18463, Sterling, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18463, Sterling, Pennsylvania is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Waymart, PA (ZIP Code 18463)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals readily accessible to residents near Waymart, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18463), focusing on key metrics like quality, access, and specialized services. This analysis aims to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

Waymart, a rural community, primarily relies on hospitals located in nearby towns. The most significant options are in Scranton, Honesdale, and Carbondale, all within a reasonable driving distance. Due to the limited number of facilities, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each is crucial.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA) - A Flagship Presence:**

While not directly in Waymart's immediate vicinity, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA, is a significant regional healthcare provider. This hospital is a flagship facility within the Geisinger Health System. It boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a score reflecting overall quality based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. This rating places it in the "above average" category.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced cardiac care, a Level II Trauma Center, and specialized cancer treatment. The hospital is known for its advanced technology and commitment to research. Its ER wait times, however, can fluctuate. Data from recent months indicates average wait times ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, but this can vary significantly based on the time of day and patient volume. Telehealth services are a significant part of Geisinger's offerings, providing convenient access to specialists and primary care physicians through virtual consultations. Precise telehealth usage statistics for the Wyoming Valley campus are not publicly available, but the Geisinger system as a whole has a robust telehealth program, especially for chronic disease management and mental health.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital (Honesdale, PA) - Community-Focused Care:**

Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale is a closer option for Waymart residents. It’s a community hospital with a focus on personalized care. Wayne Memorial holds a 3-star CMS rating, indicating average performance. This hospital provides a broad range of services, including a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, and a comprehensive women's health program.

Wayne Memorial's ER wait times are typically shorter than those at larger facilities, often averaging under 30 minutes. This can be a significant advantage for patients needing immediate attention. The hospital has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual visits for certain specialties. Specific data on telehealth utilization at Wayne Memorial is limited, but the hospital is actively working to integrate virtual care into its existing services. Wayne Memorial’s strength lies in its accessibility and community focus, making it a valuable resource for Waymart residents.

**Regional Hospital of Scranton (Scranton, PA) - A Comprehensive Approach:**

Regional Hospital of Scranton, located in Scranton, is another option for residents near Waymart. It's a larger hospital with a wide array of services. It has a 3-star CMS rating, indicating average performance. Regional Hospital offers a full-service emergency department, a cardiac catheterization lab, and a comprehensive stroke center.

ER wait times at Regional Hospital can vary, but they generally fall within the 30-minute to one-hour range. Telehealth services are available, with a focus on specific specialties and follow-up care. The hospital is part of a larger network, providing access to a broader range of specialists and resources. Specific telehealth usage statistics for Regional Hospital of Scranton are not publicly available, but the hospital is working to expand its virtual care offerings.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA) - A Specialized Focus:**

Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton is another healthcare option, although it’s not the closest. It's known for its specialized services, particularly in areas like cardiology and orthopedics. Moses Taylor has a 3-star CMS rating, indicating average performance.

ER wait times at Moses Taylor can fluctuate, but they are typically in line with the other hospitals in the area. Telehealth services are available, with a focus on specific specialties. The hospital is part of a larger network, providing access to a broader range of specialists and resources. Specific telehealth usage statistics for Moses Taylor Hospital are not publicly available, but the hospital is working to expand its virtual care offerings.

**Community Medical Center (Scranton, PA) - A Broad Spectrum of Services:**

Community Medical Center in Scranton offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized clinics. It has a 3-star CMS rating, indicating average performance.

ER wait times at Community Medical Center vary but are generally in line with other hospitals in the Scranton area. Telehealth services are available, with a focus on specific specialties and follow-up care. The hospital is part of a larger network, providing access to a broader range of specialists and resources. Specific telehealth usage statistics for Community Medical Center are not publicly available, but the hospital is working to expand its virtual care offerings.

**Other Considerations: Specialty Centers and Access:**

Beyond the main hospitals, access to specialized care is essential. Residents near Waymart may need to travel to larger cities like Scranton or Wilkes-Barre for certain treatments. The availability of specialized centers, such as cancer centers, cardiac centers, and rehabilitation facilities, is a critical factor in assessing overall healthcare access.

For instance, the Geisinger Cancer Institute, with its presence at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, provides comprehensive cancer care, including advanced treatments and clinical trials. Similarly, the cardiac programs at Geisinger and Regional Hospital of Scranton offer advanced cardiac interventions.

**Telehealth's Growing Role:**

Telehealth is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. It offers convenient access to specialists, reduces travel time, and facilitates remote monitoring of chronic conditions. The hospitals near Waymart are increasingly investing in telehealth platforms, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online educational resources. While specific utilization statistics are often unavailable, the trend is clearly towards expanding telehealth services.

**Emergency Room Wait Times - A Key Indicator:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of access and efficiency. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient emergency department. However, it is important to remember that wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the cases being treated. While some hospitals provide real-time wait time information online, it is always advisable to call the hospital directly or check its website for the most up-to-date information.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

For residents near Waymart, PA, the "Overall Health Score" is a mix of strengths and challenges. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center offers a higher CMS star rating and a broader range of specialized services, but its location requires more travel. Wayne Memorial Hospital provides convenient access and a community-focused approach, while the hospitals in Scranton offer a wider range of options, but with potentially longer wait times.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Assess Your Needs:** Determine your specific healthcare needs, including any existing conditions or anticipated medical requirements.
2. **Consider Proximity and Access:** Factor in travel time and ease of access when choosing a hospital.
3. **Research Specialties:** If you require specialized care, research the availability of those services at each hospital.
4. **Utilize Telehealth:** Explore the telehealth options offered by each hospital for convenient access to care.
5. **Check ER Wait Times:** Before visiting an emergency room, check the current wait times if possible.
6. **Review CMS Ratings:** Consider the CMS star ratings as an indicator of overall quality.
7. **Consult with Your Primary Care Physician:** Your primary care physician can provide valuable guidance and referrals.

By carefully considering these factors, residents near Waymart can make informed decisions about their healthcare, ensuring they receive the best possible care for their individual needs. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and continuous monitoring of hospital performance and service offerings is recommended.