17885, Weikert, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17885, Weikert, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Prostate Cancer Care in the 17885 Vicinity: A Scorecard

The quest for optimal prostate cancer care is a complex journey, demanding access to skilled specialists, advanced technology, and a supportive environment. For residents near the 17885 ZIP code, which encompasses the town of Watsontown, Pennsylvania, several hospitals and medical centers offer varying levels of expertise and resources. This review provides a fact-based assessment of the available options, focusing on key metrics relevant to prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The information is current as of October 26, 2023, and is based on publicly available data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and reputable healthcare databases.

**Geographic Considerations and Key Players**

Watsontown, PA, is a relatively rural area. Therefore, residents often rely on regional medical centers for specialized care. The primary hospitals serving the 17885 area include those in the larger cities of Williamsport and Danville, PA, which are within a reasonable driving distance.

**Hospital Star Ratings and General Quality Metrics**

CMS star ratings offer a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality, based on a variety of factors. However, it's important to remember that these ratings are a general indicator and should be considered alongside other information.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** Located approximately 20 miles north of Watsontown, UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital is a significant regional provider. It currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects a solid, but not exceptional, performance across various quality measures.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Located approximately 25 miles south of Watsontown, Geisinger Medical Center is a flagship facility within the Geisinger Health System. Geisinger is known for its integrated care model and advanced medical technologies. While CMS star ratings can fluctuate, Geisinger generally performs well, often receiving 4 or 5-star ratings.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Proxy for Access**

ER wait times can be an indicator of overall hospital efficiency and accessibility. Shorter wait times often translate to faster access to care, which is crucial in urgent situations.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** Publicly available data indicates that ER wait times at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital are typically within the regional average. However, specific real-time wait times can vary significantly depending on the day, time, and patient volume.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger Medical Center generally reports competitive ER wait times, often aiming to provide prompt care. However, as with any large hospital, wait times can fluctuate. It is advisable to check current wait times on the hospital's website or through online resources before visiting the ER.

**Specialty Centers and Prostate Cancer Expertise**

The presence of dedicated specialty centers and experienced urologists is critical for effective prostate cancer care.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital has a urology department that provides diagnostic and treatment services for prostate cancer. Patients have access to a range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger Medical Center is home to a comprehensive cancer institute, including a robust urology department. The hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care, with specialists in urology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other related fields. Geisinger is known for its advanced technologies, including robotic surgery and advanced imaging techniques.

**Robotic Surgery Capabilities**

Robotic surgery, particularly the da Vinci surgical system, has become a standard of care for prostatectomies (surgical removal of the prostate). It allows for greater precision, smaller incisions, and potentially faster recovery times.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital utilizes robotic surgery for various procedures, including prostatectomy.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger Medical Center has a well-established robotic surgery program, offering robotic-assisted prostatectomies and other minimally invasive procedures.

**Radiation Oncology and Treatment Options**

Radiation therapy is a common and effective treatment for prostate cancer. Access to advanced radiation therapy technologies is a significant factor in assessing a hospital's capabilities.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital offers radiation therapy services for prostate cancer patients.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger Medical Center has a state-of-the-art radiation oncology department, offering a range of treatment options, including external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy (internal radiation), and advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

**Telehealth and Virtual Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and managing chronic conditions.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** UPMC Susquehanna offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments with specialists. The availability of telehealth options can vary.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger has a well-developed telehealth program, providing virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring capabilities. Geisinger's telehealth infrastructure is considered to be among the most advanced in the region.

**Clinical Trials and Research**

Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in prostate cancer care.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** The extent of clinical trial participation at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital is less readily available.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger Medical Center is actively involved in clinical research and offers patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials for prostate cancer. This provides access to the latest treatment options and helps advance the understanding of the disease.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience**

Patient satisfaction is a crucial aspect of healthcare quality. While direct patient satisfaction data is not always readily available, hospital websites and online review platforms can provide some insight.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** Patient satisfaction ratings for UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital are generally in line with regional averages.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger Medical Center consistently scores well in patient satisfaction surveys. The integrated care model and emphasis on patient-centered care contribute to positive patient experiences.

**Cost and Insurance Considerations**

The cost of prostate cancer care can vary significantly depending on the treatment plan, insurance coverage, and the specific hospital. It is essential to discuss costs and insurance coverage with the hospital's billing department and your insurance provider.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** The cost of care at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital is generally in line with other regional providers.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger Medical Center is part of a large health system, which may offer cost-saving programs and insurance options. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Transportation can be a significant factor for residents of rural areas. Consider the distance to the hospital, availability of public transportation, and parking facilities.

* **UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital:** The hospital is easily accessible by car. Parking is available on-site.
* **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville):** Geisinger Medical Center is accessible by car. Parking is available on-site.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

For residents near the 17885 ZIP code, both UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center (Danville) offer prostate cancer care. Geisinger Medical Center, with its comprehensive cancer institute, advanced technologies, and strong research focus, generally presents a more robust option. However, UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital provides a viable alternative with access to a range of services. The best choice ultimately depends on individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. It is recommended to consult with your primary care physician and a urologist to discuss your specific situation and determine the most appropriate course of action. Further research, including reviewing hospital websites, contacting the hospitals directly, and consulting with your insurance provider, is highly recommended.