17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care Near Selinsgrove, PA (ZIP Code 17880): A Comprehensive Review

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Choosing the right hospital for treatment is a critical first step. This review provides a fact-rich overview of healthcare options for prostate cancer patients near Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17880), focusing on hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility. The information is current as of October 26, 2023, and draws on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

Selinsgrove, PA, is situated in a region with a mix of community hospitals and access to larger, more specialized facilities. Patients in this area will likely consider hospitals within a 50- to 75-mile radius, encompassing cities like Harrisburg, Scranton, and Williamsport. The primary hospitals to consider include Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, UPMC Harrisburg, and Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg.

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

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) is the closest major hospital to Selinsgrove, located approximately 15 miles away. It is a flagship hospital within the Geisinger Health System, a large integrated healthcare network. GMC is known for its comprehensive cancer care, including a dedicated cancer institute. While CMS star ratings are not a perfect indicator of quality, GMC currently holds a 3-star rating. This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

GMC’s cancer institute offers a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer treatment, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists. They provide a full spectrum of treatment options, including surgery (both open and minimally invasive techniques like robotic-assisted prostatectomy), radiation therapy (including external beam radiation and brachytherapy), and systemic therapies like hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Telehealth services are increasingly important. Geisinger has a robust telehealth program, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and supportive care, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of prostate cancer-related telehealth visits, are not always publicly available. However, Geisinger’s commitment to telehealth suggests that these options are readily available to patients.

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration. While specific wait times can fluctuate, GMC's ER wait times are generally in line with national averages. Patients can often find estimated wait times on the hospital's website or through online tools.

**UPMC Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA:**

UPMC Harrisburg, located approximately 70 miles from Selinsgrove, is a major medical center within the UPMC system. It offers a comprehensive cancer program, including prostate cancer treatment. UPMC Harrisburg has a 3-star CMS rating.

The hospital's cancer center provides a range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. UPMC Harrisburg is equipped with advanced technology for radiation therapy, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). They also offer robotic-assisted surgery for prostatectomy.

UPMC has a strong telehealth presence, providing patients with access to virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. The availability of specific prostate cancer-related telehealth services varies, but patients can typically access consultations with their physicians and receive support through the UPMC MyHealth portal.

ER wait times at UPMC Harrisburg can vary. Patients can check the hospital's website or use online tools to get an estimate of current wait times.

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

Evangelical Community Hospital, located approximately 15 miles from Selinsgrove, offers a more community-based approach to healthcare. While not a major cancer center, Evangelical provides cancer care services, including prostate cancer treatment, through its partnership with the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Evangelical offers surgical options, radiation therapy, and medical oncology services. They collaborate with specialists from the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to provide comprehensive care. Specific CMS star ratings for Evangelical are not readily available.

Evangelical has expanded its telehealth offerings, allowing patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely. Patients can access virtual consultations and receive support through the hospital's patient portal.

ER wait times at Evangelical are generally shorter than those at larger hospitals. Patients can find estimated wait times on the hospital's website or through online resources.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Treatments:**

Beyond the primary hospitals, patients may consider seeking specialized care at dedicated cancer centers or facilities offering advanced treatments. While not directly within the immediate vicinity of Selinsgrove, the following centers are within a reasonable driving distance:

* **UPMC Hillman Cancer Center:** This center has multiple locations, including those associated with UPMC Harrisburg and Evangelical Community Hospital. It provides access to cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and specialized expertise.
* **Penn State Cancer Institute (Hershey, PA):** Located approximately 60 miles from Selinsgrove, the Penn State Cancer Institute offers comprehensive cancer care, including advanced radiation therapy techniques and access to clinical trials.

**Clinical Trials and Research:**

Access to clinical trials is a crucial aspect of cancer care. Patients may be eligible for trials evaluating new therapies or treatment approaches. Geisinger, UPMC, and Penn State all conduct clinical trials, providing patients with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research. Information on active clinical trials can be found on the hospitals' websites or through the National Cancer Institute's website.

**Patient Experience and Support Services:**

Patient experience is a vital component of quality care. Hospitals offer various support services, including patient navigators, support groups, and counseling services, to assist patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. Geisinger, UPMC, and Evangelical all provide these services. Patient reviews and feedback can be found on various websites, such as Healthgrades and Vitals.

**Accessibility and Insurance:**

Accessibility to care is a critical factor. Hospitals in the region generally accept a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should verify their insurance coverage with their chosen hospital and confirm that their preferred specialists are in-network. Transportation to and from appointments can be a challenge for some patients. Hospitals often offer transportation assistance programs or can provide information on local transportation options.

**Considerations for Choosing a Hospital:**

Choosing the right hospital for prostate cancer treatment involves considering several factors:

* **Expertise:** The experience and expertise of the urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists are paramount.
* **Treatment Options:** The hospital should offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies.
* **Technology:** Access to advanced technology, such as robotic surgery and advanced radiation therapy techniques, can improve outcomes.
* **Support Services:** The availability of patient navigators, support groups, and other support services can significantly enhance the patient experience.
* **Telehealth:** The availability of telehealth services can improve access to care and reduce the need for travel.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and specialists are in-network with your insurance plan.
* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the ease of travel.

**Conclusion:**

Prostate cancer patients near Selinsgrove, PA, have several excellent options for care. Geisinger Medical Center, UPMC Harrisburg, and Evangelical Community Hospital all offer comprehensive cancer services. Patients should carefully evaluate their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when making their decision. Consulting with their primary care physician and seeking second opinions from specialists can help patients make informed choices and receive the best possible care. This review provides a starting point for your research, but individual circumstances and preferences should always guide the final decision.