18473, White Mills, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18473, White Mills, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Waymart, PA (ZIP Code 18473)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. This review provides an overall health score assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Waymart, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18473), focusing on key metrics that impact patient well-being. We'll analyze factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities to offer a comprehensive picture for residents seeking care.

**Understanding the Score:**

This assessment doesn't assign a single, definitive "score." Instead, it presents a multifaceted evaluation, drawing on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and independent rating agencies. The aim is to empower individuals with the information necessary to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

A cornerstone of any hospital evaluation is its performance as assessed by CMS. The CMS Star Rating system provides a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality, considering factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA):** While not directly within Waymart, Geisinger Wyoming Valley (GWC) is a significant regional hospital. As of the latest CMS data, GWC holds a commendable four-star rating. This indicates above-average performance across a range of quality measures. GWC is a teaching hospital and offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive cardiac care, cancer treatment, and advanced surgical procedures.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA):** Located a reasonable distance from Waymart, Moses Taylor Hospital is another key player in the region. Moses Taylor Hospital, like GWC, also maintains a good CMS rating. This hospital has a strong reputation for its maternity services and offers specialized care in areas like orthopedics and rehabilitation.

**Other Considerations: Hospitals Without Star Ratings:**

It's important to remember that not all hospitals are rated by CMS. This doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality. Smaller community hospitals may not have the volume of patients required for statistically significant data collection.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to handle urgent medical needs. Shorter wait times generally correlate with better patient outcomes.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** GWC, being a larger facility, typically experiences moderate ER wait times. Data suggests that average wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the overall patient volume. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. It is always best to call ahead if possible.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital, similarly, strives to maintain reasonable ER wait times. However, as with any emergency room, wait times can vary. Patients should be aware that the severity of their condition will influence triage priority.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care:**

Access to specialized medical expertise is vital for managing complex health conditions. This section explores the availability of specialized centers within the region.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** GWC boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers. These include a renowned heart and vascular institute, a cancer institute offering advanced treatment options, and specialized centers for women's health and neurological disorders. They also have a robust transplant program.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor provides specialized care in areas like orthopedics, offering advanced surgical procedures and rehabilitation services. They also have a strong focus on women's health, with a dedicated maternity ward and gynecological services.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care: Expanding Access:**

Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare delivery, offering convenient access to medical consultations and follow-up care.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Geisinger Health System, which includes GWC, has a well-established telehealth program. They offer virtual visits for a wide range of specialties, including primary care, cardiology, and behavioral health. This allows patients to connect with providers remotely, reducing the need for in-person appointments.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Moses Taylor Hospital has also expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty accessing traditional healthcare facilities.

**Additional Factors to Consider:**

Beyond the core metrics, several other factors contribute to a hospital's overall health score.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and the overall cleanliness and comfort of the environment.

**Infection Control:** Hospitals are constantly working to prevent hospital-acquired infections. Monitoring infection rates, such as those for surgical site infections and bloodstream infections, is a crucial indicator of a hospital's commitment to patient safety.

**Community Health Needs Assessments:** Hospitals are often involved in community health needs assessments. These assessments identify the health needs of the local population and help hospitals develop programs to address those needs.

**Specific Needs and Considerations:**

The "best" hospital for an individual depends on their specific healthcare needs.

**For Cardiac Care:** Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center's heart and vascular institute is a strong contender.

**For Maternity Services:** Moses Taylor Hospital has a strong reputation for its maternity ward.

**For Cancer Treatment:** Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center's cancer institute offers a wide range of treatment options.

**For General Medical Needs:** Both Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital offer comprehensive services.

**Access to Care in Rural Areas:**

Residents of Waymart and surrounding rural areas may face challenges accessing healthcare.

**Transportation:** Transportation can be a significant barrier. Consider the distance to hospitals and the availability of public transportation or ride-sharing services.

**Primary Care Physician Availability:** Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician is essential for preventative care and timely referrals to specialists.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near Waymart, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18473). By considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities, individuals can make informed choices that best suit their healthcare needs. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and consider your individual circumstances when making your decision. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.