs. The hospitals in the region, from Chambersburg and Gettysburg to Hershey and Johns Hopkins, offer a range of services and expertise, ensuring that patients have access to quality care and support throughout their journey.