18508, Scranton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18508, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in Scranton, PA: A Deep Dive for Patients Near 18508

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a critical decision, one that demands thorough research. This review focuses on the hospitals serving the area near Scranton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18508), providing a fact-based assessment to help patients navigate their options. We'll examine key factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth availability, offering a clear picture of the resources available.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance**

The primary hospital serving the Scranton area is **Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC)**, located in Scranton. GCMC is a large, regional healthcare provider with a significant presence in the community. However, it's important to note that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) does not currently assign star ratings to GCMC. This absence of a star rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it means there's no readily available, standardized, government-provided measure of overall hospital performance. Patients should consult the hospital's own quality reports and seek information from their physicians.

Another important player is **Moses Taylor Hospital**, also located in Scranton. Moses Taylor Hospital is part of the Commonwealth Health network. Like GCMC, Moses Taylor Hospital does not currently have a CMS star rating. Patients should consider consulting the hospital's quality reports and discuss their concerns with their physicians.

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

Emergency room wait times can be a significant factor, especially for patients experiencing symptoms or complications related to breast cancer treatment. Unfortunately, publicly available data on ER wait times for specific hospitals in the Scranton area is often limited. Patients should directly contact the hospitals for the most current information.

**Specialty Centers and Breast Cancer Expertise**

Both GCMC and Moses Taylor Hospital offer breast cancer care, including diagnostic services, surgical options, and supportive care. These hospitals have dedicated breast centers or specialized programs. These centers often feature multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and breast care nurses.

**Geisinger's Cancer Institute** is a regional network with a presence in Scranton. This network provides access to a broader range of specialists and advanced treatment options, including clinical trials. The Cancer Institute's focus on research and innovation can be a significant advantage for patients.

**Moses Taylor Hospital** also has a dedicated cancer center, offering comprehensive cancer care services. Patients should inquire about the specific services offered, including access to advanced technologies and supportive programs.

**Diagnostic Services: Precision in Detection**

Early detection is crucial in breast cancer treatment. Both GCMC and Moses Taylor Hospital offer a range of diagnostic services, including:

* **Mammography:** Both hospitals provide mammography services, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which can improve the detection of small cancers.
* **Ultrasound:** Ultrasound is often used to further evaluate suspicious findings on mammograms.
* **MRI:** Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used for more detailed imaging, particularly for patients with dense breast tissue or those at high risk.
* **Biopsy:** If a suspicious area is detected, a biopsy will be performed to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.

Patients should inquire about the specific technologies and expertise available at each hospital.

**Surgical Options: Tailoring Treatment to the Individual**

Surgical options for breast cancer vary depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. Both hospitals offer a range of surgical procedures, including:

* **Lumpectomy:** This procedure removes the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
* **Mastectomy:** This procedure removes the entire breast.
* **Sentinel Node Biopsy:** This procedure identifies and removes the first few lymph nodes to which the cancer is likely to spread.
* **Axillary Lymph Node Dissection:** This procedure removes more lymph nodes from the armpit.

Patients should discuss their surgical options with their surgeons to determine the best approach for their individual case.

**Radiation Oncology: Targeted Treatment**

Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Both GCMC and Moses Taylor Hospital offer radiation oncology services. Patients should inquire about the specific technologies and expertise available, including:

* **External Beam Radiation Therapy:** This is the most common type of radiation therapy.
* **Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT):** This advanced technique allows for more precise targeting of the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.
* **Brachytherapy:** This involves placing radioactive sources directly into the tumor or surrounding tissue.

**Medical Oncology: Systemic Treatment**

Medical oncologists specialize in systemic treatments, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies. Both hospitals have medical oncologists who work closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans. Patients should inquire about the availability of:

* **Chemotherapy:** This uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
* **Hormone Therapy:** This blocks the effects of hormones that can fuel the growth of breast cancer.
* **Targeted Therapies:** These drugs target specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Supportive Services: A Holistic Approach**

Breast cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Both hospitals offer a range of supportive services, including:

* **Breast Care Nurses:** These nurses provide education, support, and guidance throughout the treatment process.
* **Patient Navigators:** These individuals help patients navigate the healthcare system and coordinate their care.
* **Counseling and Support Groups:** These services provide emotional support and a safe space for patients to share their experiences.
* **Physical Therapy:** Physical therapy can help patients recover from surgery and manage side effects of treatment.
* **Nutrition Counseling:** Nutritionists can help patients maintain a healthy diet during treatment.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Both GCMC and Moses Taylor Hospital offer telehealth services. Patients should inquire about the availability of:

* **Virtual Consultations:** These allow patients to meet with their doctors remotely.
* **Remote Monitoring:** This allows healthcare providers to monitor patients' health remotely.
* **Educational Resources:** Online resources can provide patients with information about their condition and treatment options.

**Research and Clinical Trials**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. Geisinger's Cancer Institute is known for its research programs and participation in clinical trials. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials at both hospitals.

**Financial Considerations**

The cost of breast cancer treatment can be significant. Patients should inquire about the hospital's financial assistance programs and insurance coverage. They should also discuss their financial concerns with their healthcare providers.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience and satisfaction are important indicators of quality of care. Patients should research patient reviews and testimonials. They should also ask their doctors about their experiences with the hospitals.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. Patients should consider the following factors:

* **The hospital's reputation and expertise in breast cancer care.**
* **The availability of specialized services and technologies.**
* **The experience and qualifications of the medical team.**
* **The hospital's commitment to patient-centered care.**
* **The availability of supportive services.**
* **Insurance coverage and financial considerations.**

By carefully considering these factors, patients can make an informed decision and choose the hospital that best meets their individual needs. This review provides a starting point for that process, but patients should always consult with their physicians and other healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action.