18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Havens: A Review of Hospitals Near Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18439)

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed decisions. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Honesdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18439), assessing their capabilities in hypertension management, including access to specialists, technology, and overall quality indicators. We'll delve into the specifics, providing a fact-rich overview to help residents make informed choices.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Honesdale, a borough in Wayne County, sits in a region with a mix of community hospitals and larger regional medical centers. Residents generally have access to facilities within Wayne County, as well as those in neighboring counties like Lackawanna and Pike. This review will consider hospitals within a practical driving distance, focusing on those most likely to be accessed by residents of 18439.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital: The Local Hub**

Wayne Memorial Hospital, located in Honesdale, is the most immediate healthcare provider for residents. As a community hospital, it offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. While Wayne Memorial does not have a CMS star rating, it's essential to understand its role as the primary point of access for many. Its emergency room wait times are a critical factor, though specific, publicly available data can fluctuate. Residents should check the hospital's website or local sources for the most up-to-date information. The hospital has a cardiology department that offers diagnostic and treatment services for heart conditions, including hypertension. Telehealth services are also available, providing remote consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be crucial for ongoing hypertension management.

**Regional Players: Expanding the Scope**

Beyond Wayne Memorial, residents often look to larger regional hospitals for specialized care. These facilities typically offer a broader range of services and access to specialists.

**Geisinger Health System: A Network of Care**

Geisinger, a large health system with a significant presence in northeastern Pennsylvania, offers several options within a reasonable driving distance. Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton is a major regional hospital. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre is also a significant option. Both hospitals offer comprehensive cardiology services, including specialized clinics for hypertension management. Geisinger's cardiology departments are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options, including medication management, lifestyle counseling, and interventional procedures.

Geisinger hospitals have a strong emphasis on telehealth. They have invested heavily in virtual care platforms, allowing patients to connect with their providers remotely for consultations, medication refills, and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension, who require regular monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans. Specific data on telehealth utilization rates and patient satisfaction scores can be found on Geisinger's website or through publicly available reports. CMS star ratings for Geisinger hospitals are available on the CMS website.

**Commonwealth Health: A Multi-Hospital Network**

Commonwealth Health, another major healthcare provider in the region, operates several hospitals, including Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. Both offer cardiology services, including treatment for hypertension. These hospitals have cardiology departments that offer diagnostic and treatment services for heart conditions, including hypertension.

Commonwealth Health hospitals have varying CMS star ratings, which can be found on the CMS website. Emergency room wait times are a key factor for patients needing immediate care. Information on wait times is often available on the hospital's website or through local resources. Telehealth services are also available, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise**

For complex cases or specific needs, access to specialized centers is crucial. While specific hypertension clinics may not be explicitly branded at every hospital, the presence of comprehensive cardiology departments is a strong indicator of the ability to manage hypertension effectively.

**Cardiac Catheterization Labs:** The availability of cardiac catheterization labs is a critical factor. These labs allow for the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, including those related to hypertension. Hospitals with these labs can perform procedures like angioplasty and stenting, which can be necessary for patients with hypertension-related complications.

**Electrophysiology Labs:** Electrophysiology labs specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, which can sometimes be related to hypertension.

**Interventional Cardiology:** Interventional cardiologists perform procedures to open blocked arteries and treat other heart conditions.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: The Future of Hypertension Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) allows healthcare providers to track patients' vital signs, such as blood pressure, from their homes. This data is then used to adjust treatment plans and provide timely interventions.

**Telehealth Stats:** Specific data on telehealth utilization rates, patient satisfaction scores, and the types of telehealth services offered can be found on hospital websites or through publicly available reports.

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

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor for anyone needing immediate medical attention. These times can vary depending on the hospital, the time of day, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Data Sources:** Information on ER wait times is often available on hospital websites, through local news sources, or through online platforms that track healthcare data.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Guide to Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance in various quality measures. These ratings can be a helpful guide for patients seeking to compare hospitals.

**Accessing CMS Data:** CMS star ratings are available on the CMS website.

**Navigating the System: Practical Considerations**

When choosing a hospital for hypertension care, consider the following factors:

* **Proximity:** The distance to the hospital and ease of access.
* **Cardiology Services:** The availability of a comprehensive cardiology department with specialized expertise.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability of telehealth services for remote monitoring and follow-up appointments.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** The average wait times for emergency care.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** The hospital's overall quality rating from CMS.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews from other patients to get insights into their experiences.

**Conclusion: Making the Right Choice**

The best hospital for hypertension management near Honesdale, PA (18439) will depend on individual needs and preferences. Wayne Memorial Hospital provides local access, while regional hospitals like those in the Geisinger and Commonwealth Health systems offer a broader range of services and specialists. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions and receive the best possible care for their hypertension. Remember to consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist to determine the most appropriate healthcare provider for your specific needs.