18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 18826

Finding the right healthcare can be daunting. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near the 18826 ZIP code, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on publicly available data. This score considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. Remember, this is a snapshot based on available data and should not replace consultation with a medical professional.

**Defining the Scope: Proximity and Data Availability**

The primary focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 18826, encompassing the areas of Montrose, PA, and surrounding communities. Data availability dictates the scope; some smaller facilities may lack comprehensive public reporting. This review prioritizes hospitals with robust data sets from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), state health departments, and publicly available hospital websites.

**The Overall Health Score: A Composite View**

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single number but a qualitative assessment based on the following weighted factors: CMS Star Ratings (40%), ER Wait Times (20%), Specialty Center Availability (20%), and Telehealth Capabilities (20%). Each factor is assessed based on available data and weighted accordingly.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

**Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital (Sayre, PA):** This is a major regional player, a large, multi-specialty hospital. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is the flagship hospital of the Guthrie system and is located approximately 20 miles from 18826. Its CMS star rating is a crucial data point. As of the most recent data, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital holds a solid CMS star rating, indicating a good overall performance based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. The hospital's Emergency Department (ED) wait times are a key indicator of accessibility. Publicly available data indicates a moderate average wait time. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, and a renowned neurosciences institute. The hospital has a well-developed telehealth program, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring capabilities. The Guthrie system has been actively expanding its telehealth services, making it easier for patients to access care remotely. This includes virtual urgent care and specialist consultations.

**Other Hospitals in the Vicinity:**

**Tyler Memorial Hospital (Tunkhannock, PA):** Located closer to 18826, Tyler Memorial Hospital is another important option. As a smaller community hospital, its CMS star rating may differ from larger regional facilities. Tyler Memorial Hospital's CMS star rating is generally a good indicator of overall quality. ER wait times are a critical factor for emergency care. Tyler Memorial Hospital generally has shorter ER wait times than larger regional hospitals. Tyler Memorial Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including primary care, surgical services, and rehabilitation. Tyler Memorial Hospital is increasingly investing in telehealth options, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Endless Mountains Health Systems (Montrose, PA):** This hospital is located in the heart of the 18826 area. The CMS star rating for Endless Mountains Health Systems is a key indicator of overall quality. ER wait times are a critical factor for emergency care. Endless Mountains Health Systems generally has shorter ER wait times than larger regional hospitals. Endless Mountains Health Systems offers a range of specialty services, including primary care, surgical services, and rehabilitation. Endless Mountains Health Systems is increasingly investing in telehealth options, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Analyzing the Key Factors:**

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

CMS star ratings are a valuable tool for assessing hospital quality. These ratings, based on data collected through the Hospital Compare website, evaluate hospitals on various factors, including patient outcomes (mortality, readmission rates), safety (hospital-acquired infections, complications), patient experience (surveys), and timely and effective care. Higher star ratings (up to five stars) indicate better overall performance. Hospitals with lower ratings may have areas for improvement.

**ER Wait Times: Access to Urgent Care**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for evaluating hospital accessibility. Shorter wait times indicate quicker access to care in emergency situations. Long wait times can lead to increased patient anxiety and potentially worse outcomes. Hospitals strive to minimize wait times while ensuring quality of care. Data on ER wait times is often publicly available, either through hospital websites or government agencies.

**Specialty Centers: Specialized Care Availability**

The availability of specialty centers is a key indicator of a hospital's ability to provide comprehensive care. These centers focus on specific medical areas, such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and neurology. The presence of these centers indicates a hospital's commitment to providing specialized services and advanced treatments. Hospitals with a wide range of specialty centers are often better equipped to handle complex medical cases.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth capabilities include virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online access to medical records. Hospitals with robust telehealth programs can improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from medical facilities or have difficulty traveling. Telehealth can also facilitate follow-up appointments and chronic disease management.

**Comparing the Hospitals: A Comparative Analysis**

Comparing the hospitals near 18826 requires considering the data across all four factors. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, being a larger regional hospital, generally offers a wider range of specialty services and a well-developed telehealth program. Its CMS star rating provides a good indication of overall quality. However, ER wait times might be slightly longer than at smaller community hospitals. Tyler Memorial Hospital and Endless Mountains Health Systems, being closer to 18826, offer convenient access to care. While they may have fewer specialty services compared to Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, their shorter ER wait times can be a significant advantage in emergency situations. Their telehealth programs are also evolving.

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

Based on the available data, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital receives a strong "Overall Health Score" due to its high CMS star rating, comprehensive specialty centers, and well-established telehealth program. Tyler Memorial Hospital and Endless Mountains Health Systems also receive positive scores, with the edge going to Tyler Memorial Hospital because of its shorter wait times. These scores are intended to be a guide, not a definitive judgment.

**Important Considerations and Caveats:**

* **Data Limitations:** This review is based on publicly available data, which may not always be complete or up-to-date.
* **Individual Needs:** The best hospital for an individual depends on their specific healthcare needs and preferences.
* **Patient Experience:** The CMS star ratings include patient experience data, but individual experiences can vary.
* **Consultation is Key:** This review is not a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional. Always discuss your healthcare needs with your doctor.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near 18826. By considering the CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, individuals can make more informed decisions about their healthcare needs. It is essential to supplement this information with personal research, consultation with healthcare providers, and consideration of individual circumstances.