18443, Milanville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18443, Milanville, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Honesdale, PA (ZIP Code 18443)

The Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania, encompassing the 18443 ZIP code (Honesdale), presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents and visitors have access to a range of hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth capabilities. It's crucial to remember that healthcare needs are individual, and this analysis serves as a starting point for informed decision-making.

**The Key Players: Geisinger and Wayne Memorial**

The two primary hospitals serving the 18443 area are Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, a drive of approximately 30 miles. Both are critical to the health and well-being of the community, though they operate under different systems and offer varying levels of service.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital: The Local Anchor**

Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) is the community's primary healthcare provider. As a smaller, independent hospital, it provides essential services close to home. WMH’s CMS star rating is currently unavailable, which can be a limitation in assessing overall quality. However, the hospital is a vital resource for residents of Honesdale and surrounding areas.

WMH offers a range of core services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and surgical procedures. It is particularly known for its focus on personalized care, a hallmark of many community hospitals. ER wait times at WMH are generally moderate, reflecting the volume of patients and available resources. Specific wait times fluctuate, but patients should anticipate some waiting time, especially during peak hours.

Wayne Memorial has a strong emphasis on community outreach and preventative care programs. They offer various screenings, educational programs, and support groups. This commitment to community wellness is a significant asset.

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

Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) in Scranton, part of the larger Geisinger Health System, offers a broader scope of services. GCMC has a 3-star CMS rating, indicating an average level of quality based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) evaluation. This rating considers various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

GCMC boasts a more extensive range of specialty services compared to WMH. They have specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, among others. This allows for access to more complex medical procedures and treatments closer to home than traveling to larger urban centers.

Emergency room wait times at GCMC can vary, often influenced by the number of patients and the severity of their conditions. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during periods of high patient volume. The Geisinger system is known for its integrated approach to healthcare, which aims to streamline patient care and improve communication between providers.

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

Beyond the primary hospitals, the region benefits from specialized services. These centers often provide niche care and offer advanced treatment options.

**Cardiology:** Both WMH and GCMC offer cardiology services. GCMC, as part of a larger health system, typically has a more comprehensive cardiology program, including interventional cardiology and advanced diagnostic testing. WMH provides cardiology services to the community.

**Oncology:** GCMC has a dedicated cancer center, providing comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. WMH, while not having a dedicated cancer center, may offer some oncology services or partner with GCMC for patient referrals and treatment.

**Orthopedics:** Both hospitals offer orthopedic services, with GCMC generally providing a wider range of orthopedic specialties and advanced surgical options.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Both WMH and GCMC have embraced telehealth to varying degrees.

Wayne Memorial Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for follow-up appointments or chronic disease management.

Geisinger Health System has a well-established telehealth program, offering a broad range of virtual services. This includes virtual visits with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and mental health services. Geisinger's telehealth capabilities are a significant advantage for patients in the 18443 area, providing access to specialists and reducing travel burdens.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating a hospital's performance. These times can vary depending on the day, time, and the severity of patient conditions.

While precise, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, patients can generally expect shorter wait times at WMH compared to GCMC, especially during non-peak hours. However, GCMC, being a larger hospital, is equipped to handle a higher volume of patients and more complex cases.

It's always advisable to call ahead to inquire about current wait times, especially if experiencing a medical emergency.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

CMS star ratings provide a standardized measure of hospital quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

GCMC’s 3-star rating suggests an average level of quality. WMH’s lack of a current star rating makes direct comparison difficult. However, it is important to consider that CMS ratings are just one measure of hospital quality, and other factors, such as patient reviews and personal experiences, should also be taken into account.

**Other Considerations: Patient Experience and Hospital Reputation**

Beyond the data, patient experience and hospital reputation play a significant role in overall health.

Wayne Memorial Hospital is known for its strong community ties and personalized care. Patients often praise the staff's attentiveness and the hospital's friendly atmosphere.

Geisinger Community Medical Center benefits from the reputation of the larger Geisinger Health System, which is known for its commitment to quality and innovation. However, patients may experience a less personalized approach due to the larger scale of the system.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near the 18443 ZIP code is complex, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of each facility.

* **Wayne Memorial Hospital:** Offers a vital service to the local community, with a focus on personalized care and community engagement. However, its limited specialty services and lack of a current CMS star rating are potential drawbacks.
* **Geisinger Community Medical Center:** Provides a broader range of specialty services and access to a large health system's resources. Its 3-star CMS rating indicates an average level of quality. ER wait times can be longer than WMH.

**Recommendations for Patients:**

* **For routine care and emergencies requiring immediate attention:** Wayne Memorial Hospital is a convenient and accessible option.
* **For complex medical needs or specialized treatments:** Geisinger Community Medical Center offers a wider array of specialists and advanced services.
* **For telehealth access:** Geisinger's extensive telehealth program is a significant advantage.
* **Consider personal preferences:** Factor in your comfort level with a smaller, community-focused hospital versus a larger, system-affiliated facility.
* **Research individual providers:** Investigate the credentials and experience of the doctors and specialists at each hospital.
* **Consult with your primary care physician:** Seek their recommendations and guidance based on your specific health needs.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available data and should not be considered a definitive assessment of hospital quality. Healthcare needs are individual, and patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized medical advice. Hospital ratings and wait times are subject to change.