18801, Montrose, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18801, Montrose, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Sayre, PA (ZIP Code 18801)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Sayre, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18801) and the surrounding areas, understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities, to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Flagship: Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital**

The undisputed leader in the region is Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, located in Sayre itself. This is the primary healthcare provider for the area, and its performance significantly impacts the overall health score for the region. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is a large, multi-specialty hospital, and it’s a teaching hospital, which often indicates a commitment to cutting-edge medical practices.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on a variety of quality measures. These ratings are a valuable, albeit imperfect, tool for comparing hospitals. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects a hospital that is considered to be average in terms of overall quality. It's essential to remember that this is a snapshot in time and that hospital performance can fluctuate.

CMS evaluates hospitals across several categories, including mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, effectiveness of care, timeliness of care, and efficient use of medical imaging. Examining the specific performance of Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in these areas provides a more nuanced understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

**Emergency Room Performance**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for patients needing immediate care. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital’s ER wait times are a key indicator of its accessibility. While specific, real-time wait times can fluctuate dramatically, data suggests that the hospital generally strives to keep wait times within a reasonable range, although it’s advisable to check current wait times through online resources or by calling the hospital directly before arriving.

**Specialty Services and Centers of Excellence**

Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty services. The hospital has a strong cardiology program, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. It also has a well-regarded cancer center, offering radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. Other notable specialties include orthopedics, neurology, and a robust women's health program. The hospital’s commitment to these specialized areas contributes significantly to the overall health score.

**Telehealth Capabilities**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital has invested in telehealth infrastructure, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for patients who live far from the hospital or have difficulty traveling. The availability of telehealth services enhances accessibility and convenience, contributing positively to the overall health score.

**Other Hospitals in the Region**

While Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is the primary healthcare provider, other hospitals in the surrounding area also serve residents of the 18801 ZIP code. These include hospitals in nearby cities such as Elmira, New York, and Towanda, Pennsylvania.

**UPMC Williamsport**

UPMC Williamsport, located approximately an hour and a half south of Sayre, is a larger hospital with a more extensive range of services. It is a regional referral center, and its reputation often draws patients from a wide geographic area. UPMC Williamsport has a **3-star rating** from CMS.

**Emergency Room Performance and Specialty Services**

UPMC Williamsport has a busy emergency room, and wait times can vary. The hospital offers a broad spectrum of specialty services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and a comprehensive cancer center. Its size and resources allow it to handle complex medical cases.

**Telehealth and Accessibility**

UPMC Williamsport has a well-developed telehealth program, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty accessing in-person care.

**Other Considerations**

**Patient Experience**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall health. Both Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and UPMC Williamsport are rated on patient experience through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. This survey assesses patient satisfaction with various aspects of their care, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment. Reviewing HCAHPS scores provides valuable insight into patient perceptions.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Accessibility is a significant factor, especially in a rural area. The distance to hospitals and the availability of transportation can impact access to care. Residents of Sayre should consider the travel time to hospitals, the availability of public transportation, and the ease of parking when making healthcare decisions.

**Community Health Needs Assessment**

Hospitals are required to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) to identify the health needs of the communities they serve. Reviewing the CHNAs of Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and UPMC Williamsport provides valuable insight into the specific health challenges facing the residents of the region. These assessments often highlight areas of concern, such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and access to care.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The overall health score for the region surrounding Sayre, PA (ZIP Code 18801) is influenced primarily by the performance of Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and, to a lesser extent, by the availability of services at UPMC Williamsport and other regional facilities.

**Strengths:**

* **Comprehensive Services:** Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital offers a broad range of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. UPMC Williamsport provides even broader services.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Both hospitals have invested in telehealth infrastructure, improving access to care for remote patients.
* **Specialized Centers:** Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and UPMC Williamsport have specialized centers for cancer, heart care, and other conditions.

**Weaknesses:**

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Both Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and UPMC Williamsport have a 3-star rating from CMS, indicating average quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times can vary, potentially impacting access to timely care.
* **Accessibility:** Residents in rural areas may face challenges related to transportation and distance to hospitals.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Patients should research hospitals based on their specific healthcare needs, considering the availability of specialized services and the expertise of the medical staff.
* **Check Wait Times:** Patients needing emergency care should check current ER wait times before arriving at the hospital.
* **Consider Telehealth:** Patients should explore telehealth options for convenient access to healthcare services.
* **Review Patient Experience Data:** Patients should review patient experience data, such as HCAHPS scores, to understand patient satisfaction levels.
* **Stay Informed:** Residents should stay informed about the latest developments in healthcare in the region, including new services, technology upgrades, and quality improvements.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Sayre, PA (ZIP Code 18801) offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital serves as the primary healthcare provider, with a range of specialty services and telehealth capabilities. UPMC Williamsport provides additional options. While both hospitals have average CMS star ratings, they are actively working to improve quality and patient care. Residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs, research available resources, and make informed decisions to ensure they receive the best possible care. This "Overall Health Score" assessment provides a starting point for that process.