18641, Pittston, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18641, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Poconos: A Review of Hospitals Near 18641

Finding the right healthcare, especially when facing a diagnosis like breast cancer, is a critical undertaking. This review focuses on hospitals near the 18641 ZIP code, encompassing the Pocono Lake region of Pennsylvania, to provide a factual overview of available resources for breast cancer care. This information is compiled from publicly available data, including CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings, reported ER wait times, and hospital websites. It is crucial to consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.

**Local Options: Lehigh Valley Health Network – Pocono and Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital**

The two primary hospital systems serving the immediate vicinity of 18641 are Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. Both offer comprehensive services, including breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

**Lehigh Valley Health Network – Pocono:** Located in East Stroudsburg, PA, LVHN-Pocono is a significant presence in the region. While specific CMS star ratings can fluctuate, it's important to check the most recent data on the CMS website. LVHN-Pocono has a dedicated breast health center, providing mammography, ultrasound, and other diagnostic services. They offer surgical oncology and medical oncology services. For ER wait times, it's best to consult the hospital's website or a third-party site that monitors ER wait times in real-time, as these times vary considerably depending on the day and time of day. LVHN has expanded telehealth services, including virtual visits with specialists, which can be particularly valuable for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital:** This hospital system, with a location in Orwigsburg, PA, also serves the 18641 area. Like LVHN-Pocono, Geisinger St. Luke’s provides a full range of breast cancer services. CMS star ratings for individual hospitals within the Geisinger system should be checked on the CMS website. Geisinger St. Luke's has dedicated breast care centers offering screening and diagnostic services. They provide surgical and medical oncology. ER wait times are variable; check the hospital's website or a reliable third-party tracker for current estimates. Geisinger has a robust telehealth program, including virtual appointments for various specialties, which can improve access to care for patients in rural areas.

**Flagship Hospitals and Specialty Centers: Expanding the Scope**

While local hospitals offer essential care, patients may also consider traveling to flagship hospitals and specialty centers for advanced treatment options or specific expertise. This section examines some prominent options within a reasonable driving distance.

**Penn Medicine:** The University of Pennsylvania Health System, located in Philadelphia, PA, is a major academic medical center. Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center is nationally recognized for its comprehensive cancer care, including advanced breast cancer treatment. Penn Medicine's hospitals typically have high CMS star ratings. The Abramson Cancer Center offers cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care. Access to Penn Medicine from the 18641 area requires a drive of approximately two hours. Telehealth services are available.

**Fox Chase Cancer Center:** Also located in Philadelphia, Fox Chase Cancer Center is a dedicated cancer center with a long history of excellence in cancer care. Fox Chase provides specialized breast cancer treatment, including advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. CMS star ratings for Fox Chase should be checked on the CMS website. Fox Chase is known for its research and clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. The drive from 18641 is approximately two hours. Telehealth options are available.

**Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK):** While located in New York City, MSK is a renowned cancer center that may be considered by some patients. MSK offers comprehensive breast cancer services, including advanced surgical procedures, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. MSK is known for its research and clinical trials. The drive from 18641 to MSK is approximately two and a half hours. Telehealth services are offered.

**Hospital Quality Indicators: Understanding the Data**

Understanding the quality of care is crucial. CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital performance, but they should be considered alongside other factors.

**CMS Star Ratings:** The CMS star ratings are based on various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. It is essential to check the most current ratings on the CMS website, as they are updated periodically. A higher star rating generally indicates better performance across these metrics.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are a significant factor in patient experience. These times can vary considerably based on the time of day, day of the week, and patient volume. Hospital websites and third-party websites provide real-time or estimated ER wait times.

**Accreditation and Certifications:** Accreditation from organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) indicates a hospital's commitment to providing high-quality cancer care. Look for hospitals with CoC accreditation.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: Tailoring Care**

Many hospitals have specialized breast cancer centers or programs designed to provide comprehensive care.

**Breast Centers:** These centers often offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to provide coordinated care. They often provide a range of services, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, surgical consultations, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support services.

**Genetic Counseling:** Some hospitals offer genetic counseling for patients with a family history of breast cancer. This can help patients understand their risk and make informed decisions about screening and prevention.

**Clinical Trials:** Many hospitals participate in clinical trials, which offer patients access to the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Virtual Consultations:** Many hospitals offer virtual consultations with specialists, which can save patients time and travel costs.

**Remote Monitoring:** Some hospitals use remote monitoring technologies to track patients' health and provide support.

**Patient Experience: Beyond the Numbers**

While data is essential, patient experience is equally important.

**Patient Reviews:** Online reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other patients. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews can offer patient feedback.

**Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and counseling.

**Choosing the Right Hospital: A Personalized Decision**

The "best" hospital for breast cancer care is a highly personal decision. Factors to consider include:

* **Proximity:** The distance to the hospital and ease of access.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.
* **Specialist Expertise:** The experience and expertise of the medical team.
* **Available Services:** The range of services offered, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support.
* **Patient Reviews:** The experiences of other patients.
* **Personal Preferences:** Your comfort level with the hospital and its staff.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

The 18641 area offers a range of options for breast cancer care, from local hospitals to regional and national centers of excellence. By researching the available resources, understanding hospital quality indicators, and considering your individual needs, you can make an informed decision about your care. It is essential to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan. Remember to check the most up-to-date information on hospital websites and the CMS website, as data and services can change.