18437, Lake Como, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18437, Lake Como, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Alzheimer's Score: A Review of Hospitals Near Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18437)**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when facing the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, requires informed decisions. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of hospitals near Honesdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18437), focusing on factors crucial for Alzheimer's care, including overall quality, specialized services, and accessibility. The information is current as of October 26, 2023, and relies on publicly available data.

**Understanding the "Alzheimer's Score" Methodology**

This review does not offer a single, numerical "Alzheimer's Score." Instead, it evaluates hospitals based on criteria relevant to Alzheimer's care, including overall quality as reflected by CMS star ratings, availability of neurology and geriatric services, access to specialized memory care centers, telehealth capabilities, and emergency room wait times. Each category is assessed individually, providing a comprehensive picture of each hospital's strengths and weaknesses in relation to Alzheimer's care.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital (Honesdale, PA)**

Wayne Memorial Hospital, located directly within ZIP code 18437, is the primary healthcare provider for the Honesdale area. As of the latest CMS data, Wayne Memorial Hospital holds a 3-star rating. This rating reflects overall quality of care, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While the CMS rating provides a general overview, it's essential to delve deeper into specific services relevant to Alzheimer's care.

Wayne Memorial Hospital offers a range of services, including a neurology department. The availability of neurologists is critical for diagnosis, treatment, and management of Alzheimer's disease. The hospital also provides geriatric services, which are essential for addressing the unique needs of elderly patients, including those with cognitive impairments. However, specific details on the number of neurologists, their specializations, and the scope of geriatric services are not readily available in publicly accessible data.

Wayne Memorial Hospital's emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing acute symptoms or complications. Publicly available data indicates that the ER wait times fluctuate. It is recommended to contact the hospital directly for the most up-to-date information.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA)**

Approximately an hour's drive from Honesdale, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre is a larger regional hospital. Geisinger Wyoming Valley holds a 3-star rating from CMS. The hospital's size and resources suggest a broader range of services than Wayne Memorial.

Geisinger Health System is known for its comprehensive neurology and geriatric programs. The hospital likely has a larger neurology department with a greater number of specialists, including those with expertise in Alzheimer's disease. The availability of geriatricians and other geriatric specialists is also expected to be higher.

Geisinger Health System has invested in telehealth services. Telehealth is a valuable tool for Alzheimer's patients, allowing for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring. The specific telehealth capabilities for neurology and geriatric services at Geisinger Wyoming Valley are not fully detailed in publicly available data, but it is recommended to inquire directly.

ER wait times at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center tend to be longer than those at smaller hospitals. The most current wait times can be found on the hospital's website or through online resources.

**Regional Hospital of Scranton (Scranton, PA)**

Regional Hospital of Scranton, located approximately 45 minutes from Honesdale, is another option. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

Regional Hospital offers a neurology department and geriatric services. The size of the neurology department and the specific expertise of the neurologists should be considered. The hospital's geriatric services are important for the holistic care of Alzheimer's patients.

Regional Hospital has invested in telehealth services. The availability of telehealth options for neurology and geriatric consultations is a key factor to evaluate.

Emergency room wait times at Regional Hospital are variable. The most current wait times can be found on the hospital's website or through online resources.

**Other Considerations: Specialty Centers and Support**

Beyond the core hospital services, the availability of specialized memory care centers and support groups is crucial. While no dedicated memory care centers are located directly in Honesdale, patients may access specialized services at hospitals in larger cities like Scranton or Wilkes-Barre.

Support groups for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers are essential for emotional support, education, and practical advice. Local chapters of the Alzheimer's Association or other community organizations may offer these services.

**Access to Care and Transportation**

Access to care is a significant factor, especially for patients with mobility issues or cognitive impairments. The distance to the hospital, availability of transportation, and ease of navigation within the hospital are all important considerations.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth plays an increasingly important role in Alzheimer's care. Remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring can improve access to care and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital for Alzheimer's care requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Wayne Memorial Hospital offers local access, while larger regional hospitals like Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Regional Hospital of Scranton provide a broader range of services. The CMS star ratings provide a general overview of quality, but it's essential to investigate specific services, such as neurology and geriatric care, telehealth capabilities, and emergency room wait times. Contacting each hospital directly to inquire about their Alzheimer's-specific services and support programs is highly recommended. Consider the availability of specialized memory care centers, support groups, and transportation options. By carefully evaluating these factors, patients and their families can make informed decisions and access the best possible care for Alzheimer's disease.