15474, Point Marion, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15474, Point Marion, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15474

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires careful consideration, especially when selecting a hospital. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 15474 (Uniontown, PA), examining their capabilities and performance in prostate cancer care. This information is intended to provide a starting point for patients and their families, but it is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The area surrounding Uniontown, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of healthcare options, ranging from large, regional medical centers to smaller community hospitals. Prostate cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and specialized support staff. The availability and expertise of these specialists, along with advanced technologies, are crucial factors in evaluating a hospital's suitability.

**Key Considerations in Hospital Selection:**

Several factors influence the quality of prostate cancer care. These include:

* **Expertise:** The experience of the urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists in treating prostate cancer.
* **Technology:** Access to advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., MRI, PET scans), surgical techniques (e.g., robotic-assisted surgery), and radiation therapy options (e.g., IMRT, brachytherapy).
* **Support Services:** Availability of patient navigation, support groups, and rehabilitation services.
* **Patient Outcomes:** Hospital performance data, such as complication rates, survival rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Commission on Cancer (CoC) can indicate a commitment to quality care.

**Hospital Profiles: A Closer Look**

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh, PA):** While located outside of Uniontown, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is a major regional medical center and a flagship hospital within the UPMC system. It is a Level I trauma center and a teaching hospital, often attracting highly skilled specialists. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside boasts a strong reputation in oncology, offering a comprehensive prostate cancer program. It is a large hospital with a wide array of specialists and advanced technologies.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside has a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Specialty Centers:** UPMC has a dedicated cancer center.
* **Robotic Surgery:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside offers robotic-assisted prostatectomy, a minimally invasive surgical approach that can lead to faster recovery times.
* **Radiation Therapy:** The hospital provides advanced radiation therapy options, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside can vary, but as a large, busy hospital, patients may experience longer wait times compared to smaller facilities. It's advisable to check current wait times on their website or through online resources.
* **Telehealth:** UPMC has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for oncology patients. This can be particularly beneficial for patients living in rural areas.
* **Accreditation:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC).

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital (Pittsburgh, PA):** While primarily known for women's health, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital also offers specialized oncology services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Oncology Services:** UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital has a dedicated cancer center.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital can vary, but as a large, busy hospital, patients may experience longer wait times compared to smaller facilities. It's advisable to check current wait times on their website or through online resources.
* **Telehealth:** UPMC has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for oncology patients. This can be particularly beneficial for patients living in rural areas.
* **Accreditation:** UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC).

**WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital (Uniontown, PA):** Located within the 15474 ZIP code, WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital is a community hospital that provides a range of healthcare services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Oncology Services:** WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital has a dedicated cancer center.
* **Robotic Surgery:** WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital offers robotic-assisted prostatectomy.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital are generally shorter than those at larger, urban hospitals.
* **Telehealth:** WVU Medicine has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for oncology patients.
* **Accreditation:** WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC).

**Excela Health Frick Hospital (Mount Pleasant, PA):** Located in Mount Pleasant, PA, Excela Health Frick Hospital is another hospital option.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Excela Health Frick Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Oncology Services:** Excela Health Frick Hospital has a dedicated cancer center.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Excela Health Frick Hospital are generally shorter than those at larger, urban hospitals.
* **Telehealth:** Excela Health has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for oncology patients.
* **Accreditation:** Excela Health Frick Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC).

**Important Considerations for Patients:**

* **Consultation with a Primary Care Physician:** The first step in addressing any health concern is consulting with your primary care physician. They can provide guidance, order initial screenings, and refer you to specialists.
* **Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from another urologist or oncologist is often a good idea, especially after a diagnosis of prostate cancer. This allows you to gather more information and explore different treatment options.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify your insurance coverage for the hospitals and specialists you are considering. Understand your out-of-pocket costs, including co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance.
* **Patient Navigation:** Many hospitals offer patient navigation services to help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Patient navigators can assist with scheduling appointments, understanding treatment plans, and accessing support resources.
* **Support Groups:** Consider joining a prostate cancer support group. These groups provide a valuable opportunity to connect with other patients, share experiences, and receive emotional support.
* **Clinical Trials:** Ask your doctor about the availability of clinical trials. Participating in a clinical trial may provide access to innovative treatments.
* **Travel and Accommodation:** If you choose a hospital outside of your immediate area, consider travel and accommodation costs.

**Data Sources and Limitations:**

The information presented in this review is based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, hospital websites, and other online resources. It is important to note that hospital performance data can change over time. ER wait times are estimates and can vary depending on the day and time. Patient satisfaction scores are based on patient surveys and may reflect individual experiences.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer care is a significant decision. The hospitals near ZIP code 15474 offer a range of options, from large regional medical centers to community hospitals. Patients should carefully consider the factors discussed in this review, including the expertise of the medical team, the availability of advanced technologies, and the hospital's overall performance. A thorough evaluation, in consultation with your healthcare providers, will help you make an informed decision and ensure you receive the best possible care. Remember to actively participate in your care, ask questions, and advocate for your needs.