18456, Prompton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 18456, Prompton, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 18456**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed choices. This review focuses on hospitals near the 18456 ZIP code, offering a fact-rich analysis to help residents make informed decisions about their care. We'll delve into key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, providing a comprehensive picture of the available options.

**Defining the Scope**

The 18456 ZIP code encompasses the town of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. Our analysis will primarily focus on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering the needs of individuals seeking accessible and timely medical care.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

A cornerstone of any hospital evaluation is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system. This system provides a readily understandable overview of hospital quality, based on a range of factors.

* **Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton, PA):** Geisinger Community Medical Center is a prominent player in the Scranton healthcare market. As of the latest available data, its CMS star rating is crucial for understanding its overall performance. The hospital's performance in areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience should be carefully examined. The hospital's commitment to hypertension management, including its use of evidence-based protocols and its focus on patient education, is also critical.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA):** Moses Taylor Hospital is another significant provider in the area. Its CMS star rating, along with its performance in areas such as timely and effective treatment of hypertension-related complications, is essential. The hospital's resources for managing chronic conditions like hypertension, including support groups and educational programs, should be considered.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, especially for individuals experiencing hypertension-related emergencies. Longer wait times can exacerbate the condition and potentially lead to adverse outcomes.

* **Geisinger Community Medical Center:** Analyzing the average ER wait times at Geisinger Community Medical Center is crucial. Data from sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website or other publicly available resources should be reviewed to assess the hospital's performance in this area. This includes the time from arrival to a doctor's decision and the overall time spent in the ER.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital:** Similarly, evaluating the ER wait times at Moses Taylor Hospital is essential. Comparing wait times between the two hospitals can help residents make informed decisions, especially during urgent situations.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management**

Hospitals with specialized centers dedicated to cardiovascular health and hypertension management are highly desirable. These centers often offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, specialized treatments, and a multidisciplinary approach to care.

* **Cardiology Services:** Assessing the cardiology services offered by each hospital is vital. This includes the availability of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and electrophysiologists. The hospitals' capabilities in performing procedures like cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting should be evaluated.
* **Hypertension Clinics:** The presence of dedicated hypertension clinics is a significant advantage. These clinics typically provide comprehensive care, including blood pressure monitoring, medication management, lifestyle counseling, and patient education.
* **Stroke Centers:** Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke. The existence of certified stroke centers, equipped to provide rapid and effective stroke treatment, is essential. These centers should be able to administer thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs) and perform thrombectomy procedures.

**Telehealth Capabilities**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telehealth services can provide convenient access to care, improve medication adherence, and facilitate remote monitoring of blood pressure.

* **Virtual Visits:** Assessing the availability of virtual visits with primary care physicians and cardiologists is crucial. This allows patients to consult with their doctors remotely, discuss their medications, and receive guidance on managing their hypertension.
* **Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring:** Hospitals that offer remote blood pressure monitoring programs are highly beneficial. These programs allow patients to track their blood pressure at home and share the data with their healthcare providers, enabling timely adjustments to medication or lifestyle modifications.
* **Patient Portals:** Evaluating the functionality of patient portals is essential. These portals should allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and view their blood pressure readings.

**Additional Considerations**

Beyond the core metrics, several other factors contribute to a hospital's overall quality and suitability for hypertension management.

* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores, as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment should be considered.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by reputable organizations, such as The Joint Commission or DNV GL, indicates that a hospital meets specific quality standards.
* **Community Outreach:** Hospitals that actively engage in community outreach programs, such as health screenings and educational events, demonstrate a commitment to promoting health and wellness.

**Specific Hospital Details (Based on Available Data)**

**Geisinger Community Medical Center:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** Review the most recent CMS star rating data for an up-to-date assessment.
* **ER Wait Times:** Investigate the average ER wait times, comparing them to national and regional benchmarks.
* **Cardiology Services:** Evaluate the scope of cardiology services, including the availability of specialists, diagnostic capabilities, and interventional procedures.
* **Telehealth:** Determine the availability of virtual visits, remote monitoring programs, and patient portal functionality.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** Access the most recent CMS star rating data.
* **ER Wait Times:** Analyze the average ER wait times, comparing them to Geisinger and other benchmarks.
* **Cardiology Services:** Assess the cardiology services offered, including the range of specialists and procedures.
* **Telehealth:** Evaluate the availability of telehealth services, including virtual visits and remote monitoring options.

**Other Hospitals in the Region (If Applicable):**

* **Scranton Regional Hospital:** Evaluate this hospital's services, if applicable, considering its CMS star rating, ER wait times, cardiology services, and telehealth capabilities.

**Conclusion**

Choosing a hospital for hypertension management is a critical decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near the 18456 ZIP code, focusing on key metrics such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. Residents should use this information, along with their own individual needs and preferences, to make informed choices about their healthcare. It is always advisable to consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist to determine the best healthcare option for your specific condition. Always confirm the most current data with the hospitals and official sources.