The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
Health Scores in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania
Hypertension Score | 43 |
---|---|
People Score | 72 |
Provider Score | 12 |
Hospital Score | 65 |
Travel Score | 34 |
## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Scranton, PA (18464)
Finding the right hospital for hypertension management near Scranton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18464) requires a nuanced approach. This review delves into the available healthcare options, focusing on key factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized cardiology centers, and telehealth capabilities, all critical for effectively managing this prevalent condition.
**Proximity and Primary Options:**
The immediate vicinity of 18464, encompassing areas like Scranton and Carbondale, offers a concentrated cluster of hospitals. The primary players in this landscape include Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) in Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital, also in Scranton. These facilities serve as crucial access points for initial diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for individuals with hypertension.
**Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC):**
GCMC, a significant presence in the Scranton healthcare scene, is a vital consideration. While its specific CMS star rating fluctuates, it's crucial to check the most recent data on the official CMS website (Medicare.gov). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, including measures relevant to hypertension management such as adherence to best practices, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
GCMC's emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial factor, especially during hypertensive crises. Information on ER wait times is often available through the hospital's website or third-party sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Shorter wait times are preferable in situations where rapid intervention is essential.
GCMC houses cardiology specialists and offers a range of diagnostic and treatment options for cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension. This includes access to cardiologists, specialized nurses, and potentially, dedicated hypertension clinics or programs. The availability of these resources can significantly impact the quality of care provided.
Telehealth capabilities are increasingly important. GCMC's telehealth offerings should be investigated. Telehealth can facilitate remote monitoring of blood pressure, medication management, and virtual consultations with cardiologists, enhancing convenience and access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations.
**Moses Taylor Hospital:**
Moses Taylor Hospital, another key player in the Scranton area, also warrants careful evaluation. Similar to GCMC, its CMS star rating should be verified on Medicare.gov. This rating provides an objective measure of the hospital's overall performance, including aspects related to hypertension care.
ER wait times at Moses Taylor are another critical data point. These times can vary depending on the day, time, and patient volume. Checking the hospital's website or using online resources provides up-to-date information, helping patients anticipate potential delays.
Moses Taylor also has a cardiology department, offering comprehensive services for cardiovascular conditions. Investigating the availability of specialized hypertension clinics or programs is essential. These clinics often provide a multidisciplinary approach, integrating physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Telehealth integration is a significant factor. Explore Moses Taylor's telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management options. These capabilities can be particularly beneficial for patients with hypertension, allowing for more frequent check-ins and proactive management.
**Specialty Centers and Considerations:**
Beyond the primary hospitals, individuals with complex hypertension or related cardiovascular issues might benefit from specialized care. While the immediate vicinity of 18464 may not house dedicated, standalone cardiology centers, the larger healthcare systems often have specialized departments.
**University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) Affiliations:**
It's worth investigating whether GCMC or Moses Taylor have affiliations or partnerships with larger healthcare systems, such as the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS). These affiliations can grant access to specialized expertise, clinical trials, and advanced treatment options not readily available at smaller facilities.
**Outpatient Clinics and Primary Care:**
Hypertension management often involves ongoing care and medication adjustments. Assessing the availability of outpatient cardiology clinics or primary care practices within a reasonable distance from 18464 is essential. These clinics provide convenient access to routine check-ups, medication refills, and lifestyle counseling.
**Telehealth's Growing Role:**
Telehealth is revolutionizing hypertension management. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure, receive medication reminders, and consult with healthcare providers via video conferencing offers numerous advantages.
**Telehealth Stats and Capabilities:**
* **Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring:** Many telehealth programs offer devices that allow patients to transmit their blood pressure readings directly to their healthcare providers.
* **Medication Management:** Telehealth platforms can provide medication reminders, refill requests, and virtual consultations to adjust dosages.
* **Virtual Consultations:** Video conferencing allows patients to connect with cardiologists or primary care physicians for follow-up appointments, reducing the need for in-person visits.
* **Patient Education:** Telehealth platforms often provide educational resources, such as videos and articles, to help patients understand their condition and manage their lifestyle.
**Factors Influencing Hospital Choice:**
Several factors should influence the decision of where to seek hypertension care near 18464:
* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings provide a valuable overview of hospital quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are crucial during hypertensive crises.
* **Cardiology Services:** The availability of specialized cardiology departments and hypertension clinics is essential.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth offers convenient access to care and remote monitoring options.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its providers are within your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Online reviews and patient testimonials can offer valuable insights into the quality of care.
* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Consider the distance to the hospital and ease of access.
**Beyond Scranton: Regional Options:**
While focusing on the immediate vicinity of 18464 is crucial, individuals may also consider hospitals in surrounding areas, such as Wilkes-Barre or the Pocono region, if specialized care or specific services are unavailable locally.
**Hospital Comparisons: A Summary Table (Example - Needs to be updated with current data):**
| Hospital | CMS Star Rating (Example) | Avg. ER Wait Time (Example) | Cardiology Services | Telehealth Capabilities (Example) | Notes |
| :---------------------- | :------------------------ | :---------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------ | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| GCMC (Scranton) | 3 Stars | 45 minutes | Cardiology Department, Hypertension Clinic (Check) | Remote monitoring, virtual consultations (Check) | Check for affiliations with larger health systems for access to specialized care. |
| Moses Taylor (Scranton) | 4 Stars | 30 minutes | Cardiology Department, Hypertension Clinic (Check) | Virtual consultations, medication management (Check) | Evaluate the availability of comprehensive hypertension programs and patient education resources. |
| [Other Hospital] | [Rating] | [Wait Time] | [Services] | [Telehealth Capabilities] | [Notes] |
**Disclaimer:** *The information provided in this review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Hospital ratings, wait times, and services are subject to change. Verify all information with the hospitals directly and the official CMS website (Medicare.gov) for the most up-to-date data.*
**Conclusion:**
Selecting the right hospital for hypertension management near 18464 requires careful consideration of various factors. By researching CMS star ratings, ER wait times, cardiology services, telehealth capabilities, and other relevant information, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, adherence to prescribed medications, and lifestyle modifications are critical components of successful hypertension management.
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