18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Haven: A Review of Hospitals Near Dallas, PA (ZIP Code 18628)

Finding the right healthcare for hypertension management is crucial, and proximity matters. This review focuses on hospitals near Dallas, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18628), evaluating their capabilities in treating and managing hypertension. We’ll examine key factors, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth availability, to provide a comprehensive overview.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA): The Flagship**

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, located in Wilkes-Barre, is the closest major medical center and serves as a flagship hospital for the region. It boasts a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a solid performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a four-star rating isn't perfect, it signifies a commitment to quality care.

Geisinger has a well-established cardiology department, essential for hypertension management. They offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic testing like echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterizations. The hospital also provides specialized care for complex cardiovascular conditions, which can often be associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Emergency room wait times at Geisinger Wyoming Valley are a key consideration. While specific real-time data fluctuates, the hospital generally strives to keep wait times reasonable. The hospital’s website or online platforms often provide current estimates. Patients experiencing hypertensive crises should prioritize immediate medical attention, and a shorter wait time is always preferable in such situations.

Geisinger has embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs. These services can be particularly beneficial for hypertension management, allowing patients to regularly check in with their physicians, monitor their blood pressure, and receive timely adjustments to their medication or lifestyle recommendations. Telehealth can improve patient adherence and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for those with stable hypertension.

**Commonwealth Health System: A Network Approach**

Commonwealth Health operates a network of hospitals in the region, including Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, both within a reasonable driving distance of Dallas, PA. These hospitals offer varying levels of care, and the specific services available for hypertension management will vary.

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, like Geisinger Wyoming Valley, is a significant provider in the area. It’s essential to investigate the hospital’s cardiology services, including the availability of cardiologists and the types of procedures performed. Check their website or call to confirm their current CMS star rating.

Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton is another option within the Commonwealth Health system. It’s important to research their cardiology services, including the availability of specialized clinics for hypertension. The hospital's website or a call to their patient services can provide this information.

Emergency room wait times at both Wilkes-Barre General and Moses Taylor should be considered. Check online resources or call the hospitals directly for the most up-to-date information.

Commonwealth Health's telehealth offerings should also be investigated. Determine whether virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs are available for hypertension management.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers**

While the major hospitals are the primary focus, smaller hospitals and urgent care centers can play a role in hypertension care, especially for routine checkups and medication refills.

Several urgent care centers are located near Dallas, PA. These facilities can provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions, including blood pressure checks and medication adjustments. However, it's important to remember that urgent care centers typically don't have the same level of specialized cardiology services as hospitals.

Smaller hospitals in the area, such as those in nearby towns, may offer limited cardiology services. Researching these facilities is recommended to determine their capabilities.

**Specialty Centers: Focus on Cardiovascular Health**

For patients with complex hypertension or related cardiovascular conditions, specialized centers can provide advanced care.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center is the primary location for specialized cardiology services in the area. They offer comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac surgery.

Commonwealth Health hospitals may also offer specialized cardiology services, depending on the specific hospital. Researching their websites or contacting their patient services can provide information on the availability of specialty centers.

**Telehealth: Remote Management and Convenience**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in hypertension management. It offers several benefits, including:

* **Convenience:** Patients can consult with their physicians from the comfort of their homes.
* **Regular Monitoring:** Telehealth allows for regular blood pressure monitoring and medication adjustments.
* **Improved Adherence:** Patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans when they can easily connect with their healthcare providers.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center has a well-established telehealth program. Check their website for information on virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and other telehealth services.

Commonwealth Health hospitals may also offer telehealth services. Investigate their websites or contact their patient services for details.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially for patients experiencing hypertensive crises.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center generally strives to keep wait times reasonable. Check their website or online platforms for real-time estimates.

Commonwealth Health hospitals should also be researched for their current wait times.

Urgent care centers can offer shorter wait times for non-life-threatening conditions.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Quality Indicator**

CMS star ratings provide a valuable indicator of hospital quality.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center's four-star rating indicates a solid performance.

Research the CMS star ratings for other hospitals in the area.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management requires careful consideration. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center is the flagship hospital in the area, offering comprehensive cardiology services and a good CMS star rating. Commonwealth Health hospitals provide additional options. Researching the specific services, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings of each hospital is essential. Considering the availability of specialty centers and the convenience of telehealth can further inform your decision. Ultimately, the best hospital for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Always consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist to determine the most appropriate healthcare provider for your hypertension management.