17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17834)

Navigating healthcare can feel like charting unknown waters. For residents of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17834), understanding the quality and accessibility of nearby hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" by examining key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, offering a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in the area.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

Lewisburg, a charming town nestled in the Susquehanna Valley, benefits from a relatively concentrated healthcare ecosystem. The primary hospitals serving the region are Geisinger Medical Center (Danville), Evangelical Community Hospital (Lewisburg), and UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury. While other smaller clinics and urgent care facilities exist, these hospitals represent the core of advanced medical care for residents of 17834. Proximity is a significant factor; Geisinger Medical Center is the furthest, approximately a 20-minute drive, while Evangelical Community Hospital is located within Lewisburg itself.

**Geisinger Medical Center (Danville): The Flagship and Its Metrics**

Geisinger Medical Center, a large tertiary care center, serves as the flagship hospital for the Geisinger Health System. It's a significant regional provider, drawing patients from a wide geographic area. Geisinger Medical Center consistently receives high marks for its advanced medical capabilities and research focus.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Geisinger Medical Center holds a respectable 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, and readmission rates. While not a perfect score, it signifies above-average performance.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at Geisinger can fluctuate. While the hospital strives for efficient service, wait times can vary depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions. Real-time wait time information is often available on the hospital's website or through online platforms, allowing patients to make informed decisions. Expect average wait times to be around 30-60 minutes, but be prepared for potential longer waits, particularly during peak hours or in cases of high patient volume.
* **Specialty Centers:** Geisinger boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including renowned heart and vascular institutes, cancer centers, and transplant programs. The hospital is known for its advanced surgical capabilities and its commitment to cutting-edge medical technology. Specific specialties include cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Geisinger has embraced telehealth, offering a wide array of virtual care options. They provide virtual visits for various specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management. Telehealth services are particularly valuable for residents in rural areas, offering convenient access to healthcare without the need for travel. The system has expanded its telehealth offerings significantly in recent years, making it a leader in this area.
* **Other Considerations:** Geisinger is a teaching hospital, which means residents and fellows are involved in patient care. This can sometimes lead to longer appointment times, but it also ensures access to a broad range of expertise and the latest medical advancements.

**Evangelical Community Hospital (Lewisburg): Local Care and Community Focus**

Evangelical Community Hospital, located directly in Lewisburg, provides a more localized healthcare experience. It focuses on community-based care and offers a range of services to meet the needs of the local population.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Evangelical Community Hospital also holds a 4-star rating from CMS. This indicates a strong performance across key quality metrics.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at Evangelical are generally shorter than those at Geisinger, reflecting its smaller size and more localized patient base. Expect average wait times to be around 15-30 minutes, though this can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of cases.
* **Specialty Centers:** Evangelical offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. While not as extensive as Geisinger's offerings, it provides essential services for the community.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Evangelical has also expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual visits for various specialties. This allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, improving accessibility for residents of the area.
* **Other Considerations:** Evangelical is known for its patient-centered approach and its strong ties to the local community. It emphasizes personalized care and a supportive environment for patients and their families.

**UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury: A Regional Presence**

UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury, while slightly further afield, is another option for residents of 17834. It offers a range of services and is part of the larger UPMC system.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury has a 3-star rating from CMS, indicating a solid performance, though slightly below the ratings of Geisinger and Evangelical.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury can vary. It's advisable to check real-time wait time information before heading to the emergency room.
* **Specialty Centers:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** UPMC has also invested in telehealth, providing virtual care options for patients.
* **Other Considerations:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury is part of a larger healthcare system, providing access to a wider network of resources and specialists.

**Overall Health Score: A Comparative Assessment**

Evaluating the "Overall Health Score" requires a nuanced approach, considering various factors.

* **Accessibility:** Evangelical Community Hospital, located within Lewisburg, offers the highest accessibility for residents of 17834. Geisinger Medical Center, while further away, remains accessible due to its regional significance and comprehensive services. UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury offers a third option, but is slightly less convenient.
* **Quality of Care:** Both Geisinger and Evangelical have strong CMS star ratings (4 stars), indicating high quality of care. UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury, with a 3-star rating, is still a viable option.
* **Specialty Services:** Geisinger Medical Center offers the most comprehensive range of specialty services, making it the preferred choice for complex medical needs. Evangelical provides essential services within the community.
* **ER Wait Times:** Evangelical generally has the shortest ER wait times, followed by Geisinger. UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury's wait times should be checked in advance.
* **Telehealth:** All three hospitals have embraced telehealth, making healthcare more accessible.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

For residents of Lewisburg (17834), the healthcare landscape offers a range of options. Geisinger Medical Center stands out as a regional leader with advanced specialty services and a strong commitment to research. Evangelical Community Hospital provides accessible, community-focused care. UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury offers a third option.

**Overall Health Score Recommendation:**

* **For Comprehensive Care and Specialized Needs:** Geisinger Medical Center is the recommended choice, offering the most extensive range of services and advanced medical capabilities.
* **For Local, Convenient Care:** Evangelical Community Hospital provides excellent care and is the most accessible option for residents of Lewisburg.
* **For a Third Option:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury is a viable option for those seeking care within the UPMC system.

Patients should always consult with their primary care physicians to determine the best healthcare options for their individual needs. Before visiting any emergency room, it's advisable to check real-time wait times online. The healthcare landscape in the 17834 ZIP code offers a solid foundation of care, with a variety of choices to suit diverse medical needs.