17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Lung Cancer Care Near Lewisburg, PA: A Scorecard

Finding the best hospital for lung cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17853), focusing on key metrics relevant to lung cancer care. We’ll examine CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities, offering a snapshot to aid in your decision-making process. Remember, this is a starting point, and individual needs vary. Always consult with your physician.

**Proximity and Key Players**

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, is a relatively rural area, so access to specialized care often involves travel. The primary hospitals in the region include Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, and Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg itself. Other options, though further afield, include hospitals in Harrisburg and Scranton.

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

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) is the dominant healthcare provider in the region. It's a large, integrated health system, and its Danville campus serves as its flagship hospital. GMC holds a respectable **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of quality and safety. CMS star ratings are based on a variety of factors, including mortality rates, safety of care, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**Lung Cancer Specifics at Geisinger**

Geisinger has a dedicated cancer institute, the **Geisinger Cancer Institute**. This institute offers comprehensive cancer services, including lung cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. They utilize a multidisciplinary approach, with teams of specialists collaborating on patient care. GMC is known for its advanced imaging capabilities, including PET/CT scans, crucial for lung cancer staging. They also offer a full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

**ER Wait Times at Geisinger**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially in a health crisis. Data suggests that ER wait times at Geisinger can fluctuate. While specific real-time wait times vary, it's generally advisable to expect a wait, particularly during peak hours. The hospital’s website or online resources often provide current wait time estimates. Patients with severe symptoms are prioritized.

**Telehealth at Geisinger**

Geisinger has made significant investments in telehealth. They offer a variety of telehealth services, including virtual consultations with oncologists and other specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing concerns without requiring a physical visit to the hospital. Telehealth availability can vary depending on the specific specialist and the patient's insurance coverage.

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

Evangelical Community Hospital, located directly in Lewisburg, offers a more localized healthcare experience. It is a smaller hospital compared to Geisinger. Evangelical has a **4-star rating from CMS**, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to GMC.

**Lung Cancer Services at Evangelical**

Evangelical offers lung cancer screening and diagnostic services. While it may not have the same breadth of specialized cancer services as Geisinger, it provides a valuable option for initial assessments, follow-up care, and some treatments. Patients may be referred to Geisinger or other larger centers for more complex cases. Evangelical emphasizes a patient-centered approach, focusing on personalized care.

**ER Wait Times at Evangelical**

Emergency room wait times at Evangelical are generally shorter than those at Geisinger, reflecting the hospital's smaller size and typically lower patient volume. However, wait times can still vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases being treated.

**Telehealth at Evangelical**

Evangelical has also embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. The scope of their telehealth offerings is likely more limited than Geisinger's, but it provides convenient access to care for certain conditions and follow-up appointments.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Both Geisinger and Evangelical offer specialized programs relevant to lung cancer care. Geisinger's Cancer Institute is the primary hub for specialized services, including:

* **Thoracic Surgery:** Geisinger has a team of thoracic surgeons specializing in lung cancer surgery.
* **Medical Oncology:** Medical oncologists provide chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
* **Radiation Oncology:** Radiation oncologists offer advanced radiation therapy techniques.
* **Clinical Trials:** Geisinger participates in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Supportive Care:** Geisinger provides comprehensive supportive care services, including palliative care, pain management, and psychological support.

Evangelical's services are more geared towards local support and initial care, with referral pathways to Geisinger for more specialized treatments.

**Other Considerations: Travel and Access**

For residents of Lewisburg, PA, the distance to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville is approximately 20-30 minutes by car. Evangelical Community Hospital is located within Lewisburg, offering convenient access. Travel time and accessibility are critical factors when considering treatment options, especially for patients undergoing frequent appointments or experiencing mobility issues.

**Harrisburg and Scranton: Further Afield**

Hospitals in Harrisburg and Scranton, while further away, offer additional options for lung cancer care. These include:

* **UPMC Harrisburg:** Part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center system, UPMC Harrisburg offers comprehensive cancer services.
* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre:** Another Geisinger facility, this hospital provides cancer care closer to Scranton.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton:** Offers cancer care services within the Scranton area.

These hospitals may offer specialized programs or treatment options not available at Geisinger or Evangelical. However, the added travel time and distance should be factored into the decision-making process.

**Insurance and Financial Considerations**

Insurance coverage is a crucial factor. Before choosing a hospital, verify that your insurance plan is accepted and that the services you need are covered. Contact the hospital's billing department to understand potential out-of-pocket costs. Financial assistance programs may be available for eligible patients.

**Patient Experience and Reviews**

Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website offer patient satisfaction scores and reviews. However, remember that individual experiences can vary.

**Research and Clinical Trials**

Geisinger's participation in clinical trials is a significant advantage. Clinical trials offer patients access to promising new treatments and therapies. Discuss potential clinical trial opportunities with your oncologist.

**Making the Decision**

Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer treatment is a complex decision. Consider the following factors:

* **Proximity and Accessibility:** How far are you willing to travel for treatment?
* **Specialized Services:** Does the hospital offer the specific treatments you need?
* **Physician Expertise:** Do you have confidence in the medical team?
* **Patient Experience:** What do patient reviews say about the hospital?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Is the hospital in your insurance network?
* **Telehealth Options:** Does the hospital offer convenient telehealth services?

**Conclusion**

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville is the flagship hospital in the region, offering a comprehensive cancer institute and a wide range of specialized services. Evangelical Community Hospital provides a more local option with a good CMS star rating. Consider your individual needs, insurance coverage, and travel preferences when making your decision. Consult with your primary care physician and a pulmonologist or oncologist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. This review provides a starting point; detailed research and consultation are essential.