17742, Lairdsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 17742, Lairdsville, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Havens: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17742

Finding quality healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension, is crucial. This review analyzes hospitals near ZIP code 17742 (Jersey Shore, PA) to assess their capabilities in managing hypertension, focusing on factors important to patients: quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability.

**The Landscape: Hospitals in the Region**

The immediate vicinity of Jersey Shore, PA, offers a limited selection of hospitals. The primary options for residents include UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, located approximately 20 miles away, and Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, situated within the ZIP code. Both facilities offer a range of services, but their strengths and weaknesses vary.

**UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport: A Regional Hub**

UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport serves as a regional hub, offering a broader scope of services than Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital. This hospital is a significant player in the area's healthcare landscape. However, detailed information on its specific hypertension management programs is not readily available in public-facing materials.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality metrics. These ratings provide a general indication of a hospital's performance. As of the latest data, UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating suggests an average level of performance compared to other hospitals nationally. This rating is based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration for patients experiencing hypertensive crises or related complications. Unfortunately, specific, regularly updated ER wait time data for UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport is not consistently available through readily accessible public sources. Patients should contact the hospital directly or consult online resources like Google to check wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Care**

UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport houses several specialty centers. These centers may offer specialized care for conditions related to hypertension, such as cardiology and nephrology. These centers are essential in providing comprehensive care for patients with hypertension-related complications, such as heart disease or kidney failure. Patients with complex hypertension cases may benefit from the expertise available within these centers. However, the hospital's website does not offer specific details on the hypertension management program.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access**

Telehealth is increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions. UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport likely offers some telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring. The extent of these services and their specific application to hypertension management is not clear from publicly available information. Patients should inquire directly with the hospital about telehealth options.

**Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital: A Local Option**

Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital provides healthcare services within the ZIP code. This hospital is a smaller facility compared to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport. It offers a range of services, including emergency care and some specialized treatments.

**CMS Star Ratings: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital**

Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating is similar to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, indicating an average level of performance. Patients should consider this rating as a general indicator of quality and compare it with other factors.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital**

Specific ER wait time data for Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital is also not readily available through consistent public sources. Patients should check with the hospital directly or use online resources to get the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Care: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital**

Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital has fewer specialized centers than UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport. The hospital's website does not provide specific details on a dedicated hypertension management program. Patients needing highly specialized care may need to travel to a larger facility.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital**

Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital likely offers some telehealth services. The extent of these services and their specific application to hypertension management is not clear from publicly available information. Patients should inquire directly with the hospital about telehealth options.

**Comparing the Options: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care requires careful consideration. UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, with its broader range of services and specialty centers, may be a better option for patients with complex needs or those requiring specialized care. However, patients must be prepared for potentially longer travel times.

Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital offers a more convenient, local option. It is suitable for patients seeking basic care or those who value proximity to home. However, the hospital may not have the same depth of specialized resources as the larger regional facility.

**Beyond the Hospitals: Other Considerations**

Beyond the hospitals themselves, other factors influence hypertension management. These include:

* **Primary Care Physicians:** The role of a primary care physician (PCP) is crucial in managing hypertension. Patients should ensure their PCP is knowledgeable about hypertension and can provide ongoing care and monitoring.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Insurance coverage plays a significant role in accessing healthcare services. Patients should understand their insurance plan's coverage for hypertension-related care, including medications, doctor visits, and diagnostic tests.
* **Patient Education:** Effective hypertension management requires patient education. Patients should actively participate in their care, understand their condition, and follow their doctor's recommendations.
* **Lifestyle Modifications:** Lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, are essential for controlling hypertension. Patients should work with their healthcare providers to develop a plan that incorporates these changes.

**The Importance of Data and Research**

Patients should not solely rely on this review. They should conduct their research and consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions. The availability of data on hospital performance and specific hypertension management programs can vary. Patients should actively seek information from multiple sources.

**Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit**

Choosing the best hospital for hypertension care near ZIP code 17742 involves weighing several factors. Both UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport and Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital offer healthcare services, but their strengths differ. Patients should consider their individual needs, the complexity of their condition, and their preferences for convenience and access to specialized care. Careful research, consultation with healthcare providers, and a proactive approach to managing hypertension are essential for achieving optimal health outcomes. The availability of specific data on hypertension programs and ER wait times is crucial, and patients should actively seek this information from the hospitals directly or through other reliable sources.