18434, Jessup, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18434, Jessup, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18434)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Honesdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18434), considering factors crucial to patient well-being. This includes quality metrics, accessibility, specialized services, and technological integration. While proximity is a key consideration for emergency situations, patients should also weigh the strengths of each facility when making healthcare decisions.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital: The Local Anchor**

Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH), located directly in Honesdale, serves as the primary healthcare provider for the immediate community. WMH is a critical access hospital, a designation reflecting its importance in providing essential services to a rural area. The hospital has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not the highest rating, it reflects a baseline of quality and adherence to federal standards. CMS star ratings are based on a range of factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

WMH offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and a variety of specialty clinics. The hospital's emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial factor for residents. According to recent data, the average ER wait time at WMH fluctuates, but generally hovers around the national average, indicating reasonable accessibility. However, these wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases.

WMH has a strong focus on community outreach and education. They provide various health programs and screenings to address local health needs. The hospital has also made investments in telehealth, expanding access to specialists and remote monitoring capabilities, a crucial advantage in a rural setting. This allows patients to consult with specialists without the need for extensive travel.

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

Approximately an hour's drive from Honesdale, Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) in Scranton offers a significantly expanded range of services and a higher level of specialization. GCMC is part of the larger Geisinger Health System, known for its integrated approach to healthcare. GCMC holds a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting a higher level of quality compared to WMH.

GCMC boasts a comprehensive cardiovascular program, including advanced cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology. They also have specialized centers for cancer treatment, women's health, and orthopedic care. This level of specialization is a significant advantage for patients requiring complex medical interventions.

ER wait times at GCMC are generally comparable to WMH, but can fluctuate based on the volume of patients. The hospital's size and resources allow for a larger capacity to handle emergency cases. Geisinger Health System has also invested heavily in telehealth, offering a wide array of virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty accessing specialists in person.

**Moses Taylor Hospital: Scranton's Other Option**

Also located in Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital provides another option for residents seeking care beyond Honesdale. Moses Taylor is a part of Commonwealth Health, a network of hospitals. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

Moses Taylor offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and various specialty clinics. They have a strong focus on women's health and offer a comprehensive maternity program.

ER wait times at Moses Taylor are typically similar to those at GCMC and WMH, reflecting the regional demand for emergency services. The hospital also has a growing telehealth program, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring options.

**Regional Hospital of Scranton: A Smaller, Focused Facility**

Regional Hospital of Scranton, another hospital in the Scranton area, offers a more focused approach to healthcare. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

Regional Hospital of Scranton has a strong emphasis on behavioral health services, including inpatient and outpatient programs. They also offer a range of surgical and medical services.

ER wait times at Regional Hospital of Scranton are generally comparable to the other hospitals in the area. They also have a growing telehealth program, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring options.

**Comparing the Options: A Deeper Dive**

When comparing the hospitals, several key factors emerge. WMH provides convenient local access, crucial in emergencies. However, its specialization and CMS rating are lower than the larger hospitals in Scranton. GCMC, with its 4-star rating and comprehensive services, offers a higher level of care, but requires a longer travel time. Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital of Scranton provide additional options with varying strengths, including specialized programs and a focus on specific areas of care.

**Specialty Centers: Where to Seek Expertise**

For specialized care, patients may need to consider travel. GCMC, with its advanced cardiovascular program and cancer center, stands out. WMH offers basic specialty services, but for complex cases, referral to GCMC or other regional centers may be necessary.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth is a critical factor for residents of the Honesdale area. WMH, GCMC, Moses Taylor, and Regional Hospital of Scranton all offer telehealth services, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring. The availability of telehealth can significantly reduce the need for travel, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. The specific services available through telehealth vary by hospital, so patients should inquire about their specific needs.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in emergencies. While all the hospitals in the region experience fluctuations in wait times, the data indicates that the wait times are generally comparable. Patients should consider the severity of their condition and the distance to the nearest hospital when making a decision.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP Code 18434 is a complex assessment, balancing proximity, quality, and specialization.

* **Wayne Memorial Hospital:** Provides essential local services with reasonable ER wait times. Its 3-star CMS rating reflects a baseline level of quality. Telehealth services are improving access.
* **Geisinger Community Medical Center:** Offers a higher level of care with a 4-star CMS rating and advanced specialty centers, but requires travel. Telehealth options are extensive.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton:** Offer additional options in Scranton, with 3-star CMS ratings, and varying specializations. Telehealth options are available.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of the Honesdale area should:

* **Establish a primary care physician:** This is crucial for preventative care and referrals to specialists.
* **Consider the severity of their condition:** For emergencies, WMH provides immediate access. For complex cases, GCMC may be a better option, even with the longer travel time.
* **Explore telehealth options:** This can significantly improve access to specialists and reduce travel.
* **Research specific needs:** Investigate the specific services offered by each hospital to ensure they meet individual healthcare requirements.
* **Understand insurance coverage:** Confirm which hospitals are in-network to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

The healthcare landscape near Honesdale offers a range of options. By carefully considering these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they receive the best possible care. This “Overall Health Score” provides a starting point for that decision-making process.