17771, Trout Run, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17771, Trout Run, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Williamsport Area: A Scorecard for 17771

Finding the right breast cancer care is a deeply personal and critical journey. For residents near ZIP code 17771 (Williamsport, PA), several healthcare options exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review aims to provide a fact-rich overview of the key players, focusing on metrics relevant to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support, including hospital ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape: Major Players and General Considerations**

The primary hospitals serving the 17771 area are UPMC Williamsport Hospital and Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital. Both are regional healthcare providers, offering a range of services. While smaller community hospitals may offer some basic services, the complexity of breast cancer treatment often necessitates access to comprehensive facilities.

**UPMC Williamsport Hospital: A Closer Look**

UPMC Williamsport Hospital is a significant presence in the region. As part of the larger UPMC system, it benefits from a network of resources and expertise. However, specific data can be difficult to isolate for a single hospital within a larger system.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Williamsport Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not the highest possible, indicates an average performance compared to other hospitals nationally. CMS ratings are based on a range of quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial consideration, especially in a medical emergency. While specific real-time data fluctuates, UPMC Williamsport Hospital generally reports wait times that are in line with or slightly below the national average. This information is often available on the hospital's website or through online platforms that track ER wait times.

* **Breast Cancer Specialty Services:** UPMC Williamsport Hospital offers a breast care center. The center provides comprehensive services, including diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy and other systemic treatments), radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery. They also offer genetic counseling and testing for individuals at high risk.

* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support services. UPMC Williamsport Hospital offers telehealth options for certain breast cancer-related services, allowing patients to connect with their care team remotely. The specific availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the provider and the type of appointment.

* **Accreditation:** UPMC Williamsport Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). This accreditation signifies that the hospital meets rigorous standards for cancer care, including a multidisciplinary approach, patient navigation, and survivorship programs.

**Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital: Exploring the Options**

Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, though smaller than UPMC Williamsport, also plays a role in providing healthcare to the 17771 area.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.

* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital are typically comparable to those at UPMC Williamsport Hospital, often fluctuating depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

* **Breast Cancer Specialty Services:** Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital offers a range of breast cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and medical oncology. While it may not have the same breadth of services as UPMC Williamsport, it provides essential care options for patients in the area.

* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Geisinger Health System, as a whole, has invested heavily in telehealth. Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital likely offers telehealth options for breast cancer-related services, including follow-up appointments and consultations.

* **Accreditation:** Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC).

**Beyond the Flagships: Other Considerations**

While UPMC Williamsport and Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital are the primary providers, patients may also consider other options:

* **Outpatient Imaging Centers:** Several outpatient imaging centers in the area offer mammography and other diagnostic services. These centers can provide convenient access to screening and diagnostic imaging.

* **Specialist Referrals:** Depending on the specific needs of the patient, referrals to specialists outside of the immediate area may be necessary. This could include specialized surgeons, medical oncologists, or radiation oncologists.

**Key Metrics for Breast Cancer Care**

When evaluating breast cancer care providers, several key metrics should be considered:

* **Early Detection Programs:** Does the hospital offer comprehensive screening programs, including mammography, breast ultrasound, and MRI? Are there programs for women at high risk?
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Does the hospital have a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses, who collaborate on patient care?
* **Surgical Options:** Does the hospital offer a full range of surgical options, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery?
* **Medical Oncology Services:** Does the hospital provide chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy treatments?
* **Radiation Oncology Services:** Does the hospital offer advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)?
* **Patient Navigation:** Does the hospital have a patient navigator who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and provide support?
* **Support Services:** Does the hospital offer support groups, counseling services, and other resources for patients and their families?
* **Clinical Trials:** Does the hospital participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest treatments and research?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** What are the patient satisfaction scores for the hospital and its breast cancer services? This information can be found through patient surveys and online reviews.

**Telehealth: A Growing Component**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in cancer care, particularly for:

* **Follow-up appointments:** Telehealth allows patients to have follow-up appointments with their oncologist or other members of their care team without having to travel to the hospital.
* **Consultations:** Telehealth can be used for consultations with specialists who may not be located in the patient's immediate area.
* **Support groups:** Telehealth can provide access to support groups and other resources for patients and their families.
* **Remote monitoring:** Telehealth can be used to monitor patients' symptoms and side effects remotely.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a breast cancer care provider is a significant decision. Patients should:

* **Research potential providers:** Gather information about the hospitals and specialists in the area.
* **Consider their individual needs:** What are their specific medical needs, preferences, and values?
* **Seek recommendations:** Talk to their primary care physician, other healthcare providers, and friends or family members who have experience with breast cancer care.
* **Visit the facilities:** If possible, visit the hospitals and meet with the care teams.
* **Ask questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions about the providers' experience, the services they offer, and the support they provide.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Local Landscape**

Residents of the 17771 area have access to breast cancer care through UPMC Williamsport Hospital and Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, both accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Both have 3-star CMS ratings. While each hospital offers a range of services, the specific needs of each patient should be carefully considered. Thorough research, consultations with healthcare professionals, and a clear understanding of individual needs are essential for making informed decisions and navigating the complexities of breast cancer care.