18644, Wyoming, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18644, Wyoming, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Mountain Top, PA (ZIP Code 18644)

Finding the right healthcare can be daunting. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Mountain Top, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18644), considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This analysis prioritizes data-driven insights, focusing on publicly available information from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and independent healthcare rating agencies. The goal is to provide residents with a clear understanding of their local healthcare options.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The immediate vicinity of Mountain Top, PA, doesn't boast a vast array of hospitals. Residents typically rely on facilities within a 15- to 30-mile radius. This review focuses on the most relevant options, emphasizing those that offer a comprehensive range of services and are readily accessible. The primary hospitals considered are those in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, the closest cities with significant healthcare infrastructure.

**Hospital Profiles: Key Players and Their Scores**

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA):** Geisinger Wyoming Valley is a major player in the region. As part of the Geisinger Health System, it benefits from a large network and integrated care model. The hospital holds a respectable 3-star rating from CMS. While not the highest possible score, it indicates an average level of quality compared to other hospitals nationwide. Geisinger Wyoming Valley has a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and a comprehensive stroke center. Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor. While specific real-time data fluctuates, publicly available data suggests average ER wait times that can vary. Patients should check current wait times online or by phone before arriving. Telehealth is a significant focus for Geisinger, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring services to enhance patient access and convenience.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA):** Located in Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital is a community hospital with a focus on providing a broad range of medical services. It is part of the Commonwealth Health network. CMS has assigned Moses Taylor Hospital a 2-star rating. This rating suggests areas for improvement in quality metrics. Moses Taylor offers services including cardiology, orthopedics, and emergency care. ER wait times are a critical consideration. Like other hospitals, wait times can fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. Telehealth options at Moses Taylor are available, though the scope and availability may be more limited than at larger health systems.

**Regional Hospital of Scranton (Scranton, PA):** Regional Hospital of Scranton is another hospital in Scranton, offering a range of medical services. It is part of the Community Health Systems network. CMS has assigned Regional Hospital of Scranton a 3-star rating. This rating indicates an average level of quality compared to other hospitals nationwide. Regional Hospital offers services including cardiology, orthopedics, and emergency care. ER wait times are a critical consideration. Like other hospitals, wait times can fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. Telehealth options at Regional Hospital are available, though the scope and availability may be more limited than at larger health systems.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Deep Dives**

Beyond general hospital ratings, specific specialty centers and services are crucial for informed healthcare decisions.

**Cardiology:** Geisinger Wyoming Valley has a well-regarded cardiology program, offering comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital also offer cardiology services, although the scope and complexity of procedures may vary.

**Oncology:** Geisinger Wyoming Valley has a comprehensive cancer center, providing a range of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital also offer oncology services, but the breadth of services may be more limited.

**Orthopedics:** All three hospitals offer orthopedic services, including joint replacements, sports medicine, and fracture care. The specific expertise and technologies available can vary between institutions.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a key indicator of access to care. While specific real-time data fluctuates, it's essential to research current wait times before heading to the ER. Websites like those of the hospitals and third-party sites like Google provide some information, though this should be verified. Longer wait times can indicate higher patient volume or staffing challenges.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access and Convenience**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important. Geisinger Health System has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other digital health solutions. This can improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital also offer some telehealth options, though the scope and availability may be more limited.

**Patient Experience: Beyond the Numbers**

While CMS star ratings and wait times are important, patient experience is equally crucial. Factors like communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the facilities all contribute to the overall patient experience. Online reviews from patients can provide valuable insights into these aspects, although they should be considered alongside other data.

**Accessibility: Navigating the Distance**

Accessibility is a key consideration for residents of Mountain Top. Driving times to the hospitals in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton can vary depending on traffic and road conditions. Public transportation options are limited in the area. Patients should factor in travel time when choosing a hospital.

**Overall Health Score: A Comparative Assessment**

Based on the available data, here's a comparative assessment of the hospitals near Mountain Top, PA:

* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center:** Offers a comprehensive range of services, a respectable CMS rating, and a strong telehealth program. However, wait times can be variable. Overall, it's a strong option for those seeking a wide range of care.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital:** Provides a broad range of services, but the CMS rating is lower. Wait times should be monitored. It's a viable option, particularly for those seeking local care.
* **Regional Hospital of Scranton:** Provides a broad range of services, with a CMS rating of 3 stars. Wait times should be monitored. It's a viable option, particularly for those seeking local care.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Patients should research the specific services they need and identify hospitals that offer those services.
* **Check Wait Times:** Before going to the ER, check current wait times online or by phone.
* **Consider Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options to improve access and convenience.
* **Read Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews to gain insights into patient experiences.
* **Factor in Travel Time:** Consider travel time and accessibility when choosing a hospital.
* **Consult with Your Primary Care Physician:** Discuss your healthcare needs and preferences with your primary care physician.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a data-driven assessment of the healthcare options near Mountain Top, PA. By considering the factors discussed, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. This analysis is based on publicly available information and is intended to be a starting point for further research and consultation with healthcare professionals. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so it is crucial to stay informed and regularly re-evaluate healthcare choices.