18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18439)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel daunting. For residents of Honesdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18439), access to quality medical care is a vital consideration. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals in the vicinity, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability. This information aims to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Primary Contenders: Wayne Memorial Hospital and Geisinger Community Medical Center**

The primary hospital serving Honesdale is **Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH)**, located directly within the town. WMH is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special Medicare funding due to its rural location and limited resources. As of the latest available data, WMH does not have a CMS star rating. This doesn’t automatically equate to poor quality, but it indicates the hospital's performance data isn't sufficient for a star rating.

WMH's emergency room is a crucial point of access. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, understanding the average wait time is essential. Unfortunately, publicly available data on WMH’s ER wait times is limited. However, local sources and patient reviews can offer insights. Residents should inquire directly with the hospital or consult online resources like Healthgrades for the most current information.

WMH offers a range of services. It has a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program, a cancer center, and various surgical specialties. WMH also provides behavioral health services, including inpatient and outpatient care. Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. WMH has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing access to specialists and consultations remotely.

**Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC)**, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is another significant option for residents of the 18439 ZIP code. GCMC is a larger hospital, part of the Geisinger Health System, and has a CMS star rating. The rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. As of the most recent data, GCMC has a 3-star rating.

GCMC’s ER is generally busier than WMH’s. Consequently, ER wait times can be longer. Again, real-time data is the most valuable. Patients can often find estimated wait times on the hospital's website or through online platforms like Google Maps.

GCMC boasts a broader range of specialty services than WMH. It has advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. It also has a comprehensive cancer center, a dedicated stroke center, and a robust women's health program. GCMC is a regional referral center, often handling complex cases.

Telehealth is a major focus for the Geisinger system. GCMC offers a wide array of telehealth services, including virtual visits with primary care physicians, specialists, and behavioral health providers. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care.

**Other Considerations: Scranton Hospitals and Specialty Centers**

Beyond WMH and GCMC, residents of the 18439 ZIP code may consider hospitals in Scranton, a larger city located approximately 30 miles away. **Moses Taylor Hospital** and **Regional Hospital of Scranton** are two other options.

Moses Taylor Hospital, part of the Commonwealth Health system, offers various services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It also has a behavioral health unit. Moses Taylor's CMS star rating, as of the most recent data, is 3 stars.

Regional Hospital of Scranton, also part of the Commonwealth Health system, provides a broad range of medical and surgical services. It has a dedicated emergency department and offers specialized care in areas like wound care and rehabilitation. Regional Hospital's CMS star rating, as of the most recent data, is 2 stars.

When choosing a hospital, patients should also consider specialty centers. For instance, if someone requires specialized cardiac care, they might opt for GCMC, which has a more advanced cardiac program. If someone needs cancer treatment, they should research the cancer centers at WMH, GCMC, and Moses Taylor Hospital, evaluating their services and patient outcomes.

**Telehealth: A Growing Factor**

Telehealth is rapidly transforming healthcare access. Both WMH and GCMC have invested in telehealth infrastructure. Patients can now consult with doctors, receive mental health counseling, and even have some physical therapy sessions remotely. This is particularly advantageous for those in rural areas, reducing travel time and improving convenience.

The availability of telehealth services can significantly influence the "Overall Health Score" of a hospital. Hospitals with robust telehealth programs can reach more patients, provide more timely care, and improve patient satisfaction.

**Factors Influencing the "Overall Health Score"**

Several factors contribute to the "Overall Health Score" of hospitals near the 18439 ZIP code. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the sole indicator of quality, CMS star ratings provide a standardized measure of hospital performance.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Shorter wait times generally indicate better efficiency and access to care.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology, is crucial for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Robust telehealth programs improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores provide valuable insights into the quality of care.
* **Hospital Safety:** Metrics related to hospital-acquired infections and patient safety are critical.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right hospital involves careful consideration. Residents of the 18439 ZIP code should research the hospitals in their area, considering their individual needs and preferences. Factors like insurance coverage, the availability of specific specialists, and personal experiences can all influence the decision.

It's essential to gather information from multiple sources. Consult with your primary care physician, research online resources like Healthgrades and the CMS website, and read patient reviews.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape near Honesdale, PA, offers several options. Wayne Memorial Hospital provides local access, while Geisinger Community Medical Center and Scranton hospitals offer a broader range of services. The "Overall Health Score" of these hospitals varies, influenced by factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. Residents should carefully weigh these factors and conduct thorough research to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Remember to check the most recent data and consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best fit for your individual circumstances.