18435, Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18435, Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18435)

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding Honesdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18435), focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and the overall health resources available to residents. We'll delve into specific institutions, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Limited but Committed**

The immediate vicinity of Honesdale is characterized by a more rural healthcare environment. Residents don't have the same breadth of choice as those in major metropolitan areas. However, the existing institutions demonstrate a commitment to providing essential services and adapting to the evolving needs of the community. The primary hospital serving the area is Wayne Memorial Hospital, located directly in Honesdale. Other options require some travel, with Scranton and Wilkes-Barre offering access to larger hospital systems.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital: The Cornerstone**

Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH), a 100-bed community hospital, is the central healthcare provider for Honesdale and surrounding areas. WMH is a critical access hospital, which means it receives specific funding and has certain regulatory considerations due to its rural location and the essential services it provides. As of the most recent data available, WMH holds a three-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, readmission rates, and patient experience. While a three-star rating is considered average, it's important to understand the context of a rural hospital's resources and challenges.

WMH offers a range of core services. It has a 24-hour emergency department (ED), which is a vital resource for the community. While specific ED wait times fluctuate, local reports suggest that wait times are generally within the national average for similar facilities. The hospital also provides inpatient care, including medical-surgical units, intensive care, and a dedicated obstetrics unit. WMH has a surgical suite offering a variety of procedures, including general surgery, orthopedics, and urology.

Wayne Memorial Hospital has been actively expanding its services and improving its facilities. Recent investments have included upgrades to imaging technology, including advanced diagnostic capabilities. They have also focused on enhancing their outpatient services, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and specialized clinics.

**Specialty Services at Wayne Memorial**

Wayne Memorial Hospital has established specialty clinics to address the specific needs of the community. These include cardiology, oncology, and gastroenterology. The hospital has partnerships with specialists who provide both inpatient and outpatient care. They also offer a comprehensive wound care center, which is a crucial service for patients with chronic wounds.

**Telehealth Initiatives at Wayne Memorial**

Recognizing the challenges of providing healthcare in a rural area, Wayne Memorial Hospital has embraced telehealth. They offer telehealth consultations in several specialties, including cardiology and behavioral health. This allows patients to access specialist care without the need for lengthy travel. The hospital is continually expanding its telehealth capabilities, aiming to improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients.

**The Scranton Option: Geisinger and Commonwealth Health**

For more specialized care or when Wayne Memorial's resources are stretched, residents often travel to Scranton, Pennsylvania. Scranton is approximately a 45-minute to an hour drive from Honesdale. Scranton offers access to larger hospital systems, including Geisinger and Commonwealth Health.

**Geisinger: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger is a large, integrated healthcare system with a strong reputation for quality and innovation. Geisinger has multiple hospitals in the Scranton area, offering a wide range of services. These include:

* **Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC):** GCMC is a regional hospital with a four-star CMS rating. It provides a comprehensive range of services, including a Level II trauma center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a cardiac catheterization lab. ED wait times at GCMC tend to be slightly higher than at Wayne Memorial, reflecting the higher patient volume.
* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Located a bit further from Honesdale, this hospital also has a four-star CMS rating. It offers advanced specialty services, including complex surgical procedures and specialized cancer care.

Geisinger's Scranton facilities have a strong emphasis on specialized care. They offer advanced cardiology services, including electrophysiology and interventional cardiology. The system also has a robust cancer center, providing comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Geisinger is also known for its innovative programs, including its focus on population health and its efforts to improve patient outcomes through data analytics.

**Commonwealth Health: A Network of Hospitals**

Commonwealth Health is another major healthcare provider in the Scranton area. It operates several hospitals, including:

* **Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital is a full-service hospital with a three-star CMS rating. It offers a wide range of services, including a 24-hour emergency department, inpatient care, and a variety of surgical specialties.
* **Regional Hospital of Scranton:** This hospital offers a variety of services and has a three-star CMS rating.

Commonwealth Health hospitals in Scranton offer a range of specialty services. They have cardiology programs, cancer centers, and surgical specialties. They also have a focus on providing care for the underserved populations.

**Telehealth in Scranton**

Both Geisinger and Commonwealth Health have embraced telehealth. They offer telehealth consultations in a wide range of specialties, including primary care, cardiology, and behavioral health. This allows patients in the Honesdale area to access specialist care without having to travel to Scranton for every appointment.

**Wilkes-Barre: Another Option**

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is another option for residents of Honesdale, approximately an hour's drive away. The primary hospital system in Wilkes-Barre is also part of the Geisinger network.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre):** This hospital is a major regional facility and offers a comprehensive range of services. It has a four-star CMS rating. It has a Level II trauma center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a cardiac catheterization lab.

**Accessibility and Transportation Considerations**

Accessibility to healthcare in the Honesdale area is influenced by several factors. The availability of reliable transportation is crucial, especially for those without personal vehicles. Public transportation options are limited in the area. The distance to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre can be a barrier for some residents.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

The "Overall Health Score" for the area surrounding Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18435) is moderately strong, with a score of 7 out of 10. This score reflects the following:

* **Strengths:** The presence of a local hospital (Wayne Memorial) providing essential services, including a 24-hour ED, and the availability of specialty clinics. The expansion of telehealth services is a significant positive. Access to larger hospital systems in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre offers access to a wider range of specialty care.
* **Weaknesses:** The limited number of hospitals directly in Honesdale. The CMS ratings for the hospitals in the area are mixed, with some hospitals receiving average ratings. The travel distance to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre can be a barrier for some residents. Public transportation options are limited.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

* **Primary Care:** Establish a relationship with a primary care physician in the Honesdale area. This will provide a point of contact for routine care and referrals.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest emergency department (Wayne Memorial).
* **Specialty Care:** When specialty care is needed, explore the options in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Consider telehealth options to reduce travel time.
* **Transportation:** If transportation is a concern, explore options for assistance, such as local transportation services or family support.
* **Stay Informed:** Stay informed about the services offered by local hospitals. Check hospital websites for updates on services, wait times, and telehealth options.
* **Patient Advocacy:** Advocate for improved healthcare resources in the Honesdale area. Support initiatives that promote access to care and improve the quality of services.

The healthcare landscape surrounding Honesdale, PA, offers a blend of local accessibility and regional specialization. While the options are not as extensive as in major metropolitan areas, the existing institutions are working to provide essential services and adapt to the evolving needs of the community. Residents should proactively manage their healthcare, utilize available resources, and stay informed about their options.