17801, Sunbury, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17801, Sunbury, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17801)

The residents of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas have access to a range of healthcare options, from large regional hospitals to smaller community facilities. Evaluating the overall health of these options requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, patient experience, and specialized services. This review provides an overview of the hospitals near ZIP code 17801, focusing on key metrics and providing an "Overall Health Score" based on available data.

**The Flagship: Evangelical Community Hospital (Lewisburg, PA)**

Evangelical Community Hospital, located directly within Lewisburg, is the primary healthcare provider for the immediate area. It holds a significant position in the community and serves as a critical resource for residents. Evangelical is a 132-bed, not-for-profit hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Evangelical Community Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on a composite score derived from various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it is crucial to delve deeper into specific areas to understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Data from CMS indicates that Evangelical Community Hospital generally has wait times in line with the national average. However, it's essential to recognize that these are averages, and individual experiences may vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the presenting condition.
* **Specialty Centers:** Evangelical boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and women's health. These centers provide specialized care for a wide range of conditions. The hospital's cardiac services, for example, include interventional cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation programs.
* **Telehealth Services:** Evangelical has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing patients with remote access to healthcare professionals. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Telehealth utilization rates have increased significantly in recent years, reflecting the growing acceptance and convenience of virtual healthcare.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, as reported by CMS, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Evangelical's scores are generally in line with the national average, with areas for improvement in communication and responsiveness.

**Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, PA)**

While not directly in Lewisburg, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville is a major regional hospital, offering a broader range of specialized services. It is a significant healthcare destination for residents in the area.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Geisinger Medical Center holds a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher level of quality compared to Evangelical. This higher rating suggests better performance across a range of quality metrics.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** Geisinger Medical Center typically reports ER wait times that are slightly longer than those at Evangelical. This could be attributed to higher patient volume and the complexity of cases handled.
* **Specialty Centers:** Geisinger is renowned for its advanced specialty centers, including comprehensive cancer care, heart and vascular institute, neuroscience institute, and transplant services. These centers attract patients from a wide geographic area.
* **Telehealth Services:** Geisinger is a leader in telehealth, offering a wide array of virtual care options, including remote monitoring, virtual visits, and e-consultations. Their telehealth infrastructure is robust, providing convenient access to care for patients throughout the region. Telehealth usage has been particularly high for chronic disease management and behavioral health services.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Geisinger Medical Center generally receives positive patient satisfaction scores, reflecting the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care.

**Other Healthcare Options**

Beyond Evangelical and Geisinger, residents of the 17801 area have access to other healthcare facilities, including smaller community hospitals and outpatient clinics. These facilities often provide primary care, urgent care, and specialized services.

* **UPMC Susquehanna:** UPMC Susquehanna operates several facilities in the region, offering a range of healthcare services. While not directly in Lewisburg, these facilities provide convenient access to care for residents.
* **Outpatient Clinics:** Numerous outpatient clinics and physician practices are located in and around Lewisburg, providing primary care, specialist consultations, and diagnostic services. These clinics play a vital role in providing accessible and convenient healthcare.
* **Urgent Care Centers:** Several urgent care centers are available, offering treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. These centers provide an alternative to the ER for less serious conditions.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

Determining an "Overall Health Score" requires weighing various factors, including quality of care, accessibility, patient experience, and specialized services. The CMS star ratings provide a valuable starting point, but they don't tell the whole story.

* **Quality of Care:** Geisinger Medical Center, with its 4-star rating, demonstrates a higher level of quality compared to Evangelical. However, both hospitals provide high-quality care.
* **Accessibility:** Evangelical Community Hospital, located directly in Lewisburg, offers convenient access for residents. Geisinger, while further away, provides a broader range of specialized services. ER wait times are a key factor in accessibility.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores are important indicators of the patient experience. Both hospitals generally receive positive feedback, but there is always room for improvement.
* **Specialized Services:** Geisinger Medical Center offers a broader range of specialized services, including advanced cancer care and transplant services. Evangelical Community Hospital offers comprehensive specialty centers.
* **Telehealth:** Both hospitals have robust telehealth programs, which are crucial for expanding access to care.

**Overall Health Score (Based on Available Data)**

Considering all factors, the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP code 17801 can be assessed as follows:

* **Evangelical Community Hospital:** A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. The hospital provides essential services, is conveniently located, and offers a range of specialty centers. The 3-star CMS rating indicates average performance, but the hospital is a vital resource for the community.
* **Geisinger Medical Center:** A strong 4 out of 5 stars. Geisinger's higher CMS rating, coupled with its advanced specialty centers and robust telehealth services, makes it a leading healthcare provider in the region. However, the distance from Lewisburg may be a factor for some residents.

**Conclusion**

Residents of the 17801 ZIP code have access to a range of healthcare options, with Evangelical Community Hospital serving as the primary provider and Geisinger Medical Center offering a broader scope of specialized services. Both hospitals are committed to providing quality care, and both are continuously working to improve patient outcomes and experiences. The choice of which hospital to utilize depends on individual needs, preferences, and the specific healthcare requirements. Residents should consider factors such as the type of care needed, the location of the hospital, and their personal preferences when making healthcare decisions. Regular check-ups with primary care physicians and consultations with specialists are crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.