17814, Benton, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17814, Benton, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care: A Review of Hospitals Near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17814)

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis is a daunting experience. Access to quality care, including experienced specialists, advanced technology, and supportive services, is paramount. This review examines the hospitals within a reasonable radius of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17814), focusing on their prostate cancer treatment capabilities, patient experience, and overall quality metrics. The information presented is based on publicly available data, including Medicare.gov's Hospital Compare website, hospital websites, and other reliable sources.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate area around Lewisburg offers a limited selection of major hospitals. Residents in the 17814 ZIP code primarily rely on Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, and Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, PA, for their healthcare needs. These two institutions form the core of the local healthcare landscape.

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

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) in Danville, approximately 20 minutes from Lewisburg, is the dominant healthcare provider in the region. It's a large, tertiary care center and a flagship hospital within the Geisinger Health System. GMC boasts a comprehensive cancer program, including a dedicated urology department and a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer treatment.

* **CMS Star Rating:** GMC currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality based on factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. It's important to note that CMS ratings are a snapshot in time and can fluctuate.
* **Specialty Centers:** GMC houses a well-regarded cancer institute. Within this institute, patients can access a range of specialists, including urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses. The hospital likely offers advanced imaging modalities like MRI and PET/CT scans for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Treatment Options:** GMC provides a full spectrum of prostate cancer treatments, including:
* **Surgery:** Robotic-assisted prostatectomy is likely available, offering minimally invasive options for eligible patients.
* **Radiation Therapy:** GMC likely offers external beam radiation therapy, including advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and potentially stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Brachytherapy (internal radiation) may also be available.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies are available for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
* **Clinical Trials:** Being a major medical center, GMC may participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Telehealth:** Geisinger has been a leader in telehealth. While specific telehealth statistics for prostate cancer consultations aren't readily available, it's highly probable that virtual appointments with urologists and oncologists are offered, particularly for follow-up care and consultations.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at GMC can fluctuate. Publicly available data from sources like Medicare.gov and hospital websites can provide current estimates. However, it's crucial to understand that these are averages and individual wait times can vary.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores are available through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, which is part of the CMS Hospital Compare data. These scores provide insight into patient experiences with aspects like communication with doctors and nurses, pain management, and overall hospital environment.

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

Evangelical Community Hospital (ECH) is located directly in Lewisburg, making it a convenient option for residents. It's a smaller community hospital compared to GMC, but it still provides essential healthcare services, including some cancer care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** ECH currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating above-average overall quality.
* **Specialty Centers:** ECH has a cancer care program that may offer urology services and potentially some aspects of prostate cancer treatment. However, the scope of its cancer services is likely less extensive than that of GMC.
* **Treatment Options:** ECH may offer:
* **Surgery:** Basic surgical procedures, potentially including prostate biopsies.
* **Radiation Therapy:** ECH may have arrangements with other facilities to provide radiation therapy.
* **Medical Oncology:** Chemotherapy and hormone therapy may be available.
* **Telehealth:** ECH likely offers some telehealth services, but the extent of these services for prostate cancer care may be limited.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at ECH are generally shorter than at larger hospitals. Publicly available data should be consulted for current estimates.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores are available through HCAHPS surveys.

**Beyond the Immediate Area:**

While GMC and ECH are the primary options, patients may consider hospitals further afield, particularly if they have specific treatment needs or seek specialized expertise.

* **Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA:** Located approximately 1.5 hours from Lewisburg, this is a major academic medical center with a comprehensive cancer program. It offers advanced treatments, clinical trials, and a wide range of specialists. It is important to note that this hospital is located outside of the immediate area.
* **UPMC Williamsport, Williamsport, PA:** Located approximately 1 hour from Lewisburg, this hospital provides cancer care services and could be an option for some patients.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

Selecting the right hospital for prostate cancer treatment involves careful consideration of several factors:

* **Stage and Grade of Cancer:** The aggressiveness of the cancer will influence the treatment options and the expertise required.
* **Treatment Preferences:** Patients should discuss their preferences and values with their doctors.
* **Surgeon's Experience:** The experience of the surgeon performing the prostatectomy is crucial.
* **Radiation Oncology Capabilities:** Access to advanced radiation therapy techniques can improve outcomes.
* **Medical Oncology Expertise:** For advanced cases, access to experienced medical oncologists is essential.
* **Support Services:** Cancer care involves more than just medical treatment. Access to support groups, social workers, and other resources is important.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the chosen hospital and specialists are within the patient's insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Online reviews and patient testimonials can provide insights into the hospital's reputation and patient experience.

**Accessing Information and Making Informed Decisions:**

Patients facing a prostate cancer diagnosis should:

* **Consult with their primary care physician:** Get a referral to a urologist or oncologist.
* **Research hospitals and specialists:** Use online resources like Medicare.gov's Hospital Compare, hospital websites, and professional organizations like the American Urological Association (AUA).
* **Seek second opinions:** Obtain additional perspectives on diagnosis and treatment options.
* **Ask questions:** Inquire about the experience of the physicians, the availability of advanced technologies, and the hospital's support services.
* **Consider travel:** Be prepared to travel to access the best possible care, especially for complex cases or specialized treatments.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of the 17814 ZIP code, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville serves as the primary hub for comprehensive prostate cancer care. It offers a broad range of specialists, advanced technologies, and a multidisciplinary approach. Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg provides local access to essential services. Patients should carefully evaluate their individual needs, consider the factors outlined above, and actively participate in their healthcare decisions to ensure they receive the best possible care. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical guidance.