17888, Wilburton, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Arthritis Score in 17888, Wilburton, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Arthritis Care in the Susquehanna Valley: A Hospital Scorecard Near 17888

Finding the right hospital for arthritis care is crucial, especially when pain and mobility are compromised. For residents near the 17888 ZIP code (Sunbury, Pennsylvania), several hospitals offer varying levels of specialized care. This review provides a fact-rich overview, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, to help you make an informed decision.

**Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA (Approximately 15 miles from 17888)**

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) is the flagship hospital of the Geisinger Health System and a major player in the region. GMC consistently receives high marks for its comprehensive approach to healthcare. However, it's important to note that CMS star ratings are not currently available for this facility. This is not necessarily an indicator of quality, but rather a reflection of the complex methodology used by CMS.

GMC boasts a robust rheumatology department, staffed by board-certified rheumatologists. They offer a full spectrum of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout. They are also known for their research and clinical trials in rheumatology.

ER wait times at GMC are generally considered moderate, with average wait times often fluctuating depending on the time of day and patient volume. The hospital's website provides real-time updates on ER wait times, which is a valuable resource for patients. GMC also offers a significant telehealth program, allowing patients to access virtual consultations and follow-up appointments with their rheumatologists. Telehealth is particularly beneficial for arthritis patients, as it reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, especially when mobility is a concern. Geisinger's telehealth program is well-regarded, with a high patient satisfaction rate.

**Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, PA (Approximately 25 miles from 17888)**

Evangelical Community Hospital, located in Lewisburg, is another option for residents near 17888. Evangelical received a 3-star rating from CMS. While this rating suggests room for improvement in some areas, it's essential to consider the specific strengths of the hospital.

Evangelical has a rheumatology clinic that offers diagnosis and treatment services. The clinic focuses on a range of arthritis conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. They offer a variety of treatment options, including medication management, physical therapy, and other supportive care.

ER wait times at Evangelical are typically shorter than those at larger hospitals like Geisinger. However, it's important to check the hospital's website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information. Evangelical has a growing telehealth program, offering virtual appointments for some specialties, including rheumatology. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specific provider and the patient's needs.

**UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury, Sunbury, PA (Located within 17888)**

UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury is a community hospital that is located within the 17888 ZIP code. This proximity offers convenience for residents seeking local healthcare options. However, UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury does not have its own dedicated rheumatology department. Patients with arthritis typically need to be referred to specialists at other UPMC facilities.

The hospital provides general medical services and has an emergency room. ER wait times at UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury are generally shorter than those at larger hospitals. However, the lack of a dedicated rheumatology department means that patients with complex arthritis cases may need to travel to other facilities for specialized care.

UPMC offers a comprehensive telehealth program. Patients can access virtual consultations and follow-up appointments with specialists. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specific provider and the patient's needs.

**Other Considerations and Comparisons**

Choosing the right hospital for arthritis care involves considering several factors beyond CMS star ratings and ER wait times. The expertise of the rheumatologists, the availability of specialized services like physical therapy and occupational therapy, and the hospital's overall patient satisfaction scores are all important considerations.

Geisinger Medical Center, with its large rheumatology department and research focus, is generally considered the leading option in the region for comprehensive arthritis care. However, the longer travel time and potentially longer ER wait times should be taken into account.

Evangelical Community Hospital offers a more convenient option for residents closer to Lewisburg, with shorter ER wait times. However, the rheumatology department may not have the same breadth of resources as Geisinger.

UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury offers the most convenient option for residents within the 17888 ZIP code, but patients needing specialized rheumatology care will likely need to be referred to other UPMC facilities.

**Specifics on Specialty Centers and Services**

Geisinger Medical Center boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers and services that can benefit arthritis patients. They have dedicated physical therapy and occupational therapy departments, providing specialized rehabilitation programs to improve mobility and reduce pain. They also offer access to advanced imaging services, such as MRI and CT scans, for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of arthritis.

Evangelical Community Hospital also provides physical therapy and occupational therapy services, although the scope of these services may be more limited compared to Geisinger. They offer access to imaging services for diagnosis and monitoring.

UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury offers access to general medical services and has an emergency room. Patients with arthritis may need to be referred to other UPMC facilities for specialized services like physical therapy and advanced imaging.

**Telehealth in Detail**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Geisinger Medical Center has a well-established telehealth program, allowing patients to schedule virtual appointments with their rheumatologists. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to the hospital for in-person visits. Geisinger's telehealth platform is user-friendly and offers a secure way to communicate with healthcare providers.

Evangelical Community Hospital also offers telehealth services, although the availability may vary depending on the provider and the patient's needs. Patients should check with their rheumatologist to determine if telehealth appointments are an option.

UPMC offers a comprehensive telehealth program, which allows patients to access virtual consultations and follow-up appointments with specialists.

**ER Wait Times: A Dynamic Metric**

ER wait times are a dynamic metric that can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and patient volume. It's essential to check the hospital's website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information. Geisinger Medical Center's website provides real-time updates on ER wait times. Evangelical Community Hospital also provides information on ER wait times, but the information may not be as readily available. UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury also has ER wait times, but it is important to check with the hospital for the most current information.

**Conclusion: Making the Right Choice**

The best hospital for arthritis care near the 17888 ZIP code depends on individual needs and preferences. Geisinger Medical Center offers comprehensive rheumatology services and a strong telehealth program, but it may require a longer travel time. Evangelical Community Hospital provides a more convenient option with shorter ER wait times. UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury offers local access to general medical services. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, the expertise of the rheumatologists, the availability of specialized services, and the convenience of the location when making their decision. Consulting with your primary care physician is always recommended before making a decision.