18708, Shavertown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18708, Shavertown, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Wilkes-Barre, PA (18708)

Finding the right healthcare provider is a critical decision, and the area around Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18708) offers a diverse landscape of medical facilities. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth availability. This analysis aims to help residents and visitors make informed choices about their healthcare needs.

**The Flagship: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center**

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township (within the 18708 vicinity) stands as a regional powerhouse. It's a large, multi-specialty facility and a core component of the Geisinger Health System, known for its integrated care model. This model emphasizes coordinated care across various departments and facilities, aiming for a seamless patient experience.

CMS Star Rating: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance on various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of quality.

Emergency Room Performance: ER wait times are a crucial consideration. While specific, real-time data fluctuates, Geisinger Wyoming Valley generally experiences wait times that are in line with, or slightly above, the national average. It's advisable to check current wait times via their website or through online platforms before heading to the ER, especially during peak hours.

Specialty Centers: Geisinger Wyoming Valley boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. These include a robust cardiology program, offering advanced diagnostic and interventional procedures. Their cancer institute provides a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, encompassing surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. The hospital also features a dedicated women's health center, providing services from obstetrics and gynecology to specialized breast care. Orthopedic services are also well-developed, with a focus on joint replacements and sports medicine.

Telehealth: Geisinger has been a leader in telehealth, and Geisinger Wyoming Valley benefits from this. They offer a wide array of telehealth services, including virtual visits for primary care, specialist consultations, and remote monitoring programs for chronic conditions. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.

**Other Key Players: Mercy Hospital and Commonwealth Health System**

Mercy Hospital, also located in the Wilkes-Barre area, is another significant player. While specific CMS star ratings can change, it's important to verify its current standing on the CMS website. Mercy Hospital offers a variety of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized medical treatments.

Commonwealth Health System also has a presence in the region. This system operates several hospitals and facilities, and their specific offerings vary. Individual facilities within the Commonwealth Health System should be evaluated separately for their specific services, quality ratings, and ER performance.

**Emergency Room Considerations: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating any hospital. Longer wait times can indicate overcrowding, staffing shortages, or inefficiencies in the emergency department. It's essential to understand that wait times are dynamic and can fluctuate significantly based on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

Factors influencing wait times include the number of patients arriving, the availability of doctors and nurses, and the complexity of the medical conditions being treated. While hospitals strive to minimize wait times, they are often unavoidable, particularly during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Diverse Needs**

The availability of specialized medical centers is a critical factor in assessing the overall healthcare landscape. These centers provide focused expertise and advanced technologies for specific medical conditions.

Cardiology: Look for hospitals with accredited cardiology programs, offering services like cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and electrophysiology studies. These procedures are essential for diagnosing and treating heart conditions.

Cancer Care: A comprehensive cancer center should offer a multidisciplinary approach, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services. Look for hospitals with advanced radiation therapy equipment and access to clinical trials.

Women's Health: Hospitals should provide a range of women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology, mammography, and specialized care for conditions like breast cancer and pelvic floor disorders.

Orthopedics: Look for hospitals with experienced orthopedic surgeons, offering joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, and treatment for fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to access medical care remotely, through video consultations, phone calls, and remote monitoring.

Benefits of Telehealth: Telehealth offers numerous advantages, including increased access to specialists, reduced travel time, and improved convenience for patients. It can also facilitate chronic disease management and provide access to mental health services.

Factors to Consider: When evaluating telehealth services, consider the types of services offered, the availability of appointments, and the technical requirements for participation.

**Factors Beyond the Hospital Walls: Community Health**

Beyond the hospitals themselves, the overall health of the community plays a role in individual well-being. Access to primary care physicians, preventative care services, and community resources can significantly impact health outcomes.

Primary Care: Ensure you have access to a primary care physician for routine checkups, preventative screenings, and management of chronic conditions.

Preventative Care: Take advantage of preventative care services, such as vaccinations, screenings for cancer and other diseases, and lifestyle counseling.

Community Resources: Utilize community resources, such as support groups, health education programs, and social services, to support your overall health and well-being.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for the 18708 area is complex, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the various healthcare providers. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, as the flagship, offers a broad range of services, a strong telehealth program, and a robust network of specialty centers. However, its CMS star rating, while acceptable, suggests room for improvement. ER wait times, while variable, should be monitored.

Mercy Hospital and facilities within the Commonwealth Health System offer additional options, but their individual quality metrics should be carefully assessed.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Prioritize your healthcare needs. If you have a specific medical condition, research the hospitals and specialists that offer the best care for that condition.
* **Check CMS Ratings:** Regularly check the CMS website for the most up-to-date star ratings for hospitals.
* **Investigate ER Wait Times:** Before heading to the ER, check current wait times online or by phone.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Consider telehealth services for convenient access to care.
* **Establish a Primary Care Physician:** Having a primary care physician is crucial for preventative care and overall health management.
* **Consider Insurance Coverage:** Ensure your insurance plan covers the hospitals and specialists you choose.

This review provides a starting point for evaluating healthcare options in the 18708 area. Individual needs and circumstances will vary, and thorough research is essential to make informed decisions about your health. The "Overall Health Score" is not a definitive ranking, but a guide to navigating the complex landscape of healthcare in this region.