18612, Dallas, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18612, Dallas, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Dallas, PA (ZIP Code 18612)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Dallas, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18612), access to quality medical care is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals in the vicinity, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and more. This is not a ranking, but a comprehensive overview to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Dallas area are clustered around Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, offering a range of services. Proximity is a key consideration for emergency situations and routine appointments. This review focuses on the hospitals most readily accessible to the 18612 ZIP code.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre)**

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWVMC) is a major player, serving as a flagship hospital within the Geisinger Health System. Located in Wilkes-Barre, it's a relatively short drive for Dallas residents. GWVMC boasts a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not the highest possible score, it indicates an average performance compared to other hospitals nationally.

GWVMC houses a comprehensive emergency department. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, it's crucial to understand that these can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of cases. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, and for non-life-threatening conditions, exploring urgent care options might be prudent.

Specialty centers at GWVMC are robust. They offer advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. The hospital also has a well-regarded cancer center, providing radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. Further, GWVMC features a robust women's health program, including obstetrics and gynecology.

Telehealth capabilities are increasingly important. Geisinger has invested significantly in telehealth, offering virtual visits for various specialties. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. The availability of telehealth can improve access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

**Commonwealth Health – Wilkes-Barre General Hospital (Wilkes-Barre)**

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, part of the Commonwealth Health system, is another significant option. It's also located in Wilkes-Barre, making it easily accessible to Dallas residents. The hospital currently holds a 2-star CMS rating, indicating performance that is below average compared to national benchmarks.

The emergency department at Wilkes-Barre General provides 24/7 care. However, as with any ER, wait times are subject to variability. It's advisable to have an understanding of potential wait times and to consider urgent care options for non-critical conditions.

Wilkes-Barre General provides a range of specialty services. These include cardiology, orthopedics, and a stroke center. The hospital also features a surgical program offering a variety of procedures.

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly common at Wilkes-Barre General. While specific details on the scope of their telehealth program might vary, it's worth inquiring about virtual visit options for consultations and follow-up care.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton)**

Located in Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital offers an alternative for Dallas residents. While a slightly longer drive than Wilkes-Barre hospitals, it remains a viable option. Moses Taylor is part of the Commonwealth Health system. The hospital’s CMS rating is 3 stars.

Moses Taylor's emergency department provides comprehensive care. As with other ERs, wait times are a factor to consider. Patients should be aware of potential wait times and weigh their options accordingly.

Moses Taylor offers specialty services, including cardiac care, orthopedics, and a comprehensive cancer center. The hospital also has a surgical program.

Telehealth options are available at Moses Taylor. It's advisable to inquire about the specific telehealth services offered, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Other Considerations: Ancillary Services and Urgent Care**

Beyond the major hospitals, the availability of ancillary services is important. This includes imaging centers, outpatient surgery centers, and rehabilitation facilities. Dallas residents should investigate the proximity and accessibility of these services to complement the care provided by the hospitals.

Urgent care centers are a valuable resource for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Several urgent care facilities are located in the vicinity of Dallas, offering a convenient alternative to the ER for certain conditions. These facilities typically have shorter wait times and are often more cost-effective than a hospital emergency room for minor medical needs.

**Specific Metrics: ER Wait Times and Patient Satisfaction**

ER wait times are a crucial metric. While real-time data fluctuates, understanding average wait times for each hospital can help patients make informed decisions. This information is often available on hospital websites or through online resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website.

Patient satisfaction is another important factor. The CMS Hospital Compare website provides patient experience data, including ratings on communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and overall hospital rating. Reviewing these ratings can provide insights into the quality of care and the patient experience at each hospital.

**Specialty Centers: Cancer Care and Cardiac Services**

For individuals requiring specialized care, the availability of advanced specialty centers is paramount. Both Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Moses Taylor have well-regarded cancer centers, offering comprehensive cancer treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The specific services offered and the expertise of the medical staff should be carefully considered.

Cardiac care is another critical specialty. Both Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Wilkes-Barre General offer cardiac services, including interventional cardiology, diagnostic testing, and cardiac surgery. The availability of advanced procedures, such as angioplasty and bypass surgery, is a key factor in assessing the quality of cardiac care.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Geisinger has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits for various specialties. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Wilkes-Barre General and Moses Taylor also offer telehealth options, and the specific services offered should be researched.

**Financial Considerations: Insurance and Costs**

Healthcare costs are a significant concern. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and understand their out-of-pocket expenses at each hospital. This includes co-pays, deductibles, and the cost of specific procedures. Hospitals often have financial assistance programs for patients who qualify.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

For residents of Dallas, PA (18612), access to quality healthcare is within reach. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital are easily accessible options, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton provides an additional choice.

* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Offers a comprehensive range of services, a strong specialty center network, and a robust telehealth program. Its 3-star CMS rating indicates average performance.
* **Wilkes-Barre General Hospital:** Provides a range of services. Its 2-star CMS rating suggests below-average performance.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital:** Offers a range of services and a 3-star CMS rating.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single number, but a composite assessment based on the factors discussed. Residents should consider their individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when selecting a healthcare provider. Researching specific wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth capabilities is crucial. Utilizing urgent care centers for non-emergency conditions can also improve access to care and potentially reduce costs. The healthcare landscape near Dallas, PA, provides options, and informed decision-making is key to ensuring access to the best possible care.