18455, Preston Park, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18455, Preston Park, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near Scranton, PA (ZIP Code 18455)

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a crucial decision, one that demands careful consideration of factors like expertise, technology, and patient experience. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Scranton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18455), providing a fact-based overview to aid in informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The Scranton area, while not a major metropolitan hub, offers a range of healthcare options. Access to specialized prostate cancer care, including surgical interventions, radiation therapy, and advanced diagnostics, is available. Proximity to larger medical centers in Philadelphia and New York City provides additional access to cutting-edge treatments, but local options are generally more accessible.

**Geisinger Health System:**

Geisinger, a prominent regional healthcare system, is a key player in the area. Their flagship hospital, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA (approximately 70 miles from Scranton), is a major referral center and often the first choice for complex cases. Geisinger Medical Center holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not a 5-star rating, this indicates above-average performance in key areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

Geisinger's urology department at Geisinger Medical Center boasts a team of experienced urologists, including those specializing in prostate cancer. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, from initial diagnosis and staging to surgical interventions like robotic-assisted prostatectomy. They also provide radiation therapy and access to clinical trials. Specific data on prostate cancer outcomes, such as five-year survival rates, are available through Geisinger's reporting mechanisms, which should be consulted directly.

Geisinger has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years. Telehealth appointments, including follow-up consultations and medication management, can reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly beneficial for patients living at a distance or with mobility limitations. While precise telehealth statistics for prostate cancer consultations are not readily available, the system's commitment to telehealth suggests a readily accessible platform.

**Community Medical Centers:**

Several community hospitals in the Scranton area offer urology services. These facilities often provide initial diagnostic workups and basic treatment options. However, for complex cases or advanced treatment modalities, patients may be referred to larger regional centers like Geisinger.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA):** Moses Taylor Hospital is a local option within Scranton. While not a flagship facility with a 4 or 5-star CMS rating, it does offer urology services. Patients can expect initial consultations, diagnostic imaging, and potentially some surgical interventions. The scope of prostate cancer treatment offered here may be more limited than at larger regional centers.

**Regional Hospital of Scranton:** Regional Hospital of Scranton is another local option. It's crucial to check their website or contact them directly to ascertain the specific urology services offered, including the types of surgical procedures and radiation therapy options available.

**Specialty Centers and Resources:**

Beyond the general hospitals, consider specialized resources.

* **Radiation Oncology:** Look for dedicated radiation oncology centers in the area. These centers provide advanced radiation therapy options, including external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy (internal radiation). Check for the specific types of radiation therapy offered and the experience of the radiation oncologists.
* **Cancer Centers:** Some hospitals have dedicated cancer centers that provide comprehensive cancer care, including multidisciplinary teams of specialists (urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists). These centers often offer support services like patient navigation, support groups, and access to clinical trials.

**ER Wait Times and Patient Experience:**

Emergency room wait times can be a useful indicator of overall hospital efficiency. However, it's important to remember that ER wait times can fluctuate. Check publicly available data sources, such as the CMS Hospital Compare website, for the most recent ER wait time information for each hospital. Patient reviews, available on websites like Healthgrades and Vitals, can offer insights into patient experience, including communication with doctors, wait times for appointments, and overall satisfaction with care.

**Specific Considerations for Prostate Cancer Care:**

* **Robotic Surgery:** Robotic-assisted prostatectomy has become a standard surgical approach for prostate cancer. Inquire about the hospital's experience with robotic surgery, the number of procedures performed annually, and the surgeon's specific training and credentials.
* **Radiation Therapy Options:** Explore the availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).
* **Medical Oncology:** If systemic therapies (chemotherapy, hormone therapy) are needed, assess the hospital's medical oncology department. Look for experienced medical oncologists specializing in prostate cancer and access to clinical trials.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** A multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, is crucial for optimal prostate cancer care. Ensure the hospital offers a collaborative approach to treatment planning.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and survivorship programs.

**Accessing Information and Making Decisions:**

* **Consult with Your Primary Care Physician:** Your primary care physician is an invaluable resource. They can provide referrals to qualified urologists and help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
* **Gather Information:** Research the hospitals in the area. Visit their websites, review patient reviews, and gather information about their prostate cancer programs.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions during consultations with urologists and other healthcare providers. Inquire about their experience, the types of treatments they offer, and their outcomes.
* **Consider Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from another urologist or specialist can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify your insurance coverage for the hospitals and treatments you are considering.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer treatment is a significant decision. The Scranton area offers a range of options, from local community hospitals to regional referral centers like Geisinger. Careful research, consultation with healthcare providers, and a thorough understanding of your treatment options are essential. By considering the factors outlined in this review, patients near ZIP code 18455 can make informed choices and receive the best possible care for their prostate cancer. Remember that this review provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and treatment recommendations.