15845, Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 15845, Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Evaluating Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15845

This review focuses on evaluating the quality of hypertension care available at hospitals near ZIP code 15845, a rural area in Pennsylvania. The assessment considers factors critical for effective hypertension management, including hospital ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide residents with actionable information to make informed healthcare decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape: The Importance of Proximity and Access**

Living in a rural area like that served by ZIP code 15845 presents unique healthcare challenges. Limited access to specialists, longer travel times, and fewer healthcare facilities can significantly impact the timely diagnosis and management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Therefore, this review prioritizes hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering the practical realities faced by residents.

**Key Hospitals and Their Performance: A Deep Dive**

The closest major hospitals serving the area include those in DuBois, Clearfield, and potentially some facilities further afield in Johnstown and State College. Evaluating their hypertension-related services and performance is crucial.

**Penn Highlands DuBois (DuBois, PA):**

Penn Highlands DuBois is a significant healthcare provider for the region. It holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not the highest rating, it indicates an average performance level. CMS star ratings are based on a composite of measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. Examining specific metrics related to hypertension care is essential.

Emergency room wait times at Penn Highlands DuBois can fluctuate. Publicly available data often shows wait times ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. For individuals experiencing hypertensive crises, rapid access to care is paramount.

Penn Highlands DuBois likely has a cardiology department, which is essential for hypertension management. This department should offer services such as diagnostic testing (echocardiograms, stress tests), medication management, and potentially interventional cardiology procedures. Checking for specific programs focused on hypertension education and lifestyle modification is also important.

Telehealth capabilities are becoming increasingly important. Confirming whether Penn Highlands DuBois offers telehealth consultations with cardiologists or primary care physicians is critical, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments. Telehealth can significantly reduce travel burdens for patients.

**Penn Highlands Clearfield (Clearfield, PA):**

Penn Highlands Clearfield, another facility within the Penn Highlands Healthcare system, is also a key player in providing care. The CMS star rating for this hospital should be checked, as it can vary from its sister facility. The same factors – ER wait times, cardiology services, and telehealth offerings – should be assessed.

Clearfield, being a smaller community, might have different wait times and resource availability compared to DuBois. The specifics of the cardiology department, including the availability of specialized hypertension clinics or programs, need to be investigated.

**Other Potential Options: Exploring Beyond Immediate Proximity**

Depending on the severity of the condition and the availability of specialized care, residents may consider hospitals further afield.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown, PA):**

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, located in Johnstown, is a larger hospital with a potentially broader range of specialized services. Its CMS star rating and ER wait times should be checked. Conemaugh likely has a comprehensive cardiology department and may offer specialized programs for hypertension management.

The distance from ZIP code 15845 to Johnstown is a significant factor. While Conemaugh may offer superior services, the travel time needs to be weighed against the urgency of the situation.

**Mount Nittany Medical Center (State College, PA):**

Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College is another potential option. The hospital's CMS star rating, ER wait times, and cardiology services need to be evaluated. State College offers a broader range of specialists and subspecialists than smaller towns. The distance, however, is a major consideration.

**Assessing Hypertension Care: Key Metrics and Considerations**

Evaluating hospital performance in hypertension care requires focusing on several key metrics.

**1. CMS Star Ratings and Other Quality Metrics:** CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital performance. However, they don't always specifically reflect the quality of hypertension care. Looking for hospitals with high ratings in areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience is beneficial.

**2. Emergency Room Wait Times:** Rapid access to care is crucial for hypertensive crises. Hospitals with shorter ER wait times are preferable.

**3. Cardiology Department Capabilities:** A robust cardiology department is essential. This includes access to cardiologists, diagnostic testing, and interventional procedures.

**4. Specialized Hypertension Programs:** Hospitals with dedicated hypertension clinics or programs that offer education, lifestyle modification support, and medication management are highly desirable.

**5. Telehealth Services:** Telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments. Hospitals offering telehealth consultations with cardiologists or primary care physicians are preferred.

**6. Medication Management:** The hospital should have a system for managing medications, including medication reconciliation and education on potential side effects.

**7. Patient Education:** Hospitals should provide patients with education on hypertension, including lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques.

**8. Readmission Rates:** Lower readmission rates for hypertension-related conditions indicate better management and patient outcomes.

**9. Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores can provide insights into the quality of care and the patient experience.

**10. Availability of Support Services:** Access to dietitians, exercise physiologists, and other healthcare professionals can improve hypertension management.

**Data Sources and Verification: The Importance of Accuracy**

Information on hospital performance can be found from several sources.

* **CMS Hospital Compare:** This website provides CMS star ratings, patient experience scores, and other quality metrics.
* **Hospital Websites:** Hospital websites often provide information on services, departments, and physician directories.
* **Healthgrades and U.S. News & World Report:** These websites provide hospital ratings and rankings, although they may use different methodologies than CMS.
* **State Health Department Websites:** State health departments may publish data on hospital performance.

It is crucial to verify information from multiple sources and to check the dates of the data. Healthcare information can change rapidly.

**The Role of the Primary Care Physician**

Regardless of the hospital chosen, the primary care physician (PCP) plays a vital role in hypertension management. The PCP should be involved in the initial diagnosis, medication management, and ongoing monitoring. Patients should maintain regular appointments with their PCP and communicate any concerns or changes in their condition.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care is a crucial decision. Residents of ZIP code 15845 should carefully evaluate the hospitals in their area, considering factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, cardiology services, and telehealth capabilities. Proximity, however, is a key factor, and the best choice will likely be a balance between access and quality. This review provides a framework for making informed decisions, but it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.