17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Pine Grove, PA (ZIP Code 17949)

Living in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17949) means access to healthcare is a critical consideration, especially for managing a condition like hypertension. This review focuses on the hospitals closest to this area, assessing their capabilities in hypertension management, emergency care, and overall patient experience. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for each facility.

**Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital – Orwigsburg, PA (Approximately 10 miles from 17949)**

Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg presents itself as a primary healthcare provider for residents near Pine Grove. It's a critical access hospital, meaning it receives specific federal funding to support rural healthcare needs. While this designation doesn't directly translate to hypertension care quality, it indicates a commitment to serving the community.

**CMS Star Rating:** Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating isn't the highest possible, it signifies a generally acceptable level of care.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing hypertensive crises. Publicly available data on ER wait times for Geisinger St. Luke's is limited. However, patients can often find current wait times on the hospital's website or through online platforms like Google. Shorter wait times are generally preferable.

**Hypertension-Specific Care:** As a smaller hospital, Geisinger St. Luke's may not have a dedicated hypertension center. However, it likely offers internal medicine and cardiology services. Patients with hypertension would typically be managed by their primary care physician or referred to a cardiologist for specialized care. The availability of on-site cardiology services is a plus.

**Specialty Centers:** Geisinger St. Luke's offers a range of services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. The presence of these services can be beneficial for patients with hypertension who may have co-existing conditions.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Geisinger St. Luke's may offer telehealth options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. Patients should inquire about telehealth availability when scheduling appointments.

**Overall Impression:** Geisinger St. Luke's provides essential healthcare services for the Pine Grove area. While it lacks the comprehensive resources of a larger facility, its proximity and commitment to rural healthcare are valuable assets. Patients should inquire about specific hypertension management protocols and telehealth options.

**Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill, Pottsville, PA (Approximately 15 miles from 17949)**

Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill, located in Pottsville, offers a more extensive array of services than Geisinger St. Luke's. As part of the larger Lehigh Valley Health Network, it benefits from the network's broader resources and expertise.

**CMS Star Rating:** Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This indicates a similar level of overall performance compared to Geisinger St. Luke's.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a key consideration. Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill's ER wait times may vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. Patients can often find real-time or estimated wait times on the hospital's website or through online platforms.

**Hypertension-Specific Care:** Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill likely has a more developed cardiology department compared to Geisinger St. Luke's. This could translate to more specialized hypertension management, including access to cardiologists, diagnostic testing, and potentially, participation in clinical trials.

**Specialty Centers:** Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill boasts a wider range of specialty centers, including cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology. These resources are beneficial for patients with hypertension who may have other health concerns.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** As part of a larger network, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill likely offers more robust telehealth options. This could include virtual appointments with cardiologists, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and educational resources. Patients should inquire about available telehealth services.

**Overall Impression:** Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill offers a more comprehensive healthcare experience than Geisinger St. Luke's. Its larger size and affiliation with a broader network provide access to more specialized care and resources. Patients with hypertension should explore the cardiology department's offerings and inquire about telehealth options.

**Reading Hospital – Reading, PA (Approximately 40 miles from 17949)**

While further from Pine Grove, Reading Hospital, part of Tower Health, is a flagship hospital in the region, potentially offering specialized hypertension care. Its distance necessitates considering travel time and accessibility.

**CMS Star Rating:** Reading Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at Reading Hospital can vary. Given its larger size and the potential for higher patient volumes, wait times may be longer than at the closer hospitals. Checking real-time wait times online is recommended.

**Hypertension-Specific Care:** As a larger facility, Reading Hospital likely has a dedicated cardiology department with a focus on hypertension management. This could include specialized clinics, access to advanced diagnostic tools, and participation in research studies.

**Specialty Centers:** Reading Hospital boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including a comprehensive heart and vascular center. This center would likely offer advanced treatments for hypertension and related cardiovascular conditions.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Reading Hospital, being a large hospital, likely has a robust telehealth program. This could include virtual consultations with cardiologists, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and educational resources.

**Overall Impression:** Reading Hospital offers a high level of specialized care for hypertension. Its comprehensive cardiology department and advanced resources make it a strong option. However, the distance from Pine Grove should be factored into the decision-making process.

**Summary and "Hypertension Score" Considerations**

Determining the "best" hospital for hypertension management near Pine Grove (17949) requires weighing several factors.

* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Geisinger St. Luke's is the closest, offering convenience. Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill is a slightly further but offers more comprehensive services. Reading Hospital, while more distant, provides the most specialized care.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** All three hospitals have a 3-star rating, indicating a similar level of overall quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times are preferable. Patients should check real-time wait times before visiting any hospital.
* **Hypertension-Specific Care:** Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill and Reading Hospital likely offer more specialized cardiology departments and hypertension management programs.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is crucial for managing chronic conditions. Patients should inquire about telehealth options at each hospital.

**Recommendations:**

* **For Routine Care and Convenience:** Geisinger St. Luke's may be a good option, but patients should confirm the availability of cardiology services and telehealth options.
* **For More Specialized Care:** Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill offers a balance of proximity and resources. Patients should explore its cardiology department.
* **For Advanced Hypertension Management:** Reading Hospital is a strong choice, but patients should consider the travel time and potential ER wait times.

Ultimately, the "best" hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. Patients should discuss their hypertension management needs with their primary care physician and research the specific services offered by each hospital before making a decision. This review provides a starting point for that research.