26710, Burlington, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26710, Burlington, West Virginia is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Breast Cancer Care in the 26710 Area: A Scorecard of Options

Finding the right breast cancer care is a deeply personal journey, and the location of treatment plays a significant role. This review focuses on hospitals near the 26710 ZIP code, offering a fact-based assessment of available resources, from flagship institutions to community hospitals. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities to provide a comprehensive overview for patients and their families.

**Defining the Scope: Proximity and Accessibility**

The 26710 ZIP code encompasses the city of Keyser, West Virginia, and surrounding areas. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in accessibility for residents. We'll prioritize institutions known for their comprehensive cancer care, including those with dedicated breast cancer centers and advanced treatment options.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Look at the Big Players**

While no single hospital dominates the immediate vicinity of 26710, residents often seek care at larger facilities within a wider radius. These flagship hospitals often offer a broader range of specialists, advanced technologies, and clinical trials.

**WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV):** This is a major referral center for the state and is a significant draw for residents in the 26710 area. Ruby Memorial has a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated breast cancer program. The hospital has a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), indicating a generally above-average performance in quality and safety. ER wait times can fluctuate, but patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. The hospital actively promotes telehealth services, including oncology consultations, which can be beneficial for follow-up appointments and remote monitoring.

**UPMC – UPMC Shadyside (Pittsburgh, PA):** Though a longer drive, UPMC Shadyside is a well-regarded cancer center. UPMC offers a wide range of breast cancer services, including advanced imaging, surgical options, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. UPMC hospitals generally have a strong reputation for quality of care. CMS star ratings vary across UPMC facilities; it's important to check the specific rating for Shadyside. Telehealth services are available, but the availability and scope can vary depending on the specific physician and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Specialty Centers: Focusing on Breast Cancer Expertise**

Dedicated breast cancer centers are designed to provide a multidisciplinary approach to care, bringing together specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and other relevant fields. These centers often offer specialized programs, such as genetic counseling, survivorship programs, and clinical trials.

**WVU Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Program:** This program within Ruby Memorial Hospital focuses on comprehensive breast cancer care. It offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. The institute emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists collaborating to develop individualized treatment plans.

**UPMC Hillman Cancer Center:** UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, with its various locations, including UPMC Shadyside, offers a dedicated breast cancer program. This program provides comprehensive care, including access to advanced technologies, clinical trials, and support services.

**Community Hospitals: Local Options for Care**

While larger hospitals often offer more specialized services, community hospitals can play a vital role in providing accessible care closer to home. These hospitals may offer diagnostic services, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, as well as support services like counseling and support groups.

**Potomac Valley Hospital (Keyser, WV):** Located in Keyser, this hospital is the closest option for residents of the 26710 area. It may offer some basic cancer services, but it is unlikely to have a dedicated breast cancer center. Patients may need to be referred to larger hospitals for specialized treatment. It is important to verify the scope of cancer services available at Potomac Valley Hospital directly. CMS star ratings are not available for this facility. ER wait times can vary, but it is generally a quicker option than larger hospitals.

**Memorial Hospital (Cumberland, MD):** Located in Cumberland, MD, Memorial Hospital is another option for residents of the 26710 area. Memorial Hospital is a part of the UPMC network. It may offer some cancer services, but it is important to verify the scope of cancer services available at Memorial Hospital directly. CMS star ratings are not available for this facility. ER wait times can vary.

**Diagnostic Capabilities: Imaging and Beyond**

Early detection is crucial in breast cancer treatment. The availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as mammography, 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), ultrasound, and MRI, is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.

**Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Offers comprehensive imaging services, including mammography, tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and MRI.

**UPMC Shadyside:** Provides a full suite of diagnostic imaging services, including advanced breast imaging techniques.

**Potomac Valley Hospital:** Offers mammography services.

**Memorial Hospital:** Offers mammography services.

**Treatment Options: Surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy**

The range of treatment options available at a hospital is a critical factor. This includes surgical expertise (lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstructive surgery), radiation therapy (external beam radiation, brachytherapy), and medical oncology (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy).

**Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Offers a full range of surgical options, radiation therapy, and medical oncology services.

**UPMC Shadyside:** Provides a comprehensive range of treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

**Potomac Valley Hospital:** May offer chemotherapy services.

**Memorial Hospital:** May offer chemotherapy services.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. Telehealth can facilitate consultations, follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring, reducing the need for frequent travel and improving access to care.

**Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Actively promotes telehealth services, including oncology consultations.

**UPMC Shadyside:** Telehealth services are available, but the availability and scope can vary.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant factor for patients, especially those experiencing symptoms or complications. It's important to understand the typical wait times at each hospital.

**Ruby Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times can fluctuate; be prepared for potential delays.

**UPMC Shadyside:** ER wait times can vary.

**Potomac Valley Hospital:** Generally quicker ER wait times compared to larger hospitals.

**Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times can vary.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Guide to Quality**

CMS star ratings provide a general indication of a hospital's performance based on quality and safety measures.

**Ruby Memorial Hospital:** 4-star rating.

**UPMC Shadyside:** Check the specific rating.

**Potomac Valley Hospital:** No rating available.

**Memorial Hospital:** No rating available.

**Support Services: Beyond Medical Treatment**

Comprehensive cancer care extends beyond medical treatment. Support services, such as counseling, support groups, nutritional counseling, and financial assistance, can significantly improve a patient's quality of life.

**Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Offers a range of support services.

**UPMC Shadyside:** Provides comprehensive support services.

**Potomac Valley Hospital:** May offer some support services.

**Memorial Hospital:** May offer some support services.

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

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in cancer care.

**Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Offers access to clinical trials.

**UPMC Shadyside:** Provides access to clinical trials.

**Making the Decision: Factors to Consider**

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

* **Proximity and Accessibility:** How far are you willing to travel for treatment?
* **Specialty Expertise:** Does the hospital have a dedicated breast cancer center?
* **Treatment Options:** Does the hospital offer the full range of treatment options you need?
* **Technology and Resources:** Does the hospital have the latest imaging and treatment technologies?
* **Support Services:** Does the hospital offer the support services you need?
* **Physician Recommendations:** Seek recommendations from your primary care physician or other specialists.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify your insurance coverage at each hospital.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews and testimonials from other patients.

**Conclusion: A Personalized Approach**

The best hospital for breast cancer care near the 26710 ZIP code will depend on individual needs and preferences. While Ruby Memorial Hospital and UPMC Shadyside offer comprehensive care, community hospitals like Potomac Valley Hospital and Memorial Hospital may provide more convenient access for some. Patients should carefully evaluate their options, considering all the factors discussed in this review, and work closely with their healthcare providers to make an informed decision.