17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17763

This review provides an overall health score assessment of hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 17763, which encompasses the Williamsport, Pennsylvania region. The evaluation considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including hospital quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to offer residents a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare options.

**Flagship Hospitals and Quality Ratings:**

The primary healthcare providers in the region are UPMC Williamsport and Geisinger Medical Center. UPMC Williamsport, formerly known as Williamsport Regional Medical Center, is a significant player. Unfortunately, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating for UPMC Williamsport is not publicly available. This lack of readily accessible data makes a direct comparison challenging, underscoring the importance of considering other quality metrics.

Geisinger Medical Center, located in Danville, PA, is a regional powerhouse. It is a teaching hospital and a Level I trauma center, indicating a high level of care capability. Geisinger Medical Center has a 4-star CMS rating. This rating reflects a generally good performance across various quality indicators, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. This rating provides a benchmark for comparison within the region.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical concern for patients. Data regarding specific ER wait times at UPMC Williamsport is not readily available in the public domain. However, the general trend in the region suggests that wait times can fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

Geisinger Medical Center, as a larger facility, typically handles a higher volume of emergency cases. While specific wait times fluctuate, Geisinger Medical Center's size and resources often allow for a more efficient triage process. The hospital's Level I trauma designation also suggests a well-equipped and staffed ER. Patients with severe conditions are prioritized, potentially impacting the wait times for less critical cases.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Both UPMC Williamsport and Geisinger Medical Center offer a range of specialized services. UPMC Williamsport provides services in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and women's health. The hospital's commitment to these specialties is reflected in its infrastructure and the presence of dedicated medical professionals. Further research is needed to determine specific details.

Geisinger Medical Center boasts a more extensive array of specialty centers. It is particularly well-regarded for its heart and vascular institute, cancer institute, and neurosciences institute. These specialized centers are equipped with advanced technology and staffed by experts in their respective fields. Geisinger's broad range of specialty services makes it a regional hub for complex medical care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for patient access and convenience. Both UPMC and Geisinger have embraced telehealth to varying degrees. UPMC offers telehealth services, including virtual visits and remote monitoring programs. The availability of these services can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.

Geisinger has a robust telehealth program, incorporating virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and digital health tools. Geisinger's telehealth initiatives are designed to provide convenient and accessible care, including specialty consultations and chronic disease management. The health system's investment in telehealth demonstrates its commitment to modern healthcare delivery.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, residents of the 17763 area have access to other healthcare facilities, including smaller hospitals and outpatient clinics. These facilities may offer specific services or provide convenient access to primary care. However, the quality and scope of services at these facilities can vary.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a crucial factor in overall health. While objective metrics like CMS star ratings provide valuable insights, patient reviews and satisfaction surveys offer a more nuanced understanding of hospital care. Both UPMC Williamsport and Geisinger Medical Center receive patient feedback through various channels.

**Access to Care and Affordability:**

Access to care and affordability are critical considerations for residents. Insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and the availability of financial assistance programs can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive necessary medical care. Patients should research their insurance options and inquire about financial assistance programs offered by the hospitals.

**Community Health Needs:**

The health needs of the community surrounding ZIP code 17763 are diverse. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle choices can influence health outcomes. Local health organizations and hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments to identify prevalent health issues and tailor their services accordingly.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 17763 is dominated by UPMC Williamsport and Geisinger Medical Center. Geisinger Medical Center, with its 4-star CMS rating and extensive specialty centers, appears to offer a higher level of care, particularly for complex medical needs. However, UPMC Williamsport provides essential services and is a vital part of the local healthcare system. The lack of publicly available data for UPMC Williamsport makes a direct comparison challenging.

Patients should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and preferences when choosing a hospital. Factors such as the availability of specialized services, ER wait times, telehealth capabilities, and patient experience should all be taken into account. Furthermore, residents should be aware of the availability of other healthcare options in the area, including smaller hospitals and outpatient clinics.

This review provides a general overview of the healthcare options near ZIP code 17763. Patients are encouraged to conduct further research, consult with their primary care physicians, and consider their individual healthcare needs when making decisions about their care. The dynamic nature of healthcare necessitates ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure access to the best possible medical services.