17841, Mc Clure, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17841, Mc Clure, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17841)

The central Pennsylvania region surrounding Lewisburg (ZIP Code 17841) offers a diverse landscape of healthcare options. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth availability. The goal is to equip residents with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is the quality of its hospitals. In this area, the primary hospital is **Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, PA)**. While not directly within the 17841 ZIP code, it is the dominant provider for the region and a critical resource. Geisinger Medical Center is a large, tertiary care center and a teaching hospital. Its CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating provides a snapshot of overall quality. CMS ratings are based on a variety of metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. As of the latest available data, Geisinger Medical Center holds a **4-star rating** from CMS. This indicates a generally good level of care, but it's essential to delve deeper into specific areas.

Another important hospital to consider is **Evangelical Community Hospital (Lewisburg, PA)**, located directly within the 17841 ZIP code. Evangelical is a community hospital providing a range of services. While CMS star ratings are not always available for smaller hospitals, Evangelical's reputation within the community is generally positive. It is crucial to check the hospital's website or CMS website for the most up-to-date information on its ratings.

**Emergency Room Efficiency: A Critical Metric:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to handle urgent medical needs. Prolonged wait times can negatively impact patient outcomes. Data on ER wait times is often available through the hospital's website or through sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website.

For Geisinger Medical Center, ER wait times are typically reported. It is important to check the most recent data, but historically, Geisinger has worked to maintain reasonable wait times. Evangelical Community Hospital also provides emergency services. Checking the hospital's website or other sources for current wait times is essential when making healthcare decisions.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized services is a key factor in assessing healthcare quality. Geisinger Medical Center boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including:

* **Heart Institute:** Offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, and electrophysiology.
* **Cancer Institute:** Providing comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology.
* **Neuroscience Institute:** Specializing in neurological disorders, including stroke care, neurosurgery, and neurology.
* **Women's Health Services:** Offering a range of services, from obstetrics and gynecology to specialized women's health programs.
* **Orthopaedics:** Providing comprehensive care for musculoskeletal conditions, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and trauma.

Evangelical Community Hospital also offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The specific availability of specialized services at Evangelical Community Hospital should be verified directly through the hospital's website or by contacting them.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, improving access to specialists and reducing the need for travel.

Geisinger has been a leader in telehealth, offering a wide range of virtual services, including:

* **Virtual visits:** For primary care, specialty consultations, and follow-up appointments.
* **Remote patient monitoring:** For managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart failure.
* **Behavioral health services:** Providing virtual therapy and counseling.

Evangelical Community Hospital has also expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual visits and other remote services. The specific telehealth capabilities of Evangelical Community Hospital should be verified directly through the hospital's website.

**Specific Considerations for the 17841 Area:**

Living near Lewisburg, PA, presents unique healthcare considerations. The population includes a mix of age groups, from young families to retirees. The area is somewhat rural, which means access to healthcare can be affected by transportation challenges.

* **Geriatric Care:** With a significant older population, access to geriatric specialists, rehabilitation services, and long-term care facilities is important. Both Geisinger and Evangelical Community Hospital offer these services.
* **Pediatric Care:** Families with children need access to pediatricians, pediatric specialists, and emergency care for children. Both hospitals provide pediatric services.
* **Mental Health Services:** The availability of mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, is crucial. Both Geisinger and Evangelical Community Hospital offer behavioral health services.

**Additional Factors to Consider:**

* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient reviews of hospitals and physicians.
* **Physician Availability:** The availability of primary care physicians and specialists is crucial. Check the hospital's website or use online physician finders to locate providers accepting new patients.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and physicians accept your health insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage.
* **Cost of Care:** Healthcare costs can vary significantly. Inquire about the cost of services before receiving care.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The healthcare landscape near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17841) offers a solid foundation of care. Geisinger Medical Center, with its 4-star CMS rating and extensive specialty services, is a major asset. Evangelical Community Hospital provides valuable community-based care. Both hospitals offer emergency services and are expanding their telehealth offerings.

**Recommendations:**

* **For complex medical needs:** Geisinger Medical Center is likely the best choice due to its comprehensive specialty services and resources.
* **For routine care and convenience:** Evangelical Community Hospital provides a convenient option for local residents.
* **Always check for the most up-to-date information:** Hospital ratings, wait times, and service offerings can change. Regularly consult hospital websites and other reliable sources.
* **Consider your individual needs:** Assess your specific healthcare requirements and choose the provider that best meets your needs.
* **Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion:** If you have any concerns about your care, seek a second opinion from another healthcare provider.

**Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions about your medical care. The "Overall Health Score" is a subjective assessment based on available data and information.