17933, Friedensburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17933, Friedensburg, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Frackville, PA (ZIP Code 17933)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Frackville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17933) and the surrounding areas, understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, factoring in key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings, to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

**The Landscape: Primary Players and Proximity**

The immediate vicinity of Frackville doesn't boast a large concentration of hospitals. Residents primarily rely on facilities within a reasonable driving distance. The major players serving this area include Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill in Pottsville, and potentially facilities further afield like Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, though travel time increases significantly. The “Overall Health Score” will focus on the most accessible options for residents.

**Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg: A Closer Look**

Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg is a significant healthcare provider for the region. It's a critical access hospital, meaning it serves a rural community and receives specific federal funding. While critical access hospitals don't receive traditional CMS star ratings, their performance is assessed through other quality measures. Geisinger St. Luke's is part of the larger Geisinger Health System, known for its integrated care model.

**Emergency Department Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's efficiency and responsiveness. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, it's important to research the average wait times for Geisinger St. Luke's, as these are publicly available and often updated on hospital websites or through platforms like Google. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER.

**Specialty Services:** Geisinger St. Luke's offers a range of services, including primary care, cardiology, and general surgery. The hospital's affiliation with the larger Geisinger system provides access to a broader network of specialists and advanced medical technologies. For specific needs, such as cancer care or specialized cardiac procedures, patients may be referred to larger Geisinger facilities.

**Telehealth Integration:** Geisinger is a leader in telehealth. They provide a wide range of telehealth services, including virtual visits for primary care, specialist consultations, and remote monitoring programs. Residents of Frackville can benefit from these services, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. The availability of telehealth can be particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options.

**Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill, Pottsville: A Regional Hub**

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill in Pottsville is another key healthcare provider in the region. As part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, it offers a broader scope of services compared to a critical access hospital. This hospital is a larger facility, and its performance can be assessed through various metrics.

**CMS Star Rating:** Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill has a CMS star rating, which reflects its overall quality of care. The CMS star rating is a valuable tool for comparing hospitals, based on factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Research the most recent CMS star rating for Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill to gauge its performance relative to other hospitals.

**Emergency Department Performance:** Like Geisinger St. Luke's, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill's ER wait times are a critical factor. Investigate the average wait times for the Pottsville location. The hospital's website or other online resources should provide this information.

**Specialty Centers:** Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill boasts a more comprehensive range of specialty services. They typically have dedicated centers for cardiology, cancer care, and other specialized areas. Research the specific specialty centers available and their associated services to determine if they meet your healthcare needs.

**Telehealth Integration:** Lehigh Valley Health Network also has a robust telehealth program. They offer virtual visits, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. Check the availability of telehealth services specific to the Pottsville location, as this can significantly enhance access to care for residents of Frackville.

**Geisinger Medical Center, Danville: A Regional Referral Center**

While further afield, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville is a major referral center for the region. It's a large, tertiary care hospital offering a wide range of advanced medical services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Geisinger Medical Center in Danville has a CMS star rating. Research its rating to assess its overall quality.

**Emergency Department Performance:** The ER wait times at Geisinger Medical Center are often longer due to the higher volume of patients and the complexity of cases. Check the average wait times.

**Specialty Centers:** Geisinger Medical Center is renowned for its specialty centers, including heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, and advanced surgery. It offers specialized services not readily available at smaller hospitals.

**Telehealth Integration:** Geisinger Medical Center has a strong telehealth program, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring services.

**Other Considerations: Access, Affordability, and Patient Experience**

Beyond the metrics discussed above, other factors are critical in evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Frackville.

**Accessibility:** Consider the travel time to each hospital. For emergencies, proximity is paramount. Assess the ease of access, including traffic patterns and road conditions.

**Affordability:** Understand the hospital's billing practices and insurance acceptance. Review your insurance plan's network to ensure the hospital is covered. Investigate financial assistance programs if needed.

**Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores are valuable. Research online reviews, patient testimonials, and hospital ratings on websites like Healthgrades or the Leapfrog Group.

**Community Health Needs Assessment:** Review the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment for Schuylkill County. This document identifies the key health challenges facing the community and can help you understand the specific healthcare needs of the area.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

Determining the "Overall Health Score" requires weighing the factors discussed above. For residents of Frackville, Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg and Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill in Pottsville are the most accessible options.

**Geisinger St. Luke's:** Offers convenient access, especially for primary care and less complex medical needs. Its affiliation with the larger Geisinger system provides access to a broader network. The strong telehealth program is a significant advantage.

**Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill:** Provides a broader range of specialty services and has a CMS star rating, allowing for a more direct comparison with other hospitals.

**Geisinger Medical Center, Danville:** Offers the most advanced care but requires longer travel times. It's best suited for complex medical needs requiring specialized expertise.

**Recommendations for Frackville Residents:**

1. **Establish a Primary Care Physician:** Choose a primary care physician affiliated with a hospital you trust.
2. **Research ER Wait Times:** Before an emergency, familiarize yourself with the average ER wait times at the closest hospitals.
3. **Utilize Telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth services for routine appointments and follow-up care.
4. **Understand Your Insurance Coverage:** Know your insurance plan's network and coverage details.
5. **Stay Informed:** Continuously monitor hospital performance data, including CMS star ratings and patient reviews.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a static number. It's a dynamic assessment based on various factors. By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, residents of Frackville can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the best possible care. Remember to consult with your healthcare providers for personalized recommendations.