18456, Prompton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18456, Prompton, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Care Near Scranton, PA (ZIP Code 18456)**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near the Scranton, Pennsylvania area (ZIP Code 18456), focusing on key metrics relevant to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. While the specific ZIP code is a geographical starting point, access to care may extend beyond immediate proximity.

**Understanding the Breast Cancer Score Framework**

This review considers several factors to assess the quality of breast cancer care. These include: hospital accreditations and certifications, availability of specialized breast centers, surgical expertise, radiation therapy capabilities, medical oncology services, access to clinical trials, patient support programs, telehealth offerings, emergency room wait times (as a proxy for overall hospital efficiency), and publicly available performance data such as CMS star ratings. Data sources include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, professional medical organizations, and publicly available databases.

**Regional Hospital Landscape: A Primer**

The Scranton area is served by a network of hospitals, each with varying strengths in breast cancer care. The focus here will be on hospitals most likely to be considered by residents of ZIP code 18456, which is in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. This includes hospitals in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding communities.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA)**

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWC) is a major healthcare provider in the region. It is part of the larger Geisinger Health System, known for its integrated approach to care. GWC’s breast cancer program is a significant component of its overall cancer services.

GWC has a dedicated breast center, which is a key indicator of specialized care. These centers typically offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), biopsy procedures, surgical consultations, and access to medical oncology and radiation oncology. Specific information about accreditations like the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) should be verified on the hospital’s website.

GWC’s surgical capabilities include a range of breast cancer surgeries, including lumpectomies, mastectomies, and reconstructive procedures. The availability of surgical oncologists with specific expertise in breast cancer is a key factor. Patients should inquire about the surgeons’ experience and the volume of breast cancer surgeries performed annually.

Medical oncology services at GWC include chemotherapy and targeted therapies. The hospital likely offers access to clinical trials, which provide patients with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and potentially access innovative treatments. Information on clinical trial availability can be found on the Geisinger website or through direct inquiries to the cancer center.

Radiation therapy is another crucial component of breast cancer treatment. GWC has radiation oncology services, and patients should inquire about the types of radiation therapy offered, such as external beam radiation and brachytherapy.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for cancer care. Geisinger, being a large health system, likely offers telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. Verify the availability of telehealth services for breast cancer patients directly with the hospital.

Emergency room wait times are a general indicator of hospital efficiency. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on websites like ProPublica or through CMS data. Shorter wait times generally reflect a more efficient hospital system.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA)**

Moses Taylor Hospital, part of the Commonwealth Health system, is another major healthcare provider in the Scranton area. Its breast cancer program is a significant part of its cancer services.

Moses Taylor Hospital has a dedicated breast center, which is a key indicator of specialized care. These centers typically offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), biopsy procedures, surgical consultations, and access to medical oncology and radiation oncology. Specific information about accreditations like the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) should be verified on the hospital’s website.

Moses Taylor Hospital’s surgical capabilities include a range of breast cancer surgeries, including lumpectomies, mastectomies, and reconstructive procedures. The availability of surgical oncologists with specific expertise in breast cancer is a key factor. Patients should inquire about the surgeons’ experience and the volume of breast cancer surgeries performed annually.

Medical oncology services at Moses Taylor Hospital include chemotherapy and targeted therapies. The hospital likely offers access to clinical trials, which provide patients with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and potentially access innovative treatments. Information on clinical trial availability can be found on the Moses Taylor Hospital website or through direct inquiries to the cancer center.

Radiation therapy is another crucial component of breast cancer treatment. Moses Taylor Hospital has radiation oncology services, and patients should inquire about the types of radiation therapy offered, such as external beam radiation and brachytherapy.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for cancer care. Moses Taylor Hospital, being a large health system, likely offers telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. Verify the availability of telehealth services for breast cancer patients directly with the hospital.

Emergency room wait times are a general indicator of hospital efficiency. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on websites like ProPublica or through CMS data. Shorter wait times generally reflect a more efficient hospital system.

**Regional Hospital Considerations**

While the above hospitals are prominent, other facilities in the region may also offer breast cancer care. These may include smaller community hospitals or outpatient clinics. It is crucial to investigate the specific services offered at these facilities.

**Factors for Patients to Consider**

Beyond the general hospital characteristics, individual patient needs should guide the decision-making process. Factors to consider include:

* **Stage and type of breast cancer:** Different cancers require different treatment approaches.
* **Personal preferences:** Some patients may prefer a larger hospital with more resources, while others may prefer a smaller, more intimate setting.
* **Proximity to home:** Travel distance can be a significant factor, especially during treatment.
* **Insurance coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its providers are in-network.
* **Support services:** Availability of support groups, counseling, and other resources.
* **Physician-patient relationship:** Finding a physician with whom the patient feels comfortable and confident is essential.

**CMS Star Ratings and Other Public Data**

CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient experience, safety, and efficiency. It is important to note that these ratings are not specific to breast cancer care but can provide a general indication of hospital quality.

Other publicly available data, such as hospital compare data, can provide information on specific quality metrics, such as readmission rates and infection rates.

**Telehealth: A Growing Component**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in cancer care. Telehealth consultations can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services at each hospital.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Innovation**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with opportunities to access innovative treatments. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials at each hospital.

**Patient Support Programs**

Breast cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Patients should inquire about the availability of support programs, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer care is a complex decision. This review provides a starting point for patients in the Scranton, PA area (ZIP code 18456) to begin their research. Patients should gather information from multiple sources, including hospital websites, physician consultations, and patient reviews. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual needs and preferences. Thorough research and open communication with healthcare providers are essential to making an informed decision.