18701, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18701, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area: A Scorecard for Patients Near 18701

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital, with its specialized care and support, is a crucial first step. This review analyzes the breast cancer care landscape for patients near ZIP code 18701 (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania) focusing on key factors like hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility. We'll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the major players, offering a fact-rich assessment to help patients make informed decisions.

**The Flagship Hospitals: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital**

Two hospitals dominate the healthcare landscape in the immediate vicinity of 18701: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWVMC) and Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital (WBGH). Both offer comprehensive breast cancer services, but their approaches and performance differ.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:**

Geisinger, a large integrated health system, has a significant presence in the region. GWVMC, located in Plains Township, is a major referral center. Unfortunately, publicly available data regarding its specific breast cancer program performance is limited. However, Geisinger as a whole is known for its commitment to research and innovation.

GWVMC is a teaching hospital. This often translates to access to the latest treatment protocols and a multidisciplinary approach to care. The hospital's affiliation with the Geisinger system provides access to a network of specialists and resources.

The hospital's website details its breast cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and survivorship programs. Specifics regarding the number of breast cancer surgeries performed annually or the hospital's patient outcomes are not readily available on the public domain.

Geisinger's overall CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating is a key indicator of quality. However, the most recent available rating for GWVMC is **three stars**. This rating considers factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While not a failing grade, it suggests areas where the hospital could improve.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times can be a useful indicator of hospital efficiency. Unfortunately, specific ER wait times for GWVMC are not consistently reported publicly. Patients should inquire about current wait times when seeking emergency care.

**Telehealth:** Geisinger has invested heavily in telehealth, particularly during the pandemic. This can be a significant advantage for patients, offering convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support groups. Information about specific telehealth services for breast cancer patients at GWVMC can be found on their website.

**Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital:**

WBGH, also located in Wilkes-Barre, is another major provider of breast cancer services in the area. It is part of the Commonwealth Health network.

WBGH’s breast cancer program offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support services. Like GWVMC, specific performance metrics like surgical volumes or patient outcomes are not easily accessible to the public.

WBGH's overall CMS star rating is also a key indicator. The most recent rating for WBGH is **two stars**. This rating, like GWVMC's, reflects the hospital's performance on various quality measures. The lower rating suggests areas where WBGH may need to improve.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** Similar to GWVMC, publicly available information on ER wait times at WBGH is limited. Patients should inquire about current wait times when seeking emergency care.

**Telehealth:** Commonwealth Health offers telehealth services, but the extent of its telehealth program specifically for breast cancer patients is not readily available. Patients should contact the hospital directly for more information.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: A Deeper Dive**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several specialized centers and programs can enhance the quality of breast cancer care.

**Geisinger Cancer Institute:** Geisinger's Cancer Institute, while not a specific physical location, represents a system-wide approach to cancer care. It leverages research, clinical trials, and a network of specialists to provide comprehensive cancer treatment. Patients at GWVMC benefit from this larger institute.

**Commonwealth Health Cancer Center:** WBGH has its own cancer center, which provides a dedicated space for cancer treatment and support services. The specifics of this center, including its specialized programs and resources, are available on the Commonwealth Health website.

**Radiation Oncology:** Both GWVMC and WBGH offer radiation therapy services. The availability of advanced radiation techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), can be a significant advantage for patients. Patients should inquire about the specific radiation therapy options available at each hospital.

**Surgical Options:** The availability of different surgical options, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery, is crucial. Patients should discuss their surgical options with their surgeon and inquire about the hospital's experience with different surgical techniques.

**Support Services:** Breast cancer treatment involves more than just medical procedures. Support services, such as counseling, support groups, and patient navigation, are essential for patients' well-being. Patients should inquire about the availability of these services at each hospital.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience**

Accessibility, including factors like insurance acceptance, transportation options, and ease of appointment scheduling, plays a crucial role in patient care.

**Insurance Acceptance:** Both GWVMC and WBGH accept a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should verify their insurance coverage with each hospital before seeking treatment.

**Transportation:** Transportation to and from appointments can be a challenge for some patients. Patients should inquire about transportation assistance programs offered by each hospital.

**Appointment Scheduling:** The ease of scheduling appointments and the wait times for consultations can impact the patient experience. Patients should inquire about appointment availability and wait times when contacting each hospital.

**Patient Reviews and Feedback:** Online patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Patients should consult online review platforms, such as Healthgrades and Vitals, to learn about other patients' experiences at each hospital. However, it is important to consider that these reviews may not always be representative of the overall patient experience.

**The Bottom Line: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer treatment is a deeply personal decision. Patients near 18701 have two primary options: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Both offer comprehensive services, but their quality ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings vary.

Geisinger's system-wide approach and research focus are significant advantages. However, its CMS star rating is a consideration. WBGH’s CMS star rating is lower.

Patients should consider their individual needs and preferences when making their decision. Factors to consider include the hospital's quality ratings, the availability of specialized services, the experience of the medical team, the accessibility of care, and the availability of support services.

It is highly recommended that patients consult with their primary care physician and seek second opinions from oncologists and surgeons before making a final decision. Thorough research, coupled with open communication with healthcare providers, will empower patients to make the best possible choice for their breast cancer care.