17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care: A Look at Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17304

Finding the right care for breast cancer requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors from early detection to advanced treatment options. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 17304 (Hanover, Pennsylvania) and evaluates their breast cancer services based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. While proximity is a key consideration, the quality of care, the expertise of the medical team, and the availability of comprehensive services are paramount.

**Local Landscape: The Immediate Options**

Hanover, Pennsylvania, is situated in an area with several healthcare providers. The closest hospitals to ZIP code 17304 offer varying levels of breast cancer care. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility is essential for making informed decisions.

**WellSpan Hanover Hospital:**

WellSpan Hanover Hospital is a primary care facility with a focus on the local community. As of late 2023, it holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance based on various quality measures. While not a dedicated cancer center, WellSpan Hanover Hospital offers basic breast cancer screening services, including mammograms. ER wait times are a crucial factor for patients, and it is important to note that this data fluctuates. WellSpan Hanover Hospital has an ER, and patients can expect to be seen by a provider within a reasonable timeframe. However, for complex breast cancer cases, patients may need to seek care at a more specialized facility.

**WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital:**

Located a short drive from Hanover, WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital provides another option within the WellSpan Health network. This hospital also holds a 3-star CMS rating. It offers similar services to WellSpan Hanover Hospital, including breast cancer screening. The hospital's ER department provides emergency care, and wait times should be considered when evaluating the best options for care. While Gettysburg is a viable choice for basic screening and initial assessments, more complex cases might necessitate referral to a larger facility with a dedicated cancer center.

**York Hospital (UPMC):**

York Hospital, part of the UPMC network, is another key player in the region, located approximately 20 miles from Hanover. As of late 2023, York Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. York Hospital has a more comprehensive approach to cancer care, offering a dedicated cancer center. The hospital's cancer center provides a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. York Hospital is equipped with advanced technology for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The hospital's ER department is available, and wait times should be considered when evaluating the best options for care.

**Flagship Facilities: Expanding the Scope of Care**

While local hospitals provide essential services, patients may need to consider facilities further afield to access specialized care and advanced treatment options. Several flagship hospitals in the broader region offer comprehensive breast cancer programs.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:**

Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a leading academic medical center. It is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, a distinction that signifies a commitment to research, innovation, and comprehensive cancer care. The Hershey Medical Center provides a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials. The hospital has a strong focus on multidisciplinary care, with specialists from various fields collaborating to develop personalized treatment plans. The hospital's ER department is available, and wait times should be considered when evaluating the best options for care.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):**

For patients seeking the highest level of specialized care, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is a renowned institution. Johns Hopkins Hospital is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States and offers a comprehensive breast cancer program. The hospital's breast cancer center provides access to cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a team of highly specialized experts. While the distance from Hanover is a factor, Johns Hopkins Hospital is a valuable option for patients with complex or advanced breast cancer cases. The hospital's ER department is available, and wait times should be considered when evaluating the best options for care.

**University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore, MD):**

The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, is another major medical center with a strong breast cancer program. The hospital's cancer center offers a wide range of services, including advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials. The hospital has a multidisciplinary approach to care, with specialists from various fields collaborating to develop personalized treatment plans. The hospital's ER department is available, and wait times should be considered when evaluating the best options for care.

**Key Considerations: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond the specific hospitals, several factors are crucial when evaluating breast cancer care.

**Specialty Centers:** Dedicated breast cancer centers often offer a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to care. These centers typically have a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses, who work together to develop personalized treatment plans.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. Telehealth can provide convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services. Patients should inquire about the telehealth options available at each hospital.

**Clinical Trials:** Access to clinical trials can provide patients with the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in breast cancer research. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials at each hospital.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical factor, especially in emergencies. Patients should research average wait times at each hospital's ER. This information is often available on hospital websites or through online resources.

**CMS Star Ratings:** The CMS star ratings provide a general overview of a hospital's quality of care. However, it is important to note that these ratings are based on a limited set of measures and should not be the sole factor in decision-making.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Researching patient reviews and experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care at each hospital. Patients can often find reviews on hospital websites or through online resources.

**Making the Right Choice: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a highly personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, the stage and type of their cancer, their preferences, and their insurance coverage. It is essential to consult with a primary care physician or oncologist to discuss treatment options and make an informed decision. The information provided in this review is intended to be a starting point for research and should not be considered medical advice. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers for personalized guidance.