18413, Clifford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18413, Clifford, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18413)

Finding the right hospital is crucial for maintaining good health. For residents near Honesdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18413), access to quality healthcare is a priority. This review assesses the overall health landscape, focusing on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape: Primary Options and Key Players**

The primary hospital serving the Honesdale area is Wayne Memorial Hospital, located directly in Honesdale. While other facilities exist further afield, Wayne Memorial is the closest and most accessible option for many residents. Other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance include Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, and Moses Taylor Hospital, also in Scranton. These larger facilities offer a broader range of specialized services, but require a longer commute.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital: A Closer Look**

Wayne Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special federal funding due to its rural location and role in serving a medically underserved area. The hospital has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's important to note that CMS star ratings are just one indicator of quality and should be considered alongside other factors.

Wayne Memorial's emergency room (ER) typically has moderate wait times. Data from the hospital's website and third-party sources indicate that wait times can fluctuate, but generally fall within an acceptable range for a community hospital. It's always advisable to check real-time wait times, which are often available on the hospital's website or through online platforms.

Wayne Memorial offers a range of core services, including general surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, and obstetrics and gynecology. It also has a dedicated cancer center, providing comprehensive cancer care including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The hospital has made strides in expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly in specialist consultations and follow-up appointments. This is a crucial service for rural communities, allowing patients to access specialized care without the need for long-distance travel.

**Geisinger Community Medical Center: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger Community Medical Center, located in Scranton, is a larger, more comprehensive hospital. It's part of the Geisinger Health System, a well-regarded integrated healthcare network. Geisinger Community Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher level of quality compared to Wayne Memorial.

The ER at Geisinger Community Medical Center typically experiences longer wait times than Wayne Memorial. This is common for larger hospitals with a higher volume of patients. However, the hospital's ER is equipped to handle a wider range of medical emergencies and has a more extensive team of specialists available.

Geisinger Community Medical Center boasts a broader array of specialized services than Wayne Memorial. These include advanced cardiology services, a comprehensive stroke center, a dedicated trauma center, and specialized surgical departments. The hospital also has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online access to medical records. Geisinger's telehealth capabilities are particularly strong, allowing patients to connect with specialists across the entire Geisinger network.

**Moses Taylor Hospital: Another Scranton Option**

Moses Taylor Hospital, also in Scranton, is another option for residents near Honesdale. It is a part of the Commonwealth Health network. Moses Taylor Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS, similar to Wayne Memorial.

ER wait times at Moses Taylor Hospital are generally comparable to those at Geisinger Community Medical Center, often longer than at Wayne Memorial. This is reflective of the higher patient volume experienced by larger hospitals.

Moses Taylor Hospital offers a range of core services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It also has a specialized cardiac catheterization lab. Telehealth services are available, though perhaps not as extensive as those offered by Geisinger.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond the general services, the availability of specialized centers is a key factor in assessing hospital quality. Wayne Memorial Hospital's cancer center is a significant asset for the local community, offering comprehensive cancer care close to home. For more complex cancer cases or specialized treatments, patients may need to travel to larger facilities like Geisinger or other regional cancer centers.

Geisinger Community Medical Center’s stroke center is another critical resource, providing rapid diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients. The hospital's trauma center is also vital for handling serious injuries and emergencies.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Wayne Memorial Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing access to specialists and follow-up appointments. Geisinger Community Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, allowing patients to connect with specialists across the Geisinger network. This is a significant advantage for residents who may need to consult with specialists who are not readily available in the Honesdale area. Moses Taylor Hospital also provides telehealth services.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a significant factor in patient experience and can impact health outcomes, especially in emergencies. Wayne Memorial Hospital typically has shorter wait times than the Scranton hospitals. However, patients with severe conditions may benefit from the specialized resources available at the larger facilities, even if it means waiting longer. Real-time wait time information is often available on hospital websites or through online platforms.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of overall health. CMS star ratings incorporate patient satisfaction scores, reflecting how patients rate their experiences with the hospital. Reviews from patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, communication with staff, and overall satisfaction. Online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals provide patient reviews and ratings, offering another perspective on hospital quality.

**Financial Considerations: Costs and Insurance**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many patients. It's essential to understand the costs associated with different hospitals and services. Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses can vary widely. Patients should contact their insurance providers to understand their coverage for specific hospitals and procedures. Hospitals typically have financial assistance programs for patients who qualify.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary and Recommendation**

The best hospital for residents near Honesdale, PA (ZIP code 18413) depends on individual needs and circumstances.

* **Wayne Memorial Hospital** is the closest and most convenient option, offering a range of core services and a dedicated cancer center. Its ER wait times are generally shorter, and it provides telehealth services. The 3-star CMS rating indicates an average level of quality.

* **Geisinger Community Medical Center** in Scranton offers a broader range of specialized services, a higher CMS rating (4 stars), and a robust telehealth program. However, it's further away, and ER wait times are typically longer.

* **Moses Taylor Hospital** in Scranton is another option, with a 3-star CMS rating and a range of services. ER wait times are often longer than at Wayne Memorial.

**Recommendations:**

* **For routine care and less complex medical needs, Wayne Memorial Hospital is a convenient and accessible option.**
* **For specialized care, serious emergencies, or access to a wider range of specialists, Geisinger Community Medical Center is a strong choice, despite the longer travel time and potential for longer ER wait times.**
* **For those seeking a second opinion or a different approach to care, consider consulting with specialists at Geisinger or Moses Taylor.**
* **Always check real-time ER wait times before going to the emergency room.**
* **Research your insurance coverage and understand the costs associated with each hospital.**
* **Consider patient reviews and ratings to gain insights into the patient experience.**

Ultimately, the best hospital is the one that best meets an individual's specific healthcare needs. By considering these factors, residents near Honesdale can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the best possible care.