17864, Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Arthritis Score in 17864, Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Arthritis Care in the Susquehanna Valley: A Hospital Review Near ZIP Code 17864

Finding the right care for arthritis can be a complex journey. This review focuses on hospitals near the 17864 ZIP code, offering a fact-rich look at their capabilities, from emergency room wait times to specialized arthritis centers, telehealth options, and overall quality metrics. This information is intended to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**Understanding the Landscape: The 17864 Region**

The 17864 ZIP code encompasses the town of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas in Snyder County. This region, nestled in the Susquehanna Valley, has a mix of rural and suburban populations. Access to specialized medical care, including arthritis treatment, is a crucial factor for residents.

**Key Hospitals in the Area**

The primary hospitals serving the 17864 area are Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury, and Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg. Each offers a unique set of services and resources.

**Geisinger Medical Center: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC), located in Danville (approximately 15 minutes from Selinsgrove), is a major regional referral center. It's the flagship hospital of the Geisinger Health System and is often the first choice for complex medical needs. GMC is a large hospital, offering a broad range of specialties, including rheumatology, the branch of medicine focused on arthritis and related conditions.

* **CMS Star Rating:** GMC currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Rheumatology Department:** Geisinger has a well-established rheumatology department with a team of board-certified rheumatologists. They offer comprehensive services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
* **Specialized Centers:** GMC houses specialized centers that can be beneficial for arthritis patients. The hospital has a robust physical therapy and rehabilitation department, crucial for managing arthritis symptoms and improving mobility.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at GMC can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. However, publicly available data often shows wait times that are generally within the regional average. It's always advisable to check real-time wait times on the Geisinger website or through third-party apps before heading to the ER.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Geisinger has made significant investments in telehealth services. Arthritis patients can potentially access virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring programs through the Geisinger system. This can be particularly helpful for those living in rural areas or with mobility limitations.
* **Research and Innovation:** Geisinger is actively involved in medical research and clinical trials. This can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies for arthritis.

**UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury: Local Care with UPMC Network Support**

UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury, located in Sunbury (approximately 20 minutes from Selinsgrove), provides a more local option for healthcare services. As part of the UPMC network, it benefits from the resources and expertise of a larger healthcare system.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury does not have a CMS star rating.
* **Rheumatology Services:** While UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury may not have a dedicated rheumatology department on-site, patients can often be referred to rheumatologists within the UPMC system. This often involves travel to other UPMC facilities, such as those in Williamsport or Harrisburg.
* **Specialized Services:** The hospital offers a range of general medical services, including physical therapy and pain management, which can be helpful for arthritis patients.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury are generally shorter than those at larger regional hospitals. However, they can fluctuate. Checking real-time wait times is recommended.
* **Telehealth Options:** UPMC has expanded its telehealth offerings. Patients may have access to virtual consultations with specialists within the UPMC network.

**Evangelical Community Hospital: Community-Focused Care**

Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg (approximately 20 minutes from Selinsgrove) focuses on providing community-based healthcare services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Evangelical Community Hospital holds a 4-star rating from CMS. This indicates a higher level of overall quality compared to some other hospitals in the region.
* **Rheumatology Services:** Evangelical Community Hospital does not have a dedicated rheumatology department. Patients needing specialized arthritis care are typically referred to rheumatologists in the area or at larger hospitals like Geisinger.
* **Specialized Services:** The hospital offers physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
* **ER Wait Times:** Evangelical Community Hospital typically has shorter ER wait times compared to larger hospitals.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Evangelical Community Hospital is increasingly incorporating telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Beyond the Hospitals: Other Important Considerations**

* **Physician Availability:** The availability of rheumatologists in the area can impact access to care. It's advisable to check the availability of appointments and the wait times for consultations.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital and rheumatologists accept your insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews:** Research patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of other arthritis patients. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can be useful resources.
* **Outpatient Services:** Consider the availability of outpatient services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and infusion centers, which are essential for managing arthritis.
* **Support Groups:** Local support groups can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice for people living with arthritis.

**Comparing the Options: Making the Right Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for arthritis care near 17864 depends on individual needs and preferences.

* **For Comprehensive Care:** Geisinger Medical Center, with its specialized rheumatology department, research opportunities, and telehealth capabilities, is often the best option for complex cases and those seeking a wide range of services. However, be prepared for potentially longer wait times.
* **For Local Convenience:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury and Evangelical Community Hospital offer more local options for general medical care and access to physical therapy and pain management. They may be suitable for those with less complex needs or those seeking shorter travel times.
* **For Quality Metrics:** Evangelical Community Hospital's 4-star CMS rating may be a significant factor for some patients.

**Telehealth's Growing Role**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for arthritis care. It offers convenience, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in rural areas. Patients can use telehealth for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring of their symptoms.

**Conclusion: A Personalized Approach**

Navigating arthritis care requires a personalized approach. This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare options near the 17864 ZIP code. It's essential to research the specific needs of each patient, consider the pros and cons of each hospital, and consult with a primary care physician or rheumatologist to determine the best course of action. Remember to check the latest information on hospital websites for the most up-to-date details on services, wait times, and telehealth availability.