17246, Pleasant Hall, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17246, Pleasant Hall, Pennsylvania is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near Shippensburg, PA (ZIP Code 17246)**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is a daunting task. Access to high-quality medical care is paramount. This review examines hospitals in proximity to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17246), focusing on their lung cancer treatment capabilities, including specialist availability, technology, and patient experience. We'll delve into specific hospitals, their strengths, and key considerations for patients seeking the best possible care.

**Proximity and Key Hospitals**

Shippensburg, PA, is situated in a region with a mix of community hospitals and larger, regional medical centers. Proximity is a crucial factor, especially during a cancer journey that often involves frequent appointments and treatments. Several hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance, offering varying levels of specialized care.

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

Approximately an hour's drive from Shippensburg, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a major player in the region. It's a comprehensive academic medical center with a strong reputation. Hershey Medical Center is a flagship hospital. They are the highest ranked hospital in the area.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:** Hershey Medical Center consistently receives high marks from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While CMS star ratings can fluctuate, Hershey typically earns a solid rating, reflecting its overall quality of care. Patients should check the most recent CMS data for the current rating.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers:** Hershey Medical Center boasts a dedicated cancer institute, often with a specialized lung cancer program. This program typically includes a multidisciplinary team of specialists: pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists. These specialists collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans.

**Technology and Treatment Options:** Hershey Medical Center is equipped with advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment. This includes advanced imaging modalities like PET/CT scans for staging and monitoring, as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques for tumor removal. They likely offer radiation therapy, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and chemotherapy regimens.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Hershey Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, which can be beneficial for follow-up appointments, consultations, and medication management. Telehealth can reduce travel burdens, especially for patients living in rural areas. Check their website for current telehealth availability for oncology patients.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website or third-party websites that track ER wait times to get an idea of current conditions.

**Patient Experience:** Patient experience is a crucial aspect of care. Review patient satisfaction surveys and testimonials to get a sense of the hospital's culture and the quality of patient-provider interactions.

**UPMC Pinnacle (Harrisburg, PA)**

UPMC Pinnacle, located in Harrisburg, is another major healthcare provider within driving distance of Shippensburg. UPMC Pinnacle offers a range of services and has a significant presence in the region.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:** UPMC Pinnacle hospitals have varying CMS star ratings depending on the specific location. Patients should research the specific hospital location they are considering.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers:** UPMC Pinnacle typically has a comprehensive cancer center with a lung cancer program. This program often includes a multidisciplinary team of specialists similar to those at Hershey Medical Center.

**Technology and Treatment Options:** UPMC Pinnacle facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. They offer surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UPMC Pinnacle has invested in telehealth, offering remote consultations and follow-up care. Check their website for available telehealth services.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website or third-party websites that track ER wait times to get an idea of current conditions.

**Patient Experience:** Patient experience is a crucial aspect of care. Review patient satisfaction surveys and testimonials to get a sense of the hospital's culture and the quality of patient-provider interactions.

**WellSpan Health (York, PA and Chambersburg, PA)**

WellSpan Health operates hospitals in the region, including locations in York and Chambersburg. These hospitals may be closer to Shippensburg than Hershey or Harrisburg, depending on the specific location.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:** WellSpan hospitals have varying CMS star ratings depending on the specific location. Patients should research the specific hospital location they are considering.

**Lung Cancer Specialty Centers:** WellSpan facilities typically have cancer centers with lung cancer programs. The scope of these programs may vary depending on the specific hospital.

**Technology and Treatment Options:** WellSpan hospitals offer diagnostic and treatment services, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** WellSpan offers telehealth services. Check their website for available telehealth services.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website or third-party websites that track ER wait times to get an idea of current conditions.

**Patient Experience:** Patient experience is a crucial aspect of care. Review patient satisfaction surveys and testimonials to get a sense of the hospital's culture and the quality of patient-provider interactions.

**Other Considerations**

**Community Hospitals:** Smaller community hospitals near Shippensburg may offer some cancer services, such as chemotherapy and supportive care. However, they may not have the same level of specialized expertise or access to advanced technologies as larger medical centers. Patients should carefully consider the scope of services offered by these hospitals.

**Insurance Coverage:** Insurance coverage is a critical factor. Patients should verify that their insurance plan covers the hospitals and specialists they are considering.

**Clinical Trials:** Patients should inquire about the availability of clinical trials. Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments and can be an important option for some patients.

**Second Opinions:** Seeking a second opinion from a different oncologist or cancer center is always a good idea. This can help patients confirm their diagnosis and treatment plan.

**Support Services:** Cancer treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. Patients should inquire about the availability of support services, such as support groups, counseling, and palliative care.

**Specific Questions to Ask**

When choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment, patients should ask specific questions:

* What is the hospital's experience treating lung cancer?
* What is the hospital's survival rate for lung cancer patients?
* What types of lung cancer treatments are offered?
* What specialists are on the lung cancer team?
* What is the hospital's policy on clinical trials?
* What support services are available?
* What are the hospital's ER wait times?
* What are the hospital's telehealth capabilities?

**Conclusion**

Choosing a hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Patients near Shippensburg, PA (ZIP code 17246) have several options, including major medical centers like Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Pinnacle, as well as WellSpan facilities. The best choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. Patients should carefully research their options, consider the factors discussed in this review, and consult with their primary care physician to make an informed decision.