17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17832)

Finding the right healthcare, especially for complex conditions like Alzheimer's disease, is a critical undertaking. This review provides an Alzheimer's Score assessment of hospitals near Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17832), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's care, including overall hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility. The information is drawn from publicly available data, including Medicare.gov, hospital websites, and other reliable sources. Remember, this is an informational overview and not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.

**Understanding the Alzheimer's Score Framework**

The "Alzheimer's Score" is a subjective assessment based on several key criteria. These include: overall hospital quality (CMS Star Ratings), availability of geriatric and neurological specialists, dedicated memory care units or programs, access to diagnostic tools (imaging, cognitive assessments), participation in clinical trials, telehealth capabilities, and considerations for patient and caregiver support. The score is not a definitive ranking, but rather a guide to help understand the strengths and weaknesses of each facility in relation to Alzheimer's care.

**Geographic Scope and Key Hospitals**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Lewisburg, PA (ZIP code 17832). This includes facilities in the immediate area and those in nearby cities like Danville and Williamsport. The review will highlight key hospitals, including Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, and UPMC Williamsport.

**Evangelical Community Hospital (Lewisburg, PA)**

Evangelical Community Hospital, located directly in Lewisburg, is a crucial point of access for residents in the immediate area. As of the latest CMS data, Evangelical Community Hospital holds a 3-star rating. This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While not a top-tier rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care.

Evangelical Community Hospital offers a range of services, including internal medicine and neurology, which are essential for Alzheimer's care. They have a comprehensive diagnostic imaging department. The hospital's website does not explicitly mention a dedicated memory care unit or specialized Alzheimer's program. However, the availability of neurology and geriatric services is a positive indicator.

**Telehealth Considerations:** Evangelical Community Hospital has expanded telehealth capabilities. This is an important consideration, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Telehealth can facilitate access to specialist consultations, medication management, and ongoing support. The hospital's website should be consulted for specific telehealth offerings.

**ER Wait Times:** Average ER wait times at Evangelical Community Hospital should be checked on the hospital's website or through platforms like Google Maps, as these can fluctuate. Shorter wait times are preferable, especially in urgent situations.

**Alzheimer's Score Assessment for Evangelical Community Hospital:** Moderate. While the hospital provides core services and has telehealth capabilities, the lack of a dedicated memory care program and a moderate CMS star rating suggest room for improvement in Alzheimer's-specific care.

**Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, PA)**

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville is a major regional healthcare provider, located approximately 20 miles from Lewisburg. Geisinger is a flagship hospital with a strong reputation and a 4-star CMS rating. This reflects a higher level of quality compared to Evangelical Community Hospital.

Geisinger has a comprehensive neurology department and a geriatric medicine program, which are crucial for Alzheimer's care. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic imaging, including MRI and PET scans, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring Alzheimer's disease. Geisinger also has a dedicated memory care clinic within its neurology department, which provides specialized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with memory disorders. This is a significant advantage.

**Specialty Centers:** Geisinger's reputation for advanced specialty care is a key strength. This may include participation in clinical trials related to Alzheimer's disease research. Researching the availability of clinical trials is recommended.

**Telehealth:** Geisinger has a well-developed telehealth program, including virtual visits with neurologists and geriatricians. This increases access to specialists for patients in the Lewisburg area.

**ER Wait Times:** Geisinger Medical Center's ER wait times should be monitored. Given its size and the complexity of cases it handles, wait times can vary.

**Alzheimer's Score Assessment for Geisinger Medical Center:** High. Geisinger's higher CMS rating, dedicated memory care clinic, strong neurology and geriatric programs, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and robust telehealth offerings make it a strong contender for Alzheimer's care.

**UPMC Williamsport**

UPMC Williamsport, located in Williamsport, is another option for residents of the Lewisburg area. UPMC Williamsport has a 3-star CMS rating.

UPMC Williamsport offers neurology and geriatric services, crucial for Alzheimer's care. They have diagnostic imaging capabilities. The hospital's website should be consulted for information on any specialized memory care programs or clinics.

**Telehealth:** UPMC has expanded telehealth services. This can be a significant advantage for patients in rural areas.

**ER Wait Times:** UPMC Williamsport's ER wait times should be investigated.

**Alzheimer's Score Assessment for UPMC Williamsport:** Moderate. While the hospital provides core services, the lack of a dedicated memory care program and a moderate CMS star rating suggest room for improvement in Alzheimer's-specific care.

**Other Considerations and Important Factors**

**Geriatric Specialists:** The presence of board-certified geriatricians is essential for comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Geriatricians specialize in the care of older adults and can address the unique medical needs of this population. Confirm the availability of geriatricians at each hospital.

**Neurologists:** Neurologists specializing in cognitive disorders are critical for diagnosis, treatment, and management of Alzheimer's disease. Verify the expertise of the neurologists at each hospital.

**Caregiver Support:** Alzheimer's disease impacts not only the patient but also their caregivers. Look for hospitals that offer caregiver support groups, educational resources, and respite care services.

**Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging, such as MRI and PET scans, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease.

**Clinical Trials:** Participation in clinical trials offers access to cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities. Check the availability of Alzheimer's-related clinical trials at each hospital.

**Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and feedback can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can be helpful resources.

**Accessibility:** Consider the ease of access to each hospital, including parking, transportation options, and the physical layout of the facility.

**Telehealth Benefits:** Telehealth can provide a more convenient way to access care, especially for those with mobility issues. It can also reduce the need for travel, saving time and money.

**Medication Management:** Confirm the hospital's policies and procedures regarding medication management, including medication reconciliation and adherence support.

**Conclusion and Recommendations**

Based on the available information, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville appears to be the strongest option for Alzheimer's care near Lewisburg, PA. Its higher CMS rating, dedicated memory care clinic, comprehensive neurology and geriatric programs, and robust telehealth capabilities make it a leading choice. However, it is important to consider individual needs and preferences.

Evangelical Community Hospital and UPMC Williamsport offer local access to care, but they may not have the same level of specialized services as Geisinger. Patients and caregivers should carefully evaluate their needs and preferences when choosing a hospital.

**Next Steps:**

* **Consult with a primary care physician:** Discuss concerns and get recommendations for specialists.
* **Contact the hospitals directly:** Inquire about specific services, programs, and wait times.
* **Visit the hospitals:** If possible, visit the facilities to assess the environment and meet with staff.
* **Gather patient reviews:** Research patient experiences online.
* **Consider transportation and accessibility:** Factor in travel time and ease of access.

This review provides a starting point for evaluating healthcare options near Lewisburg, PA. The decision of where to seek care is personal and should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals and loved ones.