18507, Moosic, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18507, Moosic, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Scranton, PA (ZIP Code 18507)

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the healthcare landscape surrounding the 18507 ZIP code, encompassing Scranton, Pennsylvania, and its immediate vicinity. We'll delve into the key players, assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth capabilities. This is not a ranking, but rather a comprehensive overview to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**The Major Players: Geisinger and Commonwealth Health**

The Scranton area is largely dominated by two major healthcare systems: Geisinger and Commonwealth Health. Both offer a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized treatments. Their presence significantly shapes the local healthcare ecosystem.

**Geisinger: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger, a well-regarded integrated health system, has a substantial footprint in the region. While no single hospital is located directly within the 18507 ZIP code, several Geisinger facilities are easily accessible and frequently serve residents of Scranton.

**Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC):** Located in Scranton, GCMC is a key facility. It’s a general medical and surgical hospital, and its performance is crucial for local healthcare access. GCMC has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. ER wait times at GCMC, as reported by CMS, can fluctuate, so it's wise to check current wait times online or via phone before heading to the ER. GCMC offers a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. They also have a strong focus on telehealth, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring programs to expand access to care.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWVMC):** Situated in nearby Wilkes-Barre, GWVMC is another major Geisinger facility serving the Scranton area. GWVMC boasts a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to GCMC. GWVMC's ER wait times are also available on the CMS website and are worth checking. GWVMC has advanced specialty centers, including a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, a cancer center, and a dedicated women's health center. Telehealth is integrated into its services, offering convenient access to specialists and follow-up care.

**Commonwealth Health: A Local Presence**

Commonwealth Health, another significant healthcare provider in the region, operates several hospitals and clinics.

**Regional Hospital of Scranton:** This hospital, located within Scranton, is a vital component of the Commonwealth Health system. It is a general medical and surgical facility, serving a diverse patient population. Regional Hospital of Scranton has a 2-star CMS rating. This rating is an indicator of the hospital's performance, and it is important to note that ratings can change over time. ER wait times at Regional Hospital of Scranton, like other hospitals, can vary, so checking current wait times is advisable. The hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and emergency care. Commonwealth Health is also investing in telehealth initiatives to broaden access to care, though specific details on their telehealth statistics for Regional Hospital of Scranton are not readily available.

**Other Commonwealth Health Facilities:** Commonwealth Health operates other facilities in the area, including Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton. These facilities provide additional options for healthcare services, including specialized care.

**Comparing the Players: A Snapshot**

Comparing Geisinger and Commonwealth Health, Geisinger generally has higher CMS star ratings, particularly at GWVMC. However, both systems offer a wide range of services, and the best choice for a patient depends on their individual needs and preferences. Patient experience, as measured by surveys, is a crucial aspect of healthcare quality, and it's important to consider patient feedback when evaluating hospitals.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients. The CMS website provides data on ER wait times for each hospital. These times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. It is important to note that these are average wait times, and individual experiences may differ. Checking real-time wait times before visiting an ER can help patients manage their expectations and make informed decisions.

**Specialty Centers: Access to Advanced Care**

Both Geisinger and Commonwealth Health offer specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. These centers provide specialized care for patients with complex medical conditions. Access to these centers is a critical factor in the overall health score of the region. Specific data on the volume of procedures performed at these centers, patient outcomes, and physician expertise can be found on hospital websites and through other sources.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Both Geisinger and Commonwealth Health have invested in telehealth initiatives, offering virtual visits, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and provide patients with greater convenience. The availability of telehealth services is a significant factor in the overall health score of the region. Specific data on the utilization of telehealth services, patient satisfaction, and the types of telehealth services offered can be found on hospital websites and through other sources.

**Outpatient Services: Beyond Hospital Walls**

Beyond inpatient care, both health systems offer extensive outpatient services. These include primary care clinics, specialist offices, and diagnostic centers. The availability of these services is crucial for preventive care, chronic disease management, and overall health maintenance. The number of outpatient visits, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with outpatient care are all important factors in the overall health score.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provide valuable insights into patient perceptions of care. These surveys assess factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and the cleanliness of the hospital environment. Patient experience is a key factor in the overall health score of the region.

**Community Health Needs Assessments: Understanding Local Needs**

Hospitals are required to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) to identify the health needs of the communities they serve. These assessments provide valuable information about the health challenges facing the region, such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and access to care. The findings of these assessments are used to develop strategies to improve community health. Reviewing the CHNAs of local hospitals can provide valuable insights into the health priorities of the region.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The healthcare landscape surrounding the 18507 ZIP code is characterized by the presence of Geisinger and Commonwealth Health, each offering a range of services. Geisinger generally has higher CMS star ratings, but both systems provide essential care. ER wait times, specialty offerings, telehealth capabilities, and patient experience are all important factors to consider when evaluating hospitals. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each provider, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. This report provides a starting point for further research and consultation with healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible care. Continuous monitoring of hospital performance, including CMS ratings and patient feedback, is essential to stay informed about the evolving healthcare landscape.