18631, Mifflinville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18631, Mifflinville, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Breast Cancer Care in Northeastern Pennsylvania: A Scorecard for Hospitals Near 18631**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital, with the best resources and expertise, is a critical first step. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near the 18631 ZIP code (Scranton, PA area), focusing on key metrics for breast cancer care.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The Scranton area is served by a mix of large health systems and community hospitals. Access to specialized breast cancer care varies, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility is essential. This review examines factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, the availability of specialized centers, telehealth options, and other crucial data points.

**Geisinger Health System: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger, a large integrated health system, is a major player in the region. While its flagship hospital, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville (outside the immediate Scranton area), offers comprehensive cancer services, its presence in the Scranton area is significant.

* **Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton):** Geisinger Community Medical Center is a key facility. While it may not have the same breadth of specialized services as the flagship hospital, it provides essential cancer care, including breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They also offer radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Geisinger Community Medical Center's CMS star rating can fluctuate. It's crucial to check the latest data on the CMS website (Medicare.gov) for the most up-to-date information. CMS ratings are based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are a significant consideration. Data on ER wait times can be found on websites like ProPublica's Hospital Compare tool. Longer wait times can be a sign of overcrowding or resource constraints.
* **Specialty Centers:** Geisinger has a network of cancer centers. While a dedicated breast cancer center may not be located at Geisinger Community Medical Center, patients have access to multidisciplinary care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.
* **Telehealth:** Geisinger has a robust telehealth program. Telehealth can be especially valuable for follow-up appointments, consultations, and support groups, reducing the need for frequent travel.
* **Breast Cancer Screening:** Geisinger offers mammography services at various locations in the Scranton area. Access to screening is critical for early detection.

**Commonwealth Health: A Local Presence**

Commonwealth Health operates several hospitals in the Scranton area. Their breast cancer services are an important option for local residents.

* **Regional Hospital of Scranton:** Regional Hospital of Scranton is a primary facility for Commonwealth Health. It offers breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Like Geisinger, the CMS star rating for Regional Hospital of Scranton is subject to change. Check Medicare.gov for the most current rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Regional Hospital of Scranton can vary. Patients should check online resources for the most recent data.
* **Specialty Centers:** Commonwealth Health may have specialized cancer centers or programs. Patients should inquire about the availability of multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options may be available through Commonwealth Health.
* **Breast Cancer Screening:** Commonwealth Health offers mammography services.

**Other Hospitals in the Region**

* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Moses Taylor Hospital, part of the CHS system, provides breast cancer services. It is important to check their CMS star rating, ER wait times, and the availability of specialty centers.
* **Community Medical Center (Scranton):** Community Medical Center is part of the Geisinger system. It offers breast cancer services.
* **Smaller Community Hospitals:** Smaller community hospitals in the surrounding areas may offer breast cancer screening and basic treatment options.

**Key Metrics for Evaluation**

When evaluating hospitals for breast cancer care, several factors are critical:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality and patient experience. A higher star rating generally indicates better performance.
* **ER Wait Times:** Long ER wait times can be a sign of overcrowding and potential resource constraints.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) indicates a commitment to quality cancer care.
* **Specialty Centers:** Dedicated breast cancer centers offer multidisciplinary care, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff.
* **Technology:** Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), is crucial for early detection.
* **Treatment Options:** Hospitals should offer a range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.
* **Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials provides access to the latest treatments and research.
* **Patient Support Services:** Comprehensive support services, such as counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs, are essential.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options can improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Data Sources and Verification**

The information presented in this review is based on publicly available data from sources such as:

* **Medicare.gov (CMS):** For hospital star ratings, quality data, and other information.
* **ProPublica's Hospital Compare:** For ER wait times and other hospital data.
* **Hospital Websites:** For information on services, specialists, and programs.
* **The American College of Surgeons (ACoS):** For accreditation information.

It's crucial to verify this information directly with the hospitals and healthcare providers. Hospital websites often provide detailed information about their breast cancer programs and services. Patients should also consult with their primary care physicians and oncologists to determine the best course of action.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer care is a personal decision. This review provides a starting point for evaluating the options near the 18631 ZIP code. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific characteristics of each hospital. It is recommended to visit the hospitals, speak with the doctors and nurses, and ask questions about their experience with breast cancer.

**Disclaimer:** *This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.*