17867, Rebuck, Pennsylvania COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 17867, Rebuck, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care in the Susquehanna Valley: A Review of Hospitals Near 17867

The Susquehanna Valley, encompassing the 17867 ZIP code (Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania), presents a unique healthcare landscape for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This review delves into the available hospital options, focusing on factors crucial for COPD patients: specialized care, emergency services, access to specialists, and the evolving role of telehealth. We'll examine facilities within a reasonable driving distance, considering their strengths and weaknesses in providing comprehensive COPD care.

**Geisinger: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger Health System dominates the healthcare scene in this region. Its flagship hospital, **Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) in Danville, PA (approximately 20 miles from 17867),** is the primary point of reference. GMC is a large, comprehensive facility and a major player in the region. It boasts a **four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**, a testament to its overall quality of care. This rating considers factors such as patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

For COPD patients, GMC's strengths lie in its specialized pulmonary services. They have a dedicated **Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine department**, offering a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment options. This includes advanced pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, and access to a respiratory therapy team. GMC also features a robust **Pulmonary Rehabilitation program**, crucial for managing COPD symptoms and improving quality of life. This program provides supervised exercise, education, and support to help patients breathe easier and manage their condition.

**Emergency Room Considerations:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical concern for COPD patients, who may experience sudden exacerbations requiring immediate medical attention. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, GMC generally experiences moderate wait times, often reflecting the volume of patients it serves. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER.

**Specialty Centers and Telehealth:**

Geisinger has a strong presence in specialty care. They have specialized centers for various conditions, which can be beneficial for COPD patients with comorbidities (other health conditions). Geisinger has also embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs. These telehealth options can be particularly helpful for COPD patients, providing convenient access to follow-up care, medication management, and education. The availability and specific offerings of telehealth services can vary, so it's essential to inquire directly with Geisinger about their COPD-specific programs.

**Other Geisinger Facilities:**

Geisinger also operates smaller hospitals and clinics in the surrounding area. **Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital (approximately 30 miles from 17867)** and **Geisinger Lewistown Hospital (approximately 40 miles from 17867)** offer emergency services and some outpatient care. However, they may not have the same level of specialized pulmonary resources as GMC. Patients needing complex COPD management are generally best served by GMC.

**UPMC Susquehanna: A Contender**

**UPMC Susquehanna, with its flagship hospital, UPMC Williamsport (approximately 60 miles from 17867),** presents another option. While further away than GMC, UPMC Williamsport is a sizable hospital and a competitor to Geisinger. UPMC Williamsport has a **three-star CMS rating**.

UPMC Williamsport has a **Pulmonary Department** that provides diagnostic and therapeutic services for respiratory conditions, including COPD. They offer pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, and respiratory therapy. They also have a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

**Emergency Room Considerations:**

ER wait times at UPMC Williamsport can fluctuate. As with GMC, it is advisable to check current wait times online or by phone.

**Specialty Centers and Telehealth:**

UPMC Susquehanna offers various specialty services. UPMC has also expanded its telehealth offerings. COPD patients can potentially benefit from virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring programs.

**Smaller Hospitals and Clinics:**

Smaller hospitals and clinics exist in the region, such as **Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, PA (approximately 15 miles from 17867)**. These facilities may offer limited emergency services and outpatient care. However, they typically lack the specialized pulmonary resources and comprehensive programs found at GMC or UPMC Williamsport.

**Evaluating the Options: Key Considerations for COPD Patients**

When choosing a hospital for COPD care, several factors are paramount.

* **Pulmonary Specialists:** Access to board-certified pulmonologists is crucial. Inquire about the number of pulmonologists on staff and their specific areas of expertise.
* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** A robust pulmonary rehabilitation program is essential for managing COPD symptoms and improving quality of life.
* **Emergency Services:** Prompt access to emergency care is critical during COPD exacerbations. Consider ER wait times and the availability of respiratory therapists in the ER.
* **Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities:** Ensure the hospital offers comprehensive pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, and other advanced diagnostic tools.
* **Telehealth Options:** Explore the availability of telehealth services for convenient follow-up care, medication management, and education.
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Research patient reviews and satisfaction scores to gauge the quality of care and patient experience.

**Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

For residents of the 17867 ZIP code, **Geisinger Medical Center in Danville** is the primary choice due to its proximity, comprehensive pulmonary services, and strong regional presence. However, it's essential to consider individual needs and preferences. UPMC Williamsport offers an alternative, though it's further away.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Prioritize Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) in Danville:** Given its proximity and comprehensive pulmonary services, GMC is generally the best option for complex COPD care.
2. **Explore Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs:** Enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program at the hospital you choose.
3. **Inquire about Telehealth:** Ask about telehealth options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and education.
4. **Establish a Relationship with a Pulmonologist:** Build a relationship with a pulmonologist at your chosen hospital for ongoing care and management.
5. **Prepare for Emergency Situations:** Know the location of the nearest emergency room and have a plan in place for COPD exacerbations.
6. **Consider Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg for emergencies:** It is closest to Selinsgrove, but be aware of its limitations.

**Conclusion:**

The Susquehanna Valley offers several hospital options for COPD patients. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and receive the best possible care for managing their condition. The key is to proactively seek out specialized pulmonary services, engage in pulmonary rehabilitation, and leverage telehealth options to improve quality of life and manage COPD effectively.