17878, Stillwater, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17878, Stillwater, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 17878 Vicinity: A Scorecard

Finding the best breast cancer care requires navigating a complex landscape of hospitals, specialists, and treatment options. This review focuses on hospitals near the 17878 ZIP code, offering a fact-rich assessment to aid informed decision-making. We'll examine key factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities, providing a comparative overview for patients seeking comprehensive care.

**Understanding the Landscape: Geographic Considerations**

The 17878 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, is situated in a region with a mix of rural and suburban communities. Access to specialized medical care can be a crucial factor for residents. Proximity to larger cities like Harrisburg and Scranton will influence the availability of advanced treatment options.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Quality Indicator**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality metrics, providing a readily accessible indicator of overall performance. While these ratings aren't the sole determinant of quality, they offer a valuable starting point.

One of the closest major hospitals to 17878 is **Geisinger Medical Center** in Danville, PA. Geisinger Medical Center is a large, integrated health system with a well-established reputation. The hospital's CMS star rating should be readily available on the CMS Hospital Compare website. This rating reflects performance across areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times can significantly impact the patient experience, especially during a health crisis. Access to timely care is paramount. Information on ER wait times for hospitals near 17878 is available on websites like Medicare.gov and individual hospital websites.

**Geisinger Medical Center's** ER wait times should be readily accessible. These times can fluctuate based on patient volume and the time of day. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER operation, but it's important to remember that wait times are just one factor in overall care quality.

**Specialty Centers: Targeted Breast Cancer Care**

Specialized breast cancer centers offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other relevant fields. These centers often provide access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

**Geisinger Medical Center** likely has a dedicated breast cancer center. This center would be expected to offer a range of services, including:

* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and other imaging modalities for early detection and diagnosis.
* **Surgical Oncology:** Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormonal therapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** External beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy.
* **Genetic Counseling and Testing:** Assessing individual risk factors and guiding treatment decisions.
* **Support Services:** Counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources remotely.

**Geisinger Medical Center** has a robust telehealth program. This program likely offers:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Remote consultations with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Monitoring of vital signs and symptoms through connected devices.
* **Patient Education:** Access to educational materials and online support groups.
* **Medication Management:** Remote prescription refills and medication counseling.

**Specifics on Geisinger’s Breast Cancer Program**

Geisinger's breast cancer program should be well-regarded. Look for details on:

* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) indicates a commitment to high-quality care.
* **Multidisciplinary Team:** The composition of the team, including the expertise of each specialist, is critical.
* **Treatment Options:** Availability of advanced treatments, such as clinical trials, targeted therapies, and innovative surgical techniques.
* **Patient Outcomes:** Data on patient survival rates and other outcome metrics, if publicly available, can provide valuable insights.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys can help assess the overall patient experience.

**Beyond Geisinger: Exploring Other Options**

While **Geisinger Medical Center** is likely the primary healthcare provider for residents of 17878, it's essential to explore other options.

* **Smaller Community Hospitals:** Smaller hospitals in the region may offer basic breast cancer screening and initial treatment. However, patients may need to be referred to larger centers for more specialized care.
* **Outpatient Clinics:** Outpatient clinics affiliated with larger hospitals can provide diagnostic services, chemotherapy, and other treatments.
* **Specialist Practices:** Independent oncology practices may offer specialized care, but patients should ensure that these practices are affiliated with accredited hospitals.

**Key Questions to Ask**

When evaluating breast cancer care options, patients should ask:

* **What is the hospital's accreditation status?**
* **What is the experience of the surgeons and oncologists?**
* **What treatment options are available?**
* **What are the hospital's patient outcomes?**
* **What support services are offered?**
* **What telehealth options are available?**
* **What is the hospital's patient satisfaction rating?**
* **How accessible is the hospital from 17878?**

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right breast cancer care provider is a personal decision. By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this review, patients near the 17878 ZIP code can make informed choices that align with their individual needs and preferences. Researching the specific programs at **Geisinger Medical Center** and other nearby facilities is crucial. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and seek referrals to specialists to ensure you receive the best possible care.