15681, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15681, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care: A Scorecard for Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15681

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer treatment is a critical decision. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near the ZIP code 15681 (Youngstown, PA), focusing on key metrics relevant to lung cancer care. We'll examine factors like hospital quality, specialized services, wait times, and telehealth capabilities to help you make an informed choice. This is not a substitute for medical advice; always consult with your physician.

**Hospital Quality and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general overview of quality. However, it's important to understand the limitations of this rating. It's a broad indicator and doesn't specifically focus on lung cancer care.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh, PA):**

UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, located approximately 40 miles west of 15681, is a flagship hospital within the UPMC system. While the CMS star rating can fluctuate, UPMC hospitals often score well due to their comprehensive services. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside boasts a robust cancer center, likely including specialized lung cancer programs. They are also a teaching hospital, which often translates to access to cutting-edge research and treatment protocols. To get the most up-to-date information, check the CMS website directly for the latest star rating.

**Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh, PA):**

Another prominent hospital option is Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), also in Pittsburgh. AGH is part of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN). Similar to UPMC, AGH is a large, established hospital with a dedicated cancer institute. Its CMS star rating should be verified directly. AGH's size and resources suggest a comprehensive lung cancer program with multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and pulmonologists.

**Forbes Hospital (Monroeville, PA):**

Forbes Hospital, located closer to 15681 than the Pittsburgh hospitals, is part of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN). It is a community hospital with a cancer center, making it a convenient option. While it may not have the same level of research focus as the larger Pittsburgh hospitals, Forbes Hospital can offer a good standard of care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The CMS star rating should be checked directly.

**ER Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, particularly in a crisis. However, they don't directly reflect the quality of lung cancer treatment. They can be an indicator of overall hospital efficiency.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** ER wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website or third-party sources for current estimates.

**Allegheny General Hospital:** AGH's ER wait times can be found on their website or through resources like the ER Wait Time app.

**Forbes Hospital:** Being a smaller community hospital, Forbes Hospital may have shorter ER wait times than the larger Pittsburgh hospitals.

**Specialty Centers and Lung Cancer Programs:**

The presence of specialized centers and programs is a key indicator of a hospital's commitment to lung cancer care. Look for dedicated lung cancer clinics, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and access to advanced technologies.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside likely has a comprehensive lung cancer program. This includes access to advanced imaging (PET/CT scans), minimally invasive surgical techniques (video-assisted thoracic surgery - VATS), and targeted therapies. They are likely to have a multidisciplinary team that meets regularly to discuss patient cases and create individualized treatment plans. They may also participate in clinical trials, offering access to the latest research and treatments.

**Allegheny General Hospital:** AGH's cancer institute likely provides a strong lung cancer program. They would likely have similar resources to UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, including advanced imaging, surgical options, and access to clinical trials.

**Forbes Hospital:** Forbes Hospital’s cancer center likely offers a good standard of care. They likely have medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pulmonologists on staff. They may offer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, they may not have the same level of specialized expertise or access to clinical trials as the larger Pittsburgh hospitals.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC has a well-established telehealth program. They likely offer virtual consultations with oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists. This can be especially helpful for patients who live far from the hospital or have mobility issues. Check the UPMC website for specific telehealth services offered within their cancer program.

**Allegheny General Hospital:** AHN also has a telehealth program. They likely offer virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services. Check the AHN website for specifics.

**Forbes Hospital:** Forbes Hospital may have a more limited telehealth presence. They may offer some telehealth services, such as virtual follow-up appointments, but it may not be as extensive as the programs at the larger Pittsburgh hospitals.

**Surgical Options and Expertise:**

The availability of skilled thoracic surgeons and advanced surgical techniques is critical for lung cancer treatment.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside likely has a team of highly skilled thoracic surgeons who perform a wide range of procedures, including lobectomies (removal of a lobe of the lung), pneumonectomies (removal of an entire lung), and minimally invasive VATS. They may also offer robotic-assisted surgery.

**Allegheny General Hospital:** AGH likely has a similar level of surgical expertise. They would likely offer a range of surgical options, including minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted surgery.

**Forbes Hospital:** Forbes Hospital may have thoracic surgeons on staff, but the volume of surgeries and the availability of advanced techniques may be less than at the larger Pittsburgh hospitals.

**Radiation Therapy Options:**

The type and quality of radiation therapy are crucial for many lung cancer patients.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC likely offers a full range of radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). They likely have advanced imaging and treatment planning capabilities to deliver precise radiation doses.

**Allegheny General Hospital:** AGH likely has similar radiation therapy capabilities. They would likely offer EBRT, IMRT, and SBRT.

**Forbes Hospital:** Forbes Hospital likely offers radiation therapy. However, the specific technologies and treatment options may be more limited than at the larger Pittsburgh hospitals.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Access to clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC is a major research institution. They likely participate in numerous clinical trials for lung cancer, offering patients access to new therapies and treatment approaches.

**Allegheny General Hospital:** AGH also likely participates in clinical trials.

**Forbes Hospital:** Forbes Hospital may participate in some clinical trials, but the scope may be more limited than at the larger hospitals.

**Patient Support Services:**

Comprehensive support services are essential for patients and their families.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC likely offers a wide range of support services, including patient navigators, social workers, support groups, and financial counseling.

**Allegheny General Hospital:** AGH likely offers similar support services.

**Forbes Hospital:** Forbes Hospital likely offers some patient support services, but the scope may be more limited.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations:**

Verify that the hospital and its physicians accept your insurance plan. Inquire about financial assistance programs if needed.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals near ZIP code 15681 seeking lung cancer treatment, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and Allegheny General Hospital, both in Pittsburgh, offer the most comprehensive care, with advanced technologies, experienced specialists, and access to clinical trials. Forbes Hospital, while closer, may offer a more limited range of services. Before making a decision, contact each hospital directly to discuss your specific needs, insurance coverage, and to get the most up-to-date information on their programs and services. Always consult with your physician to determine the best treatment plan for your individual circumstances.