17247, Quincy, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17247, Quincy, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17247

Finding the best care for prostate cancer requires a thorough understanding of available resources. This review examines hospitals near the ZIP code 17247 (Waynesboro, Pennsylvania), focusing on factors crucial for prostate cancer patients, including hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Hospital Quality and Overall Performance:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable starting point for evaluating hospital quality. CMS assigns star ratings based on various metrics, including patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care. However, the proximity of hospitals to 17247 dictates the options. The review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering the needs of patients during treatment.

**UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg:**

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, located approximately 50 miles from Waynesboro, is a major regional medical center. It is a flagship hospital, and while its CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally maintains a rating that reflects a commitment to quality. UPMC's network offers comprehensive cancer care, including advanced imaging and radiation therapy. UPMC's cancer centers are often well-equipped to handle complex cases. They also have a robust telehealth program.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:**

The Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, roughly 60 miles from Waynesboro, is another prominent option. This is a teaching hospital and a Level I trauma center, offering a wide range of medical specialties. The Hershey Medical Center typically has a good CMS star rating and is known for its advanced cancer treatments. They have a well-regarded cancer institute with a multidisciplinary team specializing in prostate cancer. They also offer telehealth services.

**Other Considerations: Community Hospitals and Specialized Care:**

Smaller community hospitals in the area may offer basic cancer care, including diagnostic services and some treatment options. However, for complex cases or advanced treatments like robotic surgery or specialized radiation therapy, patients often need to travel to larger hospitals with specialized cancer centers.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially during treatment. Data on ER wait times is often available on hospital websites or through third-party sources. Shorter wait times are preferable, particularly for patients experiencing complications from cancer treatment. The hospitals mentioned above typically have publicly available data on their ER wait times, which can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers and Prostate Cancer Expertise:**

The presence of dedicated cancer centers is a significant advantage. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams, including urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists who collaborate to provide comprehensive care. Look for centers with experience in advanced treatments like robotic-assisted prostatectomy, brachytherapy, and advanced radiation techniques like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy).

**Robotic Surgery:**

Robotic-assisted prostatectomy has become a standard of care for many prostate cancer patients. Hospitals with a robust robotic surgery program typically have experienced surgeons and advanced technology. The hospitals mentioned above generally offer robotic surgery options.

**Radiation Therapy:**

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer. Hospitals should offer various radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. Look for hospitals with advanced radiation equipment and experienced radiation oncologists.

**Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy:**

Medical oncologists play a crucial role in managing prostate cancer, especially for advanced stages. Hospitals should have medical oncology departments that offer chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other systemic treatments.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important for cancer patients. They allow for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Hospitals with robust telehealth programs can improve patient access to care and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Both UPMC and Penn State Health have developed telehealth programs.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments. Hospitals with research programs are often involved in clinical trials for prostate cancer. This can be a significant advantage for patients seeking innovative therapies.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of cancer care. Look for hospitals with patient-centered care models, support groups, and resources for patients and their families. Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

**Accessibility and Convenience:**

Accessibility is a practical consideration. Factors such as driving distance, parking availability, and public transportation options can impact a patient's ability to access care. Consider the proximity of hospitals to your home and the ease of getting to appointments.

**Insurance Coverage:**

Verify that the hospital and its physicians accept your insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage for prostate cancer treatment and related services.

**Specific Hospital Profiles (Based on General Information):**

**UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg:**

* **Strengths:** Large regional medical center, broad range of services, robotic surgery, radiation therapy, telehealth program.
* **Considerations:** Travel distance from Waynesboro.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:**

* **Strengths:** Teaching hospital, comprehensive cancer center, advanced treatments, research programs, telehealth services.
* **Considerations:** Travel distance from Waynesboro.

**Making Informed Decisions:**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer treatment is a personal decision. Consider the factors discussed above, weigh the pros and cons of each option, and consult with your primary care physician and urologist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and circumstances.