17859, Orangeville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 17859, Orangeville, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Evaluating Hospitals Near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17859)

The Susquehanna River Valley, encompassing Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17859), presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents in this area have access to a variety of hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses in managing hypertension. This review examines the key players, focusing on factors crucial for hypertension care, including quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. The goal is to provide a fact-rich assessment to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs, particularly concerning the management of high blood pressure.

**Geisinger Medical Center: The Flagship**

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, is the dominant healthcare provider in the region, located a short drive from Lewisburg. As a flagship hospital, Geisinger boasts a strong reputation and a wide range of services. It holds a **4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating, while not a perfect measure, provides a valuable benchmark for overall hospital quality, considering factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

Geisinger Medical Center has a dedicated cardiology department that plays a critical role in hypertension management. The hospital offers comprehensive cardiovascular services, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. This breadth of services is crucial for patients with hypertension, who may also require care for related conditions like heart disease or stroke.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Geisinger’s ER wait times are a crucial consideration for any healthcare consumer. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, general averages suggest a moderate wait time, often reflecting the high volume of patients served. It's important to note that wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the presenting condition. Patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis need prompt attention.

**Specialty Centers and Resources:** Geisinger operates several specialty centers that are relevant to hypertension care. These include a comprehensive stroke center, a diabetes center, and a vascular surgery department. These resources are vital for managing the complications associated with hypertension, such as stroke, kidney disease, and peripheral artery disease.

**Telehealth Integration:** Geisinger has made significant investments in telehealth, offering a range of virtual care options. These include virtual visits with primary care physicians, cardiologists, and other specialists. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for hypertension management, allowing patients to monitor their blood pressure remotely, receive medication adjustments, and access educational resources without needing to travel to the hospital. The availability and utilization rates of telehealth services at Geisinger are generally considered above average, although specific statistics on hypertension-related telehealth usage would be valuable.

**Evangelical Community Hospital: A Local Option**

Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg offers a more localized healthcare option for residents of the 17859 ZIP code. While smaller than Geisinger, Evangelical plays a vital role in providing accessible care to the community. **Evangelical currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS.**

**Cardiology Services:** Evangelical has a cardiology department that provides diagnostic and treatment services for cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension. The hospital offers a range of services, including echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterizations.

**Emergency Room Considerations:** Evangelical's ER often experiences shorter wait times compared to Geisinger, making it a potentially attractive option for patients needing immediate care. However, the availability of specialized services may be more limited compared to a larger facility.

**Specialty Focus:** Evangelical's focus is on providing comprehensive care for a range of conditions. They have programs for diabetes, which is a co-morbidity with hypertension.

**Telehealth Availability:** Evangelical has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing patients with access to virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs. The hospital is actively working to integrate telehealth into its hypertension management protocols.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Clinics and Outpatient Care**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents of the 17859 ZIP code have access to a network of smaller clinics and outpatient facilities. These facilities often provide primary care services, including hypertension screening, diagnosis, and management. The availability of these resources is critical for providing accessible and ongoing care.

**Primary Care Physician Availability:** The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial factor in hypertension management. PCPs play a central role in monitoring blood pressure, prescribing medications, and providing lifestyle counseling. The ratio of PCPs to residents in the Lewisburg area is generally considered adequate, but access can vary depending on insurance coverage and individual patient preferences.

**Outpatient Clinics and Specialized Care:** Several outpatient clinics in the area offer specialized care for hypertension, including cardiology clinics and endocrinology clinics. These clinics provide access to specialists who can offer advanced diagnostic testing and treatment options.

**Factors to Consider for Hypertension Patients**

Several factors are crucial for patients with hypertension when choosing a hospital or healthcare provider:

* **Cardiology Expertise:** The hospital's cardiology department should have experienced cardiologists and access to advanced diagnostic and interventional procedures.
* **Emergency Room Efficiency:** For patients experiencing hypertensive crises or related emergencies, the ER's wait times and ability to provide prompt care are essential.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth options can enhance hypertension management by providing remote monitoring, medication management, and educational resources.
* **Access to Specialists:** The availability of specialists, such as nephrologists, endocrinologists, and neurologists, is crucial for managing complications associated with hypertension.
* **Patient Education and Support:** Hospitals should offer patient education programs and support groups to help patients understand their condition and manage their health.

**Data Limitations and Future Research**

This review is based on publicly available data and general observations. Specific data points, such as real-time ER wait times and the precise utilization rates of telehealth services for hypertension management, can fluctuate and are not always readily accessible. Future research could benefit from more detailed data from hospitals and healthcare providers, including:

* Specific data on hypertension-related telehealth utilization.
* Detailed information on hospital readmission rates for hypertension-related conditions.
* Patient satisfaction surveys focused on hypertension care.
* Data on the availability and utilization of specific medications for hypertension.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Residents of the 17859 ZIP code have access to a range of healthcare options for hypertension management. Geisinger Medical Center, as the flagship hospital, offers a comprehensive array of services and a strong reputation. Evangelical Community Hospital provides a more localized option with potentially shorter ER wait times. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a healthcare provider, taking into account factors like cardiology expertise, ER efficiency, telehealth capabilities, and access to specialists. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each healthcare provider, residents can make informed decisions that promote effective hypertension management and improve their overall health.