18913, Carversville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18913, Carversville, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Treatment Options Near Doylestown, PA (18913)

Choosing a hospital for breast cancer treatment is a critical decision. Proximity to home, physician expertise, and access to cutting-edge technology all play a significant role. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Doylestown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18913), evaluating them based on factors crucial to breast cancer care, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Understanding the Landscape: Key Considerations**

Before diving into specific hospitals, it's essential to understand the metrics used in this assessment. CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings offer a general gauge of hospital quality, though they are not specifically tailored to oncology. ER wait times, while not directly related to cancer care, can reflect overall hospital efficiency. Specialty centers, particularly those dedicated to breast health, are a major plus. Telehealth capabilities, increasingly important, offer remote consultations and follow-up care.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Closer Look**

Several major hospitals serve the Doylestown area, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

**Doylestown Hospital (Doylestown, PA):** Located directly within the 18901 zip code, Doylestown Hospital is a central point of care for the community. While not having a specific CMS star rating, it is known for its comprehensive cancer services. The hospital's Cancer Institute provides a multidisciplinary approach, with medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and support staff collaborating on patient care. Doylestown Hospital has a Breast Health Center, which is a significant asset. It offers advanced imaging, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and often has dedicated nurse navigators to guide patients through their treatment journey. ER wait times at Doylestown Hospital fluctuate, but recent data suggests an average wait time of around 30-45 minutes. Telehealth options are available, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health (Abington, PA):** Abington Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, is a larger facility located approximately 20 miles south of Doylestown. It boasts a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a generally high level of quality. Abington's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center offers a wide range of services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and clinical trials. The hospital's breast cancer program is robust, with a dedicated Breast Care Center. Abington often has access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials, providing patients with access to the latest advancements in treatment. ER wait times at Abington Hospital are generally longer, often exceeding an hour, reflecting the high volume of patients. Telehealth services are available through Jefferson Health, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring.

**St. Mary Medical Center (Langhorne, PA):** St. Mary Medical Center, part of Trinity Health, is another option, located about 10 miles south of Doylestown. It currently holds a 3-star CMS rating. St. Mary's Cancer Center offers a comprehensive approach to cancer care. The hospital's breast cancer program includes surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. ER wait times at St. Mary's are typically in the 30-60 minute range. Telehealth capabilities are present, with opportunities for virtual appointments and follow-up care.

**Specialized Breast Centers: Expertise in Focus**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, consider specialized breast centers. These centers often offer a more focused approach to breast cancer care, with dedicated teams of specialists.

**The Breast Health Center at Doylestown Hospital:** As mentioned earlier, this center is a key asset for the community. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The center emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, with a team of specialists working together to develop individualized treatment plans.

**The Breast Care Center at Abington Hospital:** This center provides a comprehensive suite of services, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care. The center often participates in clinical trials, giving patients access to cutting-edge therapies.

**The Role of Technology: Telehealth and Beyond**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in cancer care. It allows patients to access care remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

**Doylestown Hospital:** Offers telehealth options for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health:** Provides extensive telehealth services, including virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.

**St. Mary Medical Center:** Offers telehealth capabilities for virtual appointments and follow-up care.

**ER Wait Times: A Reflection of Hospital Efficiency**

ER wait times are not directly related to cancer care, but they can reflect the overall efficiency and capacity of a hospital. Shorter wait times can be a sign of better organization and resource allocation.

**Doylestown Hospital:** Typically has ER wait times in the 30-45 minute range.

**Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health:** Often experiences longer ER wait times, exceeding an hour.

**St. Mary Medical Center:** Generally has ER wait times in the 30-60 minute range.

**Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Therapies**

Access to clinical trials can be a significant advantage for breast cancer patients. These trials offer the opportunity to participate in research and potentially benefit from the latest advancements in treatment.

**Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health:** Actively participates in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies.

**Doylestown Hospital:** While not as heavily involved in clinical trials as Abington, it may offer access to trials through collaborations or affiliations.

**St. Mary Medical Center:** May offer access to clinical trials, though the scope might be more limited compared to larger institutions.

**Factors Beyond the Numbers: The Human Element**

While data points like CMS ratings and ER wait times are helpful, the human element is crucial. Consider the following:

* **Physician Expertise:** Research the experience and qualifications of the oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews from other patients to get a sense of the hospital's culture and the quality of care.
* **Support Services:** Inquire about the availability of support services, such as counseling, support groups, and financial assistance.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider your own preferences regarding communication style, access to specialists, and overall comfort level.

**Making Your Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for breast cancer treatment is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near Doylestown, PA (18913). Consider your individual needs, preferences, and the information presented here to make an informed choice. Consult with your primary care physician, seek referrals from trusted sources, and don't hesitate to ask questions. The best hospital is the one that offers the best possible care and support for your specific situation.