18441, Lenoxville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18441, Lenoxville, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18441)

Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a medical need. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Honesdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18441), aiming to offer clarity and help residents make informed decisions. The analysis considers factors like hospital quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, telehealth availability, and overall accessibility. Due to the rural nature of the area, the focus will be on facilities within a 30-60 minute driving distance, acknowledging that specialized care may require travel further afield.

**The Landscape: Limited Options, High Stakes**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Honesdale is characterized by a smaller number of hospitals compared to more densely populated regions. This reality underscores the importance of understanding the strengths and limitations of each facility. Residents often rely on a few primary options, making the quality and accessibility of these institutions crucial. The nearest major cities, Scranton and Binghamton, offer additional choices but necessitate longer travel times.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale: The Local Anchor**

Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH), located directly within Honesdale, serves as the primary healthcare provider for the immediate community. As a critical access hospital, WMH provides essential services but doesn't typically offer the breadth of specialty care found in larger facilities.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Wayne Memorial Hospital currently holds 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 indicates average performance, it's important to delve deeper into specific areas of strength and weakness.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical factor for immediate care. Data indicates that wait times at WMH can fluctuate, but typically fall within the regional average. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours or periods of high patient volume. The hospital's website or local reporting can provide the most current wait time estimates.
* **Specialty Centers:** WMH offers a range of core services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. However, the availability of specialized centers, such as comprehensive cancer treatment or advanced neurological care, is limited. Patients requiring these services may need to seek care at facilities further away.
* **Telehealth Availability:** WMH has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly in areas like behavioral health and certain specialist consultations. This is a valuable resource for residents, especially those with mobility limitations or living in remote areas. The hospital's website provides information on available telehealth services and how to access them.
* **Overall Accessibility:** WMH's central location in Honesdale makes it easily accessible for residents. The hospital also provides ambulance services and collaborates with local emergency medical services (EMS) to ensure prompt care.

**GCMC (Geisinger Community Medical Center), Scranton: A Regional Powerhouse**

Approximately a 45-minute drive from Honesdale, GCMC, part of the Geisinger Health System, offers a broader scope of services and is a major regional healthcare provider.

* **CMS Star Rating:** GCMC holds a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at GCMC can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. However, as a larger facility, it generally has the capacity to handle a higher volume of patients. Real-time wait time information is often available on the Geisinger website.
* **Specialty Centers:** GCMC boasts a more extensive array of specialty centers compared to WMH. These include comprehensive cancer care, advanced cardiology services, and specialized surgical units. The hospital also offers a range of subspecialties, such as endocrinology, gastroenterology, and pulmonology.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Geisinger Health System is a leader in telehealth. GCMC provides a wide range of telehealth services, including virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists, remote monitoring programs, and behavioral health support.
* **Overall Accessibility:** While located further away, GCMC is accessible to Honesdale residents via major roadways. The hospital offers ample parking and is well-integrated with regional EMS networks.

**Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton: Another Scranton Option**

Moses Taylor Hospital, also in Scranton, provides another option for residents.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Moses Taylor Hospital holds a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at Moses Taylor are often similar to GCMC, as both are in Scranton.
* **Specialty Centers:** Moses Taylor Hospital offers a range of services, including cardiac care, cancer care, and surgical services.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Moses Taylor Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings.
* **Overall Accessibility:** Moses Taylor Hospital is accessible to Honesdale residents via major roadways.

**Wilson Medical Center, Johnson City, NY: A New York Option**

Approximately a 1-hour drive from Honesdale, Wilson Medical Center, part of the UHS system, offers another option for residents.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Wilson Medical Center holds a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at Wilson Medical Center can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume.
* **Specialty Centers:** Wilson Medical Center offers a range of services.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Wilson Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings.
* **Overall Accessibility:** Wilson Medical Center is accessible to Honesdale residents via major roadways.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Hospitals**

Beyond the primary hospitals, several factors influence overall healthcare access and quality:

* **Primary Care Physicians:** The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial for preventative care and managing chronic conditions. Residents should research the availability of PCPs in their area and establish a relationship with a provider.
* **Specialist Availability:** Access to specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and oncologists, can be limited in rural areas. Patients may need to travel to larger cities for specialized care.
* **Mental Health Services:** Mental health services are often in high demand and can be difficult to access. Residents should investigate the availability of mental health providers, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups.
* **Insurance Coverage:** The type of health insurance coverage significantly impacts access to care. Residents should understand their insurance plan's network of providers, coverage limitations, and out-of-pocket costs.
* **Transportation:** Transportation challenges can limit access to healthcare, especially for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. Consider transportation options, such as public transportation, ride-sharing services, and community-based transportation programs.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents near Honesdale, PA (ZIP code 18441) is influenced by several factors. Wayne Memorial Hospital provides essential local care, but residents may need to travel to Scranton or Binghamton for specialized services. GCMC and Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton offer a wider range of options, while Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY, offers another option.

* **Strengths:** WMH provides local access, and both GCMC and Moses Taylor offer more comprehensive specialty services. Telehealth options are expanding, improving access.
* **Weaknesses:** Limited specialty care at WMH, longer travel times for specialized care, and potential for ER wait times.
* **Recommendations:** Residents should establish a relationship with a primary care physician, research local specialists, and understand their insurance coverage. Consider the strengths and limitations of each hospital when making healthcare decisions. Be prepared to travel for specialized care when necessary. Explore telehealth options for convenient access to care.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near Honesdale. Residents are encouraged to conduct their own research, consult with healthcare providers, and make informed decisions based on their individual needs and circumstances.