17065, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17065, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the Harrisburg Area: A Scorecard for Patients Near ZIP Code 17065

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical first step. This review analyzes hospitals near ZIP code 17065 (Mechanicsburg, PA) focusing on key factors relevant to lung cancer care, including quality metrics, specialized services, and accessibility. This information is intended to empower patients to make informed decisions in consultation with their physicians.

**The Landscape: Major Players and Key Considerations**

The Harrisburg area offers several prominent healthcare providers. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses in the context of lung cancer treatment is essential. Key considerations include the availability of multidisciplinary teams, advanced diagnostic capabilities, access to clinical trials, and patient-centered care. We will examine these factors in detail.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, PA)**

Located approximately 15 miles from Mechanicsburg, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey Medical Center) is a major regional player. Hershey Medical Center is a flagship hospital. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) gives it a 4-star rating. This rating reflects overall quality of care, patient experience, and safety.

Hershey Medical Center boasts a comprehensive cancer institute. Their lung cancer program benefits from a multidisciplinary approach, integrating pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses. This collaborative model is crucial for developing individualized treatment plans.

The hospital's diagnostic capabilities are robust. They offer advanced imaging techniques, including PET/CT scans and bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), which are critical for accurate staging and diagnosis. Hershey Medical Center also participates in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies.

Hershey Medical Center's emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration. While specific wait times fluctuate, patients should be aware that emergency room volume can impact wait times. Patients should be aware that wait times can fluctuate. For non-emergency situations, seeking care from a primary care physician or urgent care center may be preferable.

**UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital (Harrisburg, PA)**

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital, located in Harrisburg, is another significant hospital option, approximately 10 miles from Mechanicsburg. UPMC is a large healthcare network with a strong presence in the region.

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital is a major hospital with a 3-star CMS rating. This rating provides a general overview of the hospital's performance. The hospital's cancer program offers a range of services for lung cancer patients.

Like Hershey Medical Center, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach. The hospital has teams that include pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. This collaborative approach is essential for comprehensive care.

Diagnostic capabilities at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital are also advanced. They offer modern imaging technologies and bronchoscopy services. The hospital also participates in clinical trials, providing access to innovative treatments.

ER wait times at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital are a factor to consider. Patients should be aware of potential wait times, particularly during peak hours. For non-emergency situations, alternative care options may be more appropriate.

**Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital (Camp Hill, PA)**

Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, located in Camp Hill, is a convenient option for patients in the Mechanicsburg area. It is a smaller hospital compared to Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital.

Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital is a major hospital with a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital's cancer program provides services for lung cancer patients.

Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care. The hospital has a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

Diagnostic capabilities at Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital include modern imaging technologies. Patients should inquire about the availability of advanced diagnostic procedures.

ER wait times at Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital are a factor to consider. Patients should be aware of potential wait times.

**Other Considerations: Specialty Centers and Telehealth**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, patients should consider specialized centers and the availability of telehealth services.

**Specialty Centers:**

While not necessarily located directly within the ZIP code, specialized centers may offer unique expertise. Patients should research whether any specialized lung cancer centers, such as those focused on specific types of lung cancer or advanced treatment modalities, are accessible within a reasonable distance.

**Telehealth:**

Telehealth is increasingly important in healthcare. Telehealth allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services for follow-up appointments, consultations, and symptom management. Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital have expanded their telehealth offerings.

**Access to Clinical Trials:**

Participation in clinical trials can offer patients access to innovative therapies. Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials at each hospital. Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital are more likely to offer a wider range of clinical trials.

**Patient Experience and Support Services**

Beyond clinical expertise, patient experience is crucial. Consider the following:

* **Patient Satisfaction:** Review patient satisfaction scores and testimonials, if available.
* **Support Services:** Inquire about support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.
* **Communication:** Assess the hospital's communication practices and the responsiveness of the medical team.

**Specific Data Points and Metrics (Where Available)**

This review strives to provide specific data points. However, data availability varies. Patients should directly inquire with each hospital for the most up-to-date information.

* **Survival Rates:** Hospitals may report survival rates for lung cancer patients. These rates can be a valuable indicator of quality of care.
* **Surgical Volumes:** The number of lung cancer surgeries performed annually can indicate a surgeon's experience.
* **Radiation Therapy Capabilities:** Assess the availability of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
* **ER Wait Times:** While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, patients should inquire about average wait times and the hospital's strategies for managing emergency room volume.
* **Telehealth Usage:** Inquire about the hospital's telehealth services, including the types of appointments offered and the availability of remote monitoring.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment is a personal decision. Patients should consider the factors outlined in this review, along with their individual needs and preferences.

**Recommendations:**

* **Consult with Your Physician:** Discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with your primary care physician or oncologist.
* **Gather Information:** Research the hospitals in the area, including Hershey Medical Center, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital, and Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital.
* **Visit Hospitals:** If possible, visit the hospitals and meet with the medical teams.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions about the hospital's lung cancer program, diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and patient support services.
* **Consider Insurance:** Ensure that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Trust Your Instincts:** Choose the hospital where you feel most comfortable and confident in the care you will receive.

This review provides a starting point for your research. Remember to consult with your healthcare providers and make a decision that is right for you.