18706, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18706, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Wilkes-Barre, PA (ZIP Code 18706)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area (ZIP code 18706), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings, to help you make informed decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Their Reach**

The primary healthcare providers serving the 18706 ZIP code are Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. These hospitals are the cornerstones of local medical care, providing a wide range of services to the community. While other facilities exist within a reasonable driving distance, these two are the most readily accessible for residents of Wilkes-Barre.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWVMC) is a major player in the region. Part of the larger Geisinger Health system, it boasts a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Unfortunately, publicly available data regarding ER wait times for GWVMC is limited. However, the hospital is known for its commitment to prompt care, with a focus on streamlining processes.

GWVMC is a teaching hospital, which often translates to a higher level of expertise and access to cutting-edge treatments. It offers a broad spectrum of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. The hospital has a dedicated heart and vascular institute, offering advanced diagnostic and interventional procedures. GWVMC also houses a comprehensive cancer center, providing radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services.

Geisinger has been a pioneer in telehealth. They have robust telehealth programs, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring for various conditions. This is particularly valuable for residents in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. While specific telehealth statistics for GWVMC are not readily available, the hospital system's overall commitment to telehealth suggests a significant presence in the 18706 area.

**Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital: A Community Focus**

Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital is another key provider in the area. While specific ER wait times are not consistently reported, the hospital strives to provide timely emergency care to its patients.

Wilkes-Barre General offers a wide range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It has a dedicated maternity unit and a comprehensive surgical department. The hospital also has a strong focus on community outreach and preventive care programs.

Like Geisinger, Wilkes-Barre General is expanding its telehealth offerings. While specific data is unavailable, the hospital is actively investing in virtual care options to improve patient access and convenience.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a standardized measure of quality. These ratings consider factors such as patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. It is crucial to check the most up-to-date CMS star ratings for each hospital, as these can change over time. This information is readily available on the CMS Hospital Compare website. Keep in mind that the absence of a star rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but rather a lack of sufficient data for CMS to assign a rating.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a significant concern for anyone seeking immediate medical attention. While precise, real-time data for the hospitals in the 18706 area is not consistently available in a single, public source, it is recommended to check with each hospital directly or consult local news outlets for the most current information. Factors like the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition can all impact wait times.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care**

Both Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Wilkes-Barre General offer specialty centers, catering to specific medical needs. Geisinger's heart and vascular institute and cancer center are examples of specialized care. Wilkes-Barre General's focus on women's health and surgical services also provide access to specialized expertise. The availability of these centers reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized treatments.

**Telehealth: The Future of Healthcare**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Geisinger and Wilkes-Barre General are expanding their telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services. This is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, those living in remote areas, or those who find it difficult to travel to appointments. Telehealth also offers the potential for improved access to specialists and more convenient follow-up care.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond the key metrics, other factors contribute to a hospital's overall health score. These include:

* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into the patient experience.
* **Hospital Safety:** Data on hospital-acquired infections, medication errors, and other safety measures are crucial indicators of quality.
* **Community Reputation:** Word-of-mouth reviews and online ratings can offer valuable perspectives on a hospital's reputation within the community.
* **Financial Stability:** The financial health of a hospital can impact its ability to invest in new technologies, recruit skilled staff, and provide quality care.

**The Overall Health Score: A Preliminary Assessment**

Based on the available information, the hospitals near the 18706 ZIP code offer a range of healthcare services. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, with its affiliation with a large health system and its focus on telehealth, appears to have a slight edge in terms of breadth of services and access to advanced technology. However, both hospitals provide essential care to the community.

**Recommendations for 18706 Residents**

1. **Research and Compare:** Before seeking medical care, research both Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre General. Review their websites, check CMS star ratings (when available), and consider patient reviews.
2. **Consider Your Needs:** Evaluate your specific healthcare needs. If you require specialized care, determine which hospital has the appropriate specialty center. If telehealth is important, inquire about each hospital's virtual care options.
3. **Check ER Wait Times:** If you require emergency care, check current ER wait times, if available, or call ahead to the hospital.
4. **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask your primary care physician for recommendations and to discuss your options.
5. **Stay Informed:** Healthcare is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest developments in local hospitals and healthcare services.

**Conclusion: A Dynamic Healthcare Landscape**

The healthcare landscape in the 18706 area is dynamic. Both Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital are committed to providing quality care to the community. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the best possible care. Remember to consult the most up-to-date information from reliable sources to make the most informed choices.