17936, Gordon, Pennsylvania COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 17936, Gordon, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care in the Shadow of the Coal: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17936

The heart of Pennsylvania's coal region, ZIP code 17936, encompassing communities like Frackville and Mahanoy City, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Generations of hard labor in the mines have left a legacy of respiratory ailments, making access to quality care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) a critical need. This review examines the hospitals within a reasonable radius, focusing on their capabilities in managing COPD, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings. The goal is to provide residents with a clear picture of their options when facing this debilitating disease.

**The Flagship: Geisinger Medical Center (Danville)**

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, approximately an hour's drive from 17936, stands as a regional powerhouse and the most significant healthcare provider within a practical distance. Geisinger is a multi-hospital system, but the Danville location is its flagship. It boasts a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a testament to its overall quality of care. For COPD patients, this translates to a higher likelihood of receiving evidence-based treatments and achieving better outcomes.

Geisinger's Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine department is well-regarded. They have a dedicated team of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses experienced in managing COPD. The hospital offers comprehensive services, including pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, and advanced imaging. They are equipped to handle exacerbations, providing both inpatient and outpatient care. While specific COPD-related statistics like readmission rates aren't publicly available for individual hospitals, Geisinger's overall performance metrics suggest a commitment to quality.

Geisinger's Emergency Department (ED) is a crucial point of entry for COPD patients experiencing acute respiratory distress. While specific wait times fluctuate, Geisinger generally aims to see patients promptly. The ED is staffed with experienced physicians and respiratory therapists who can quickly assess and stabilize patients. The hospital also has a robust Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capable of providing advanced respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation, when necessary.

Geisinger has embraced telehealth, offering virtual visits for certain conditions. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management. COPD patients can potentially benefit from virtual consultations with their pulmonologist, allowing for convenient monitoring of their condition and timely adjustments to their treatment plans. The availability of telehealth is a significant advantage for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges.

**St. Luke's Miners Campus (Coaldale)**

Closer to 17936, St. Luke's Miners Campus in Coaldale offers another option. While not a flagship facility like Geisinger, it plays a vital role in serving the local community. St. Luke's is part of a larger health network, and its performance is generally reflected in the network's overall ratings. It is important to note that the CMS star ratings are not always available for smaller, specialized hospitals.

St. Luke's Miners Campus provides a range of services for COPD patients, including pulmonary function testing and respiratory therapy. They have a dedicated respiratory care department that works closely with pulmonologists to manage patients' conditions. The hospital is equipped to handle COPD exacerbations and provides both inpatient and outpatient care. The proximity of St. Luke's Miners Campus is a significant advantage for residents of 17936, reducing travel time and improving access to care.

The ED at St. Luke's Miners Campus is a critical resource for patients experiencing respiratory emergencies. While specific wait times can vary, the hospital strives to provide timely care. The ED staff is trained to assess and stabilize patients with COPD exacerbations. The hospital's size and resources are smaller than Geisinger, but they provide essential emergency care within the community.

St. Luke's has also expanded its telehealth offerings. This can include virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring of patients' vital signs. Telehealth can be particularly helpful for managing chronic conditions like COPD, allowing for more frequent check-ins and proactive interventions.

**Lehigh Valley Hospital - Schuylkill (Pottsville)**

Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill, located in Pottsville, is another option for residents of 17936. It is part of the larger Lehigh Valley Health Network. Like St. Luke's, it may not have a specific CMS star rating, but the network's overall performance provides some insight into its quality of care.

Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill offers pulmonary services, including pulmonary function testing and respiratory therapy. The hospital has a team of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists experienced in managing COPD. They provide both inpatient and outpatient care for COPD patients. The hospital's location in Pottsville makes it a convenient option for residents of 17936.

The ED at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill is a key point of access for patients experiencing respiratory emergencies. The ED staff is trained to assess and stabilize patients with COPD exacerbations. While specific wait times fluctuate, the hospital aims to provide timely care.

Lehigh Valley Health Network has also invested in telehealth. This can include virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring of patients' vital signs. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like COPD, allowing for more frequent check-ins and proactive interventions.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Facilities and Urgent Care**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents of 17936 may also consider smaller facilities and urgent care centers for certain COPD-related needs. These facilities can provide basic care, such as medication refills and symptom management. However, for more complex cases or exacerbations, it is generally advisable to seek care at a hospital with a dedicated pulmonary department and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

Urgent care centers can be useful for managing mild COPD symptoms or for obtaining quick medical attention when a patient's primary care physician is unavailable. However, it is crucial to understand that urgent care centers are not equipped to handle severe respiratory distress or provide the same level of specialized care as a hospital.

**The Importance of Primary Care and Outpatient Management**

While this review focuses on hospitals, it is essential to emphasize the critical role of primary care physicians in managing COPD. Regular check-ups, medication management, and patient education are vital for preventing exacerbations and improving quality of life. Patients with COPD should establish a strong relationship with their primary care physician and work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs are also a valuable resource for COPD patients. These programs provide education, exercise training, and support to help patients manage their condition and improve their lung function. The availability of these programs varies by hospital and location.

**Conclusion: Navigating the COPD Landscape**

For residents of 17936, access to quality COPD care is a significant concern. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, with its five-star CMS rating and comprehensive pulmonary services, offers the most advanced care. However, the distance may be a barrier for some. St. Luke's Miners Campus in Coaldale and Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill in Pottsville provide closer options, offering essential services within the community. The choice of hospital depends on individual needs, the severity of the condition, and the patient's preference.

The information provided in this review should be used as a starting point for making informed decisions about healthcare. Patients should consult with their primary care physician and pulmonologist to determine the best course of treatment and the most appropriate healthcare provider. The availability of telehealth, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management, is a significant advantage for patients in this region. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that residents of 17936 have access to the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives, even in the face of COPD. The legacy of the coal industry demands nothing less.