17850, Montandon, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17850, Montandon, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care in the 17850 Vicinity: A Scorecard

The area surrounding the 17850 ZIP code, encompassing Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding communities, presents a landscape of healthcare options for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This review will assess the available hospitals, focusing on factors crucial to patient care, including quality ratings, specialized services, and accessibility. While no single hospital perfectly caters to every need, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each institution is vital for informed decision-making.

**Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA:**

Geisinger Medical Center, located a short drive from Lewisburg, is the flagship hospital within the Geisinger Health System. It holds a strong reputation regionally and nationally, often serving as a referral center for complex cases. The hospital boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not the only indicator of quality, reflects a comprehensive assessment of various aspects of care, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

Geisinger's lung cancer program is a significant strength. The hospital houses a dedicated thoracic surgery department, offering a full spectrum of surgical options, including minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). They have a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans.

Geisinger’s cancer institute is well-equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including PET/CT scanners and advanced imaging capabilities for accurate staging and monitoring of lung cancer. They also offer access to clinical trials, providing patients with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and potentially access novel therapies.

Telehealth is another area where Geisinger excels. They have a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those facing mobility challenges. While specific statistics on lung cancer-related telehealth utilization are not readily available, the system's overall telehealth adoption rate is high.

Regarding emergency room wait times, Geisinger Medical Center generally reports wait times that align with or are slightly below the national average. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. Checking current wait times on the Geisinger website or through online resources is recommended before visiting the ER.

**Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, PA:**

Evangelical Community Hospital, located directly within the 17850 ZIP code, offers a more localized healthcare experience. It holds a 3-star CMS rating. While not as highly rated as Geisinger, Evangelical provides essential healthcare services to the local community.

Evangelical's cancer care program focuses on providing comprehensive services, including diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. They collaborate with oncologists and specialists to develop personalized treatment plans. They offer chemotherapy and radiation therapy services on-site, which can be convenient for patients.

The hospital provides access to diagnostic imaging, including CT scans and other imaging modalities, to aid in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. While they may not have the same level of specialized expertise or access to clinical trials as Geisinger, Evangelical strives to provide high-quality care within the local community.

Telehealth services are available at Evangelical, though the breadth and depth of the program may be less extensive compared to Geisinger. They utilize telehealth for some consultations and follow-up appointments, particularly in specialties where remote consultations are feasible.

Emergency room wait times at Evangelical Community Hospital are generally shorter than those at larger, more specialized hospitals. This can be a significant advantage for patients seeking immediate medical attention.

**UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport, PA:**

UPMC Susquehanna, located approximately 45 minutes from Lewisburg, represents another option for lung cancer care. This hospital system has a broader network, offering access to a wider range of specialists and resources. The UPMC Williamsport campus is a primary point of access for the region.

UPMC Susquehanna's cancer program is well-established, with a focus on providing comprehensive cancer care. They have a dedicated oncology center offering medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services. They also have a multidisciplinary team that includes pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and other specialists.

UPMC Susquehanna offers advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities, including PET/CT scans and other imaging modalities, to assist in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. They also offer access to clinical trials through their affiliation with the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Telehealth services are available within the UPMC system, providing patients with options for virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. The extent of telehealth utilization for lung cancer patients is not readily available.

Emergency room wait times at UPMC Susquehanna can vary depending on the specific location and the time of day. Checking current wait times online or by phone before visiting the ER is advisable.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors influence the quality of lung cancer care in the 17850 vicinity. The availability of support services, such as patient navigation, social work, and psychological counseling, is crucial for patients and their families. These services can help patients navigate the complexities of cancer treatment and provide emotional support.

The proximity to specialized centers is another consideration. While Geisinger Medical Center and UPMC Susquehanna offer comprehensive cancer care, patients may need to travel to larger urban centers for specialized treatments or access to clinical trials.

The availability of support groups and community resources is also important. These groups can provide patients with a sense of community and support, as well as access to information and resources.

**Comparing the Options:**

Geisinger Medical Center, with its 4-star CMS rating, comprehensive cancer program, and access to clinical trials, represents the most comprehensive option for lung cancer care in the region. However, the distance from Lewisburg and potential for longer ER wait times should be considered.

Evangelical Community Hospital offers convenient local access to cancer care services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, it may have fewer specialized resources and access to clinical trials compared to Geisinger.

UPMC Susquehanna provides another viable option with a well-established cancer program and access to a broader network of specialists. The distance from Lewisburg and ER wait times should be considered.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer care requires careful consideration of individual needs and preferences. Geisinger Medical Center generally stands out as the most comprehensive option, while Evangelical Community Hospital offers convenient local access. UPMC Susquehanna provides another viable alternative. Patients should discuss their specific needs and preferences with their primary care physicians and oncologists to determine the best course of action. Thorough research, including a review of hospital websites, consultation with healthcare providers, and consideration of personal preferences, is essential for making informed decisions about lung cancer care in the 17850 vicinity.