17887, White Deer, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17887, White Deer, Pennsylvania is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Sunbury, PA (ZIP Code 17887)

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding Sunbury, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17887), providing an "Overall Health Score" based on available data, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis considers factors crucial for informed healthcare decisions, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty center availability, and telehealth integration.

**The Landscape: Primary Options and Considerations**

Sunbury, a town in Northumberland County, is served by a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities. The primary hospitals serving the area are Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg. Proximity to these facilities is a key consideration for residents. Other options, though further afield, may offer specialized services or be preferred based on individual needs and insurance coverage. Travel time, particularly in emergency situations, is a critical factor in evaluating healthcare access.

**Geisinger Medical Center, Danville: A Flagship Institution**

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC), located approximately 15 miles from Sunbury, is the dominant healthcare provider in the region. As a large, tertiary care center, it offers a comprehensive range of services. GMC is a teaching hospital, affiliated with the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. This affiliation often translates to access to cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities.

GMC's CMS star rating is a crucial indicator of quality. While the most recent publicly available data is the most relevant, it's important to check the CMS website directly for the most up-to-date rating. These ratings, based on a five-star scale, reflect performance across various measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. A higher star rating generally indicates better overall quality.

**Emergency Care at Geisinger: Wait Times and Capacity**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical factor for residents. GMC's ER, as a Level I Trauma Center, handles a high volume of patients. ER wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of cases. Publicly available data, often accessible through the hospital's website or third-party platforms, provides insights into average wait times. It's important to note that these are averages, and individual wait times can vary. The ER's capacity to handle a surge of patients, especially during peak seasons or public health emergencies, is also a key consideration.

**Specialty Centers at Geisinger: A Deep Dive**

GMC boasts a wide array of specialty centers. The Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiovascular care, including advanced cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, and electrophysiology. The Geisinger Cancer Institute offers a full spectrum of cancer treatment options, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital also features specialized centers for neurosurgery, orthopedics, women's health, and pediatrics. The availability of these specialized services within a reasonable distance is a significant advantage for residents.

**Telehealth Integration at Geisinger: Expanding Access**

Geisinger has been a leader in telehealth, recognizing its potential to improve access to care, particularly for those in rural areas. Telehealth services at GMC include virtual visits for primary care, specialist consultations, and remote monitoring of chronic conditions. The availability of telehealth options can reduce the need for in-person visits, saving patients time and travel costs. The hospital's investment in telehealth infrastructure, including the number of virtual visits conducted and the types of services offered remotely, is an important indicator of its commitment to this technology.

**Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg: A Community Focus**

Evangelical Community Hospital, located approximately 20 miles from Sunbury, offers a different healthcare experience. As a community hospital, it emphasizes patient-centered care and a close relationship with the local community. While not a tertiary care center like GMC, Evangelical provides a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, surgical services, and specialized programs.

**Evangelical's Performance: CMS and Other Indicators**

Evangelical's CMS star rating, like GMC's, is a key indicator of quality. Reviewing the hospital's performance on measures like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction provides valuable insights. Other quality indicators, such as accreditations from organizations like The Joint Commission, further validate the hospital's commitment to quality.

**Emergency Care at Evangelical: Wait Times and Accessibility**

Evangelical's ER provides emergency services to the community. Evaluating ER wait times is crucial for residents. Publicly available data on average wait times provides a benchmark for comparison. The hospital's ability to handle emergency situations, including its staffing levels and access to specialized equipment, is also an important consideration.

**Evangelical's Specialty Services: A Focus on Core Needs**

Evangelical offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. While it may not have the same breadth of specialized centers as GMC, it provides essential services to meet the needs of the local population. The availability of these services within a reasonable distance is a significant advantage for residents.

**Telehealth at Evangelical: Expanding Reach**

Evangelical has also embraced telehealth to expand access to care. The hospital offers virtual visits and remote monitoring programs. The extent of its telehealth offerings, including the types of services available and the number of virtual visits conducted, is an important indicator of its commitment to this technology.

**Other Healthcare Options: Considering Alternatives**

While GMC and Evangelical are the primary hospital options, residents may also consider other healthcare facilities. Smaller hospitals or clinics in neighboring communities might offer specific services or be preferred based on individual needs. The availability of urgent care centers and outpatient clinics in the area also contributes to the overall healthcare landscape.

**Accessibility: Transportation and Geographic Considerations**

Accessibility is a critical factor in evaluating healthcare options. Public transportation options in the Sunbury area may be limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation. The distance to hospitals and healthcare facilities, particularly in emergency situations, is a crucial consideration. The availability of ambulance services and the efficiency of emergency response times are also important factors.

**Cost and Insurance Considerations**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are significant factors in healthcare decisions. Patients should understand the costs associated with different hospitals and services, including co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. The hospital's acceptance of different insurance plans is also a critical consideration.

**Overall Health Score: Synthesis and Recommendations**

Evaluating the healthcare landscape near Sunbury (ZIP code 17887) requires a holistic approach. Geisinger Medical Center, with its comprehensive services, advanced specialty centers, and telehealth initiatives, generally receives a high score. Evangelical Community Hospital provides a valuable community-focused alternative.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Proximity:** Consider the travel time to the nearest hospital, especially in emergency situations.
* **Review CMS Star Ratings:** Consult the CMS website for the most up-to-date ratings for both GMC and Evangelical.
* **Assess ER Wait Times:** Review publicly available data on ER wait times for both hospitals.
* **Explore Specialty Needs:** Determine which hospital offers the specific specialty services needed.
* **Evaluate Telehealth Options:** Consider the availability of telehealth services and their suitability for individual needs.
* **Understand Insurance Coverage:** Verify insurance coverage and associated costs for each hospital.
* **Consider Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the patient experience.
* **Stay Informed:** Healthcare information changes frequently. Regularly update your knowledge of available services and hospital performance.

The "Overall Health Score" for the area is strong, with two major hospitals offering comprehensive care. However, individual needs and preferences will ultimately determine the best healthcare choices. By considering the factors outlined in this review, residents of Sunbury and the surrounding area can make informed decisions about their healthcare.