17360, Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17360, Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in South Central Pennsylvania: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17360**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting. Access to high-quality care, including early detection, advanced treatments, and supportive services, is paramount. This review examines hospitals near ZIP code 17360 (York, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas), focusing on their lung cancer care capabilities, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The region around York, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of community hospitals and larger healthcare systems. Proximity to major cities like Harrisburg and Baltimore expands treatment options. Factors like hospital accreditations, physician expertise, and access to cutting-edge technology significantly impact patient outcomes.

**WellSpan York Hospital**

WellSpan York Hospital, a flagship facility within the WellSpan Health system, is a primary contender for lung cancer care. While its CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally hovers around a respectable 3 or 4 stars. This rating reflects overall quality of care, including patient safety, mortality rates, and patient experience. However, it's crucial to remember that star ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

WellSpan York Hospital boasts a comprehensive cancer center, including a dedicated lung cancer program. They offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans.

Early detection is a cornerstone of effective lung cancer management. WellSpan York Hospital likely offers low-dose CT scans, a crucial tool for identifying lung nodules in high-risk individuals. They also likely participate in lung cancer screening programs, following the guidelines established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

In terms of treatment, WellSpan York Hospital provides a range of options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. They likely have access to advanced surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures (e.g., video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or VATS) to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.

Regarding ER wait times, WellSpan York Hospital’s performance varies. Publicly available data, often found on websites like Medicare.gov or through hospital-specific reports, can provide insights. However, these times fluctuate based on patient volume and other factors. Patients should check current wait times before heading to the ER.

WellSpan Health has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, and it is likely that WellSpan York Hospital provides telehealth consultations for lung cancer patients. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Specific details on telehealth availability, including the types of services offered and the platform used, can be found on the WellSpan Health website.

**UPMC Memorial Hospital**

UPMC Memorial Hospital, part of the larger UPMC system, is another significant healthcare provider in the area. UPMC is a well-regarded system, and UPMC Memorial Hospital benefits from its resources and expertise. The hospital’s CMS star rating is another factor to consider.

UPMC Memorial Hospital likely provides lung cancer services, including diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. It is reasonable to assume that they offer similar services as WellSpan York Hospital, including access to advanced imaging, surgical procedures, and various cancer therapies.

The UPMC system often emphasizes research and innovation, so it is possible that UPMC Memorial Hospital participates in clinical trials for lung cancer treatments. Clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies that may not be available elsewhere.

ER wait times at UPMC Memorial Hospital, like other hospitals, fluctuate. Information on ER wait times can be found on the UPMC website or through resources like Medicare.gov.

UPMC has a robust telehealth program. UPMC Memorial Hospital likely offers telehealth consultations for lung cancer patients, including virtual appointments with oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists. The UPMC website provides detailed information on telehealth services.

**Other Hospitals and Considerations**

Several other hospitals are located within a reasonable driving distance of ZIP code 17360, including hospitals in the Harrisburg and Baltimore areas. These hospitals may offer specialized lung cancer care, including advanced treatments or participation in clinical trials.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center**

Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a major academic medical center. It is likely a strong contender for lung cancer care, given its resources and expertise. The hospital’s CMS star rating is another factor to consider.

Hershey Medical Center likely offers a comprehensive lung cancer program, with access to cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary team of specialists. It is reasonable to assume that they offer a wide range of treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

As an academic medical center, Hershey Medical Center likely participates in clinical trials for lung cancer treatments, providing patients with access to innovative therapies.

ER wait times at Hershey Medical Center can be found on the Penn State Health website or through resources like Medicare.gov.

Hershey Medical Center has a well-developed telehealth program. It is likely that Hershey Medical Center provides telehealth consultations for lung cancer patients.

**Baltimore Hospitals**

Hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center, are within driving distance and offer world-class lung cancer care. These hospitals often have specialized lung cancer centers, access to advanced technologies, and a high level of expertise. However, the travel distance and potential for higher costs should be considered.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

Beyond the specific services offered, several factors should be considered when choosing a hospital for lung cancer care:

* **Physician Expertise:** Research the experience and credentials of the pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Board certification and fellowship training are important indicators of expertise.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Ensure the hospital offers a multidisciplinary team that collaborates on treatment plans.
* **Technology and Resources:** Assess the availability of advanced imaging, surgical techniques, and treatment options.
* **Supportive Services:** Inquire about access to support groups, counseling, and other supportive services.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the hospital's culture and patient care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Location and Convenience:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the ease of access.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Determine the availability of telehealth services for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Finding Specific Data**

Finding specific data on ER wait times, telehealth services, and other details can be challenging. Here are some resources:

* **Hospital Websites:** Visit the websites of the hospitals you are considering. Look for information on their lung cancer programs, physician directories, and telehealth services.
* **Medicare.gov:** The Medicare.gov website provides information on hospital quality, including CMS star ratings, patient satisfaction scores, and other metrics.
* **Healthgrades.com and Other Websites:** Websites like Healthgrades.com and U.S. News & World Report offer hospital ratings and physician profiles.
* **Your Insurance Company:** Contact your insurance company to confirm which hospitals and physicians are in your network.
* **Ask Your Primary Care Physician:** Your primary care physician can provide recommendations and referrals.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for lung cancer care is a critical decision. The hospitals near ZIP code 17360 offer a range of options, from community hospitals to major medical centers. Thorough research, including considering the factors outlined above and utilizing the resources provided, is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. Consulting with your primary care physician and seeking second opinions from specialists are also recommended.