18214, Barnesville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18214, Barnesville, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 18214 (Hazleton, PA)

Finding the right healthcare in the Hazleton, Pennsylvania area (ZIP Code 18214) requires a nuanced understanding of available facilities. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. The goal is to provide a clear picture to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Primary Options and Considerations**

The primary hospital serving the Hazleton area is **Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton**. While other facilities exist further afield, this hospital will be the focal point due to its proximity and primary role in the community. Assessing the quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services offered is crucial.

**Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton: A Closer Look**

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton is a vital component of the larger Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). As such, it benefits from the resources and expertise of a larger system. However, its performance is assessed independently, and its strengths and weaknesses need to be understood within the context of its specific location.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a readily accessible measure of overall quality. This rating is based on a composite score derived from various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

Unfortunately, as of the latest available data, **Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton does not have a CMS star rating**. This lack of a rating doesn’t automatically equate to poor care, but it does mean that the hospital has not met the minimum requirements for the CMS star rating program. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including insufficient data or not meeting the minimum patient volume requirements for certain metrics. It is important to note that the absence of a star rating does not necessarily mean that the hospital is not providing good care. It simply means that the hospital's performance has not been formally assessed by CMS.

**Emergency Room Performance: Time is of the Essence**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for many patients. The ability to receive timely care in an emergency situation can be the difference between life and death. Publicly available data on ER wait times is crucial for evaluating a hospital's efficiency and responsiveness.

Information on ER wait times at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton can be found on the hospital’s website and through public data sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This data is typically presented as an average wait time from the moment a patient registers to the moment they are seen by a healthcare provider. The average wait time can fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the time of day, the day of the week, and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Meeting Diverse Needs**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized services is a key factor in assessing a hospital's overall health score. The presence of dedicated specialty centers demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive care for a wide range of medical conditions.

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital's affiliation with the larger LVHN network provides access to additional specialized resources and expertise. This is particularly important for complex cases that require specialized care.

**Cardiology**

Cardiovascular health is a significant concern. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton offers cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and treatment for heart conditions. The scope of these services, including interventional cardiology capabilities (e.g., angioplasty, stenting), is a key factor in assessing the quality of care. Access to cardiac rehabilitation programs is also important for long-term patient outcomes.

**Oncology**

Cancer care is another critical area. The hospital provides oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The availability of comprehensive cancer care, including access to clinical trials and support services, is a crucial factor. The proximity of specialized cancer centers within the LVHN network also enhances the level of care.

**Orthopedics**

Orthopedic services, including joint replacement and sports medicine, are also available. The presence of experienced orthopedic surgeons and access to advanced surgical techniques are important considerations.

**Women's Health**

The hospital provides women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology. The availability of a labor and delivery unit, as well as specialized services like minimally invasive gynecological surgery, is essential.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The ability to access healthcare remotely can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and enhance patient convenience.

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton offers telehealth services, which allow patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely via video conferencing or phone. The types of telehealth services offered, such as virtual visits for primary care, specialist consultations, and mental health services, are important factors in assessing the hospital's overall health score. The availability of telehealth services can be especially beneficial for patients in the Hazleton area, as it can reduce the need to travel long distances for appointments.

**Comparing to Regional Benchmarks**

To get a complete picture, it's essential to compare Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton to other hospitals in the broader region. This includes facilities in Allentown and Scranton, which may offer more specialized services or different wait times.

**St. Luke's University Hospital – Allentown** and **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center** are the two most prominent hospitals in the region, and each offers a wide range of services. These hospitals have CMS star ratings and have published ER wait times.

**St. Luke's University Hospital – Allentown** is a large, multi-campus system with a strong reputation. It has a higher CMS star rating than Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton, which can be a useful metric for comparing the quality of care.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center** is another major healthcare provider in the region. It also has a CMS star rating and offers a comprehensive range of services.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP Code 18214 is a complex assessment. It must consider the following:

* **CMS Star Rating:** While Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton does not have a rating, this does not necessarily indicate poor care, but it does limit direct comparison.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait times at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton are a key indicator of accessibility and efficiency.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability and quality of cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health services are crucial.
* **Telehealth Offerings:** The scope and accessibility of telehealth services are increasingly important.
* **Comparison to Regional Benchmarks:** Comparing Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton to other regional hospitals provides context and helps identify strengths and weaknesses.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Residents of the Hazleton area should carefully consider all the factors discussed in this review when choosing a healthcare provider. While Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton is the primary option, understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and comparing it to regional benchmarks is crucial. Patients should research the specific services they need, inquire about wait times, and consider the availability of telehealth options. This comprehensive approach will help residents make informed decisions and ensure they receive the best possible care. It is also important to note that this review is based on publicly available data and information. The best source for the most up-to-date information is the hospital's website, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the CMS website.