17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Selinsgrove, PA (ZIP Code 17866)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. For residents of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17866), understanding the quality and accessibility of nearby hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" by examining key factors, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability, to help inform healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope:**

This analysis focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Selinsgrove, considering factors like proximity and accessibility. While smaller clinics and urgent care facilities play a vital role in local healthcare, this review concentrates on hospitals offering a broader range of services and specialized care.

**Flagship Hospital: Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, PA)**

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC), located in Danville, PA, is the undisputed flagship hospital in the region. It serves as a tertiary referral center, meaning it handles complex cases referred from other hospitals and physicians. GMC holds a strong reputation and is a major employer in the area.

**CMS Star Rating:** GMC has a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, based on a complex system of metrics, indicates above-average performance in various areas, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not a perfect measure, a 4-star rating signifies a commitment to quality.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a critical factor for assessing accessibility. Publicly available data suggests that GMC's ER wait times are generally within the national average. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition. GMC has implemented strategies to improve ER efficiency, including triage protocols and dedicated fast-track areas for less critical cases.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** GMC boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, a nationally recognized cancer institute, and specialized programs in neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital is equipped with advanced technology, including robotic surgery capabilities, allowing for minimally invasive procedures. They also have a robust transplant program.

**Telehealth Integration:** Geisinger has been a leader in telehealth for many years. They offer a wide range of telehealth services, including virtual visits for primary care, specialty consultations, and chronic disease management. Telehealth initiatives are especially beneficial for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. Geisinger's telehealth platform is well-integrated into their electronic health record system, ensuring seamless care coordination.

**Other Hospitals to Consider:**

While GMC is the primary choice, other hospitals offer valuable services within a reasonable radius of Selinsgrove.

**UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury:** Located in Sunbury, PA, UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury provides a more local option for residents.

**CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times at UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury are typically shorter than those at GMC, making it a convenient option for less critical emergencies.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury offers a range of services, including general surgery, cardiology, and orthopedics. They also have a labor and delivery unit.

**Telehealth Integration:** UPMC Susquehanna has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, providing virtual visits and remote monitoring services.

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

Evangelical Community Hospital, situated in Lewisburg, PA, is another significant healthcare provider in the region.

**CMS Star Rating:** Evangelical Community Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating, similar to GMC.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times at Evangelical are generally competitive with GMC.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Evangelical offers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a cancer center. They have a strong focus on community health and wellness programs.

**Telehealth Integration:** Evangelical has invested in telehealth infrastructure, offering virtual visits and remote patient monitoring.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score:**

Several factors contribute to the overall health score for hospitals near Selinsgrove.

**Patient Outcomes:** This includes mortality rates, complication rates, and readmission rates. Hospitals with better patient outcomes generally receive higher scores.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, are a crucial component. Factors like communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment contribute to the patient experience.

**Safety of Care:** This encompasses measures to prevent hospital-acquired infections, medication errors, and other adverse events. Hospitals with robust safety protocols receive higher scores.

**Accessibility:** ER wait times, the availability of appointments, and the geographic proximity of the hospital all influence accessibility.

**Technology and Innovation:** Hospitals that invest in advanced technology, such as robotic surgery and telehealth platforms, are often better equipped to provide high-quality care.

**Cost of Care:** While not directly reflected in the CMS star ratings, the cost of care is an important consideration for patients. Factors like insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses can significantly impact healthcare decisions.

**Telehealth's Growing Importance:**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly vital role in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telehealth can improve access to specialists, reduce travel time, and allow for more convenient follow-up care. Hospitals near Selinsgrove are actively expanding their telehealth offerings, providing patients with more options for receiving care.

**Specific Considerations for Selinsgrove Residents:**

Residents of Selinsgrove should consider several factors when choosing a hospital.

**Proximity:** The distance to the hospital is a significant consideration, especially in emergencies. GMC in Danville is the closest flagship hospital. UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury and Evangelical Community Hospital are closer options.

**Specialty Needs:** Patients with specific medical needs, such as cardiac conditions or cancer, should choose a hospital with specialized centers and expertise in those areas. GMC is the primary choice for complex cases.

**Insurance Coverage:** It's crucial to verify that the chosen hospital is in-network with your insurance plan to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

**Personal Preferences:** Some patients may have preferences for a specific hospital based on past experiences, recommendations from their primary care physician, or the hospital's reputation.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the factors discussed, the hospitals near Selinsgrove, PA, offer a range of healthcare options. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville stands out as the flagship hospital, offering a comprehensive range of services and a strong CMS star rating. UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury and Evangelical Community Hospital provide valuable alternatives, particularly for those seeking shorter ER wait times or a more local option.

**Recommendations:**

* **For complex medical needs:** Geisinger Medical Center is the recommended choice.
* **For less critical emergencies or convenience:** UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury or Evangelical Community Hospital may be preferable.
* **Consider telehealth options:** Explore the telehealth offerings of each hospital to improve access to care.
* **Research and compare:** Before making a decision, research each hospital's specific services, patient reviews, and insurance coverage.

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Selinsgrove is positive, reflecting a commitment to quality healthcare. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the best possible care available. Always consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.