18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Waymart, PA (ZIP Code 18472)

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. This review aims to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for hospitals within a reasonable radius of Waymart, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18472), offering a fact-rich assessment to aid informed decision-making. We'll delve into crucial metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. While proximity is a factor, the quality of care remains paramount.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Geographic Considerations**

Waymart, a rural community in Wayne County, necessitates a review that considers hospitals within a practical driving distance. The primary contenders for healthcare access include facilities in Scranton, Honesdale, and surrounding areas. This review will primarily focus on hospitals within a 45-mile radius, acknowledging that specialized care may require travel further afield.

**Hospital Performance: CMS Star Ratings – A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, benchmark for hospital quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. It's crucial to remember that these ratings are a snapshot and should be considered alongside other data points.

**Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton):** Located approximately 30 miles from Waymart, Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) in Scranton holds a solid reputation. CMS currently awards GCMC a 3-star rating. This rating indicates average performance across a range of quality measures. Patients should explore the specific areas where GCMC excels and where it may have areas for improvement, as reflected in the CMS data.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Also situated in Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital is another major player in the region. Moses Taylor Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This indicates a similar level of performance compared to GCMC, suggesting that patients should carefully compare the specific services and specialties offered by each facility.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital (Honesdale):** Wayne Memorial Hospital, located in Honesdale, a closer option to Waymart, also holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This suggests a comparable level of quality to the Scranton hospitals. Its proximity is a significant advantage for residents of Waymart, offering convenient access to care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: Time is of the Essence**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, especially in urgent situations. Shorter wait times can significantly impact patient outcomes. Unfortunately, publicly available real-time ER wait time data is often limited, and specific figures fluctuate. However, general observations can be made.

**General Trends:** Hospitals in more densely populated areas, like Scranton, may experience longer wait times than those in smaller communities. Therefore, Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, due to its location, may offer a quicker ER experience. Patients should utilize online resources, such as those provided by individual hospitals or third-party aggregators, to check estimated wait times before heading to the ER.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Beyond General Care**

The availability of specialized services is crucial for addressing complex medical needs. Hospitals near Waymart offer a range of specialty centers, though the breadth and depth of these services vary.

**Cardiology:** Both Geisinger and Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton have established cardiology programs, offering services ranging from diagnostic testing to interventional procedures. Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale also provides cardiology services, though the scope may be more limited.

**Oncology:** Geisinger has a comprehensive cancer institute, providing advanced cancer treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Moses Taylor Hospital also offers oncology services, though the range of available treatments may differ. Wayne Memorial Hospital provides oncology services as well, with a focus on outpatient care and supportive services.

**Orthopedics:** All three hospitals offer orthopedic services, including joint replacement surgery and treatment for sports injuries. However, the specific expertise and technological capabilities may vary. Patients should research the orthopedic surgeons and the specific procedures offered at each facility.

**Women's Health:** Hospitals near Waymart provide a range of women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology. The level of specialization in areas like high-risk pregnancies or minimally invasive gynecological surgery may differ.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It offers convenient access to medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger has a robust telehealth program, offering a wide range of virtual visits and remote monitoring options. This can be particularly beneficial for residents of Waymart, reducing the need for travel.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital also offers telehealth services, though the scope may be more limited than Geisinger's.

**Wayne Memorial Hospital:** Wayne Memorial Hospital has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring for certain conditions.

**Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs): A Critical Safety Metric**

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant concern. They can prolong hospital stays and increase the risk of complications. CMS publishes data on HAI rates, allowing for comparisons between hospitals.

**Data Availability:** While specific HAI rates fluctuate and are subject to change, it's crucial to review the latest data available from CMS and other sources. This information provides insights into a hospital's commitment to patient safety and infection control practices. Patients should ask questions about infection control protocols during hospital visits.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a vital aspect of healthcare quality. This includes factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness to needs, and overall satisfaction with the care received. CMS uses patient surveys to gather feedback on these areas.

**Considerations:** Patient experience scores can vary significantly between hospitals. Researching patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into the experiences of others.

**Financial Considerations: Costs and Insurance Coverage**

Healthcare costs are a major concern. Patients should inquire about the cost of services and ensure that the hospital accepts their insurance plan. Price transparency is improving, but it's still essential to ask questions about billing practices and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

**Conclusion: Weighing the Factors**

Choosing the "best" hospital near Waymart, PA, involves carefully weighing various factors. While CMS star ratings provide a valuable starting point, they should be considered alongside ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth options, and patient experience.

**Recommendations:**

* **For Routine Care:** Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale offers the advantage of proximity and a 3-star rating.
* **For Specialized Care:** Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, with its comprehensive services and robust telehealth program, is a strong contender. Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton also offers a range of specialized services.
* **Prioritize Research:** Before making a decision, patients should research the specific services offered by each hospital, consult with their primary care physician, and consider their individual healthcare needs.
* **Utilize Online Resources:** Use hospital websites, CMS data, and patient reviews to gather information.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions about wait times, costs, and treatment options.

This "Overall Health Score" review provides a framework for informed decision-making. The best choice depends on individual circumstances and healthcare needs. Remember that healthcare is a dynamic field, and the information presented here is a snapshot in time. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice.