Geisinger to open first 65 Forward Health Center in central PA

SHAMOKIN DAM, Pa. – During a doctor’s appointment, having more time with the doctor is one way of making better health easier for those 65 and older. That’s the reasoning behind Geisinger’s opening of its first 65 Forward Health Center in central Pennsylvania.

Construction is underway for Geisinger 65 Forward at 30 Baldwin Blvd. in the Orchard Hills Shopping Center in Shamokin Dam. The health center is on track to open this fall.

The health needs of those age 65 and up are all addressed under one roof at Geisinger 65 Forward. The program’s primary care physicians see a maximum of 450 patients, compared to the national average of 1,400 patients per primary care physician. In addition to their physician, members have access to a team of health care professionals, including nurses, nutritionists, social workers, wellness coordinators and a personal health care advocate. 

“We’re excited to be offering this level of care to our neighbors in central Pennsylvania,” said Maria Kobylinski, M.D., chair of Geisinger primary care services. “We know our patients’ and members’ health care needs change over time, and by offering more time with the doctor and the most commonly needed services, we’re making care easier by managing everything all in one place.”

Whether it’s visiting the doctor, taking an exercise class or participating in social events, 65 Forward provides a “one-stop shop” for health care by focusing on convenience and offering specialized care. Available to Geisinger Gold (Medicare Advantage) members, 65 Forward offers members doctor visits of up to 60 minutes and access to wellness activities and personalized care in a relaxing environment.  

The Shamokin Dam Geisinger 65 Forward Health Center will join centers already open or set to open this year in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. The 65 Forward program is enrolling new patients. Those interested in enrolling can call 866-237-0152 or visit geisinger.org/ForwardNewsShamokinDam. 

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 126 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,700 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $15 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.