18411, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18411, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Carbondale, PA (ZIP Code 18411)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Carbondale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18411), considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. We’ll delve into key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings, to provide a comprehensive picture. This information is intended to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Carbondale is primarily shaped by a mix of community hospitals and larger regional medical centers. Proximity to Scranton, a larger city, significantly expands the available options. Evaluating these facilities requires a multi-faceted approach, considering both overall performance and specific needs.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a snapshot of overall quality. It’s crucial to remember that these ratings are just one data point and should be considered alongside other factors.

**Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton, PA):** Located approximately 20 miles from Carbondale, Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) is a significant player. It's part of the Geisinger Health System, a well-regarded integrated healthcare network. At the time of this review, GCMC holds a CMS star rating. This rating reflects performance across various areas, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Geisinger's reputation for advanced care and research contributes to its prominence in the region.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA):** Also situated in Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital is another major option. The hospital has a CMS star rating. This rating provides insight into the hospital's performance, allowing for a comparative assessment. Moses Taylor offers a range of services, including specialized care units and surgical capabilities.

**Other Considerations:**

While the CMS star ratings offer a valuable benchmark, it's essential to look beyond them. The availability of specialized services, the experience of the medical staff, and the hospital's commitment to patient safety are all critical factors.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Unfortunately, obtaining precise, real-time wait times can be challenging, as these figures fluctuate. However, general trends can be observed.

**Geisinger Community Medical Center:** Like other hospitals, GCMC's ER wait times can vary. It's advisable to check the hospital's website or use online tools that may provide approximate wait times.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital's ER wait times should also be considered. Patients needing immediate care should be prepared for potential wait times, which are influenced by factors such as patient volume and severity of illness.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is a significant factor in choosing a hospital. This includes cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and other critical areas.

**Geisinger Community Medical Center:** Geisinger's network offers a broad range of specialty services. They have a cancer institute, cardiology programs, and specialized surgical units. Their integrated system allows for seamless coordination of care across various specialties.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiac care, surgical services, and other specialized departments. The specific availability of services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for rural communities. It provides access to healthcare professionals remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience.

**Geisinger Health System:** Geisinger has a robust telehealth program. They offer virtual visits, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. This commitment to telehealth enhances access to care for patients in the Carbondale area.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** The telehealth offerings at Moses Taylor Hospital should be assessed. While the hospital may not have the same extensive telehealth infrastructure as Geisinger, it likely offers some virtual care options.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare quality. This encompasses factors like communication with doctors, the cleanliness of the facility, and the overall comfort of the patient.

**Geisinger Community Medical Center:** Geisinger's focus on patient-centered care is reflected in its efforts to improve patient experience. Patient satisfaction surveys and feedback mechanisms are used to identify areas for improvement.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Patient experience is a priority at Moses Taylor Hospital. Patient feedback is crucial in assessing the quality of care.

**Specific Considerations for Carbondale Residents:**

Residents of Carbondale may face challenges related to travel distance. The proximity of Scranton, while offering more options, also means longer travel times.

**Transportation:** Consider transportation options. Public transportation may be limited in the area. Having reliable transportation is essential for accessing healthcare services.

**Rural Healthcare Challenges:** Rural healthcare settings often face unique challenges, including physician shortages and limited access to specialized care.

**Making an Informed Decision:**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. The "Overall Health Score" should be considered alongside individual needs and preferences.

**Research:** Conduct thorough research. Visit hospital websites, review patient reviews, and consult with your primary care physician.

**Prioritize Needs:** Identify your specific healthcare needs. Do you require specialized care? Are you looking for a hospital with a strong reputation for a particular condition?

**Accessibility:** Consider the accessibility of the hospital. Factor in travel time, parking, and other logistical considerations.

**Insurance:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**The Verdict:**

The healthcare landscape near Carbondale offers a mix of options. Geisinger Community Medical Center, with its affiliation with the Geisinger Health System, presents a strong choice, with a CMS star rating and robust telehealth services. Moses Taylor Hospital is another viable option, providing a range of services.

**Final Thoughts:**

This review provides a starting point for evaluating hospitals near Carbondale. It's essential to conduct further research, consider your individual needs, and consult with your healthcare providers to make an informed decision. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed about the latest developments is crucial.