18405, Beach Lake, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18405, Beach Lake, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Poconos: A Deep Dive for Patients Near 18405

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital is a critical first step. For residents near ZIP code 18405 (the Scranton/Carbondale area of Pennsylvania), several hospitals offer varying levels of care. This review provides a fact-rich overview to help patients make informed decisions, focusing on key factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth.

**Understanding the Landscape: Key Players and Ratings**

The healthcare landscape in and around 18405 is dominated by a few key players. These hospitals serve a large geographical area, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial. A primary tool for evaluating hospital quality is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system. This system assigns hospitals a rating from one to five stars, based on a variety of quality measures. While not the sole determinant of quality, it provides a useful benchmark.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, located in Wilkes-Barre, is a major regional medical center. While not directly in the 18405 zip code, it's a reasonable drive for many residents. Geisinger is known for its integrated healthcare system, which can streamline care. The hospital's CMS star rating fluctuates, so patients should check the most recent data on the CMS website. Geisinger's cancer care is centralized within its system, offering a multidisciplinary approach. They have a dedicated breast cancer program, which includes surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services.

Geisinger’s ER wait times can vary, but it's essential to understand that emergency room wait times are just one aspect of a hospital's overall performance. Patients should consider the availability of specialized cancer care, the expertise of the medical team, and the hospital's overall patient satisfaction scores. Geisinger often highlights its advanced imaging capabilities and its participation in clinical trials.

**Moses Taylor Hospital: Serving Scranton and Surrounding Areas**

Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton is another significant option. The hospital is located closer to the 18405 zip code than Geisinger Wyoming Valley. Moses Taylor has a cancer center that provides comprehensive care. The CMS star rating for Moses Taylor should be checked directly on the CMS website. They offer surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support services.

Moses Taylor Hospital's ER wait times are another factor to consider. Patients can find this information on the hospital's website or through third-party websites that track wait times. The hospital also emphasizes its commitment to patient-centered care. Moses Taylor also provides telehealth services, which can be particularly useful for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Hospitals and Outpatient Centers**

Beyond the larger hospitals, several smaller hospitals and outpatient centers may offer breast cancer services. These facilities might provide mammograms, biopsies, and some chemotherapy treatments. These facilities may be more convenient for some patients, but they may not offer the same breadth of services as the larger hospitals. Patients should carefully research the capabilities of these facilities and ensure they have access to the full range of services they may need.

**Specialized Centers and Programs: What to Look For**

When evaluating hospitals, patients should specifically look for specialized breast cancer centers or programs. These centers often have a dedicated team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and nurses. They may offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, such as genetic testing, clinical trials, and reconstructive surgery.

**Key Questions to Ask:**

* **Accreditation:** Is the hospital accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer? Accreditation signifies a commitment to quality cancer care.
* **Multidisciplinary Team:** Does the hospital have a multidisciplinary team that meets regularly to discuss patient cases and develop treatment plans?
* **Advanced Imaging:** Does the hospital offer advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), MRI, and PET scans?
* **Clinical Trials:** Does the hospital participate in clinical trials, which can provide access to cutting-edge treatments?
* **Support Services:** Does the hospital offer support services, such as counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** What are the hospital's patient satisfaction scores? These scores can provide insights into the patient experience.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Many hospitals now offer telehealth services for breast cancer patients. These services can include virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and support group meetings. Telehealth can be especially beneficial for patients who live far from the hospital or who have difficulty traveling.

**Telehealth Statistics:**

* **Geisinger:** Geisinger has been a leader in telehealth for many years. They offer a wide range of telehealth services, including virtual visits for cancer patients. They often publish statistics on their telehealth usage, which can provide insights into the accessibility of their services.
* **Moses Taylor:** Moses Taylor also offers telehealth services, which can be useful for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**ER Wait Times: A Practical Consideration**

ER wait times are a practical consideration for patients. While not directly related to breast cancer care, they can be a factor in overall patient experience. Patients can find information on ER wait times on hospital websites and through third-party websites. It's important to remember that wait times can vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the volume of patients.

**Specifics to Seek Out:**

* **Geisinger:** Check the Geisinger website for the most up-to-date ER wait times.
* **Moses Taylor:** Check the Moses Taylor website for the most up-to-date ER wait times.

**Beyond the Hospital: Support and Resources**

Breast cancer care extends beyond the hospital walls. Patients should seek out support from family, friends, and support groups. Several organizations offer resources and support for breast cancer patients, including the American Cancer Society, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

**The Importance of Personalized Care**

Ultimately, the best hospital for a breast cancer patient is the one that best meets their individual needs. Patients should consider their diagnosis, their treatment plan, their personal preferences, and their access to care. It's essential to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider and to ask questions about the hospital's capabilities and resources.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a significant decision. By carefully researching the options, considering the factors outlined in this review, and asking the right questions, patients near ZIP code 18405 can make an informed choice and find the care they need. Remember to check the most current CMS star ratings and hospital-specific data, as these can change. Prioritize a hospital that offers a multidisciplinary approach, advanced technologies, and a commitment to patient-centered care.