16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Options Near ZIP Code 16740

Living near ZIP code 16740, which encompasses the city of Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, means residents have access to a relatively rural healthcare landscape. Managing hypertension, a serious condition requiring consistent care, necessitates understanding the local hospital options and their capabilities. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of the available resources, focusing on key metrics relevant to hypertension management, including hospital quality, specialty access, and telehealth availability.

**Regional Healthcare Landscape: A Quick Overview**

Port Allegany is situated in McKean County, a region with a sparse population distribution. This impacts healthcare accessibility, requiring residents to often travel to larger centers for specialized services. The primary hospitals serving this area are located in neighboring towns, requiring careful consideration of travel time and service offerings.

**UPMC Hamot: A Flagship Facility with a Focus on Cardiovascular Care**

Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, approximately 80 miles from Port Allegany, UPMC Hamot is a major regional healthcare provider and a significant option for residents needing specialized care. UPMC Hamot boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality, encompassing patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not a perfect indicator, the CMS star rating offers a valuable benchmark for comparison.

UPMC Hamot's cardiology department is a key asset for hypertension management. They offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic testing like echocardiograms and stress tests, along with interventional cardiology procedures. Their physicians are experienced in managing complex hypertension cases, including those resistant to standard treatments. Telehealth is also a growing component of UPMC Hamot's services. While specific telehealth statistics for hypertension management are not readily available, UPMC's broader telehealth programs provide access to specialists and follow-up appointments, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for those in rural areas.

**UPMC Chautauqua: Closer Proximity with Comprehensive Services**

Another UPMC facility, UPMC Chautauqua, located in Jamestown, New York, is a slightly closer option, roughly 60 miles from Port Allegany. While its CMS star rating is not readily available, UPMC Chautauqua offers a broad range of medical services, including cardiology. The hospital's cardiology department provides diagnostic and treatment options for various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension. They likely offer similar services to UPMC Hamot, though the level of specialization might vary.

Access to specialists is crucial for managing hypertension, especially when complications arise. UPMC Chautauqua's proximity makes it a more accessible option for residents of Port Allegany, reducing travel time and potentially improving access to timely care. Information on specific ER wait times for UPMC Chautauqua is difficult to find, but it is generally recommended to call the hospital directly to inquire about current wait times.

**Bradford Regional Medical Center: A Community Hospital Option**

Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC), located in Bradford, Pennsylvania, is a closer option, approximately 20 miles from Port Allegany. As a community hospital, BRMC provides a range of general medical services, including primary care and cardiology. While it might not offer the same level of specialization as UPMC Hamot, BRMC provides essential services for hypertension management, including medication management and routine checkups.

BRMC's cardiology department offers diagnostic testing and treatment options for cardiovascular conditions. While the availability of specific interventional cardiology procedures may be limited compared to larger hospitals, BRMC can provide initial assessment and management of hypertension. Telehealth services might be available, offering remote consultations with specialists. ER wait times can vary, so it is advisable to contact the hospital for current information.

**Olean General Hospital: Another Nearby Choice**

Olean General Hospital, located in Olean, New York, is another regional hospital option, roughly 30 miles from Port Allegany. Olean General provides a range of medical services, including cardiology. The hospital’s cardiology department offers diagnostic testing and treatment options for cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension. The hospital’s proximity makes it a more accessible option for residents of Port Allegany, reducing travel time and potentially improving access to timely care. Information on specific ER wait times for Olean General Hospital is difficult to find, but it is generally recommended to call the hospital directly to inquire about current wait times.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. For residents of Port Allegany, telehealth offers a way to access specialists and receive follow-up care without long travel distances. UPMC, with its extensive network, is at the forefront of telehealth initiatives, offering remote consultations, medication management, and patient education programs. BRMC and other regional hospitals are also likely expanding their telehealth capabilities. Specific statistics on telehealth usage for hypertension management in the area are not readily available, but patients should inquire about these options when seeking care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in a medical emergency related to hypertension, such as a hypertensive crisis. While specific ER wait times for each hospital fluctuate, UPMC Hamot, being a larger facility, may have longer wait times than BRMC or Olean General Hospital. It is essential to contact the specific hospital or check online resources for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers and Access to Experts**

Access to specialists is vital for managing complex hypertension cases. UPMC Hamot, with its broader range of specialists, is the primary option for complex cases. BRMC and Olean General Hospital provide access to general cardiologists and primary care physicians who can manage most hypertension cases.

**Insurance Coverage and Network Considerations**

Insurance coverage is a critical factor in accessing healthcare. Residents of Port Allegany should verify that their insurance plan covers the hospitals and specialists they choose. The UPMC network is extensive, but it is essential to confirm network participation with individual providers.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient reviews and ratings for hospitals and physicians. Residents of Port Allegany should consult these resources to gain a better understanding of the patient experience at each hospital.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

For residents of Port Allegany (ZIP code 16740) managing hypertension, the healthcare landscape presents a mix of options. UPMC Hamot, though further away, offers comprehensive cardiovascular care and a strong reputation. UPMC Chautauqua provides a closer alternative with similar services. BRMC and Olean General Hospital offer accessible community-based care. Telehealth is an increasingly important tool for bridging the distance and improving access to specialists.

When selecting a hospital, consider factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty access, telehealth availability, and insurance coverage. Consult patient reviews and ratings to gain insights into the patient experience. By carefully weighing these factors, residents of Port Allegany can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the best possible care for managing their hypertension. Regular communication with your primary care physician and cardiologist is key to navigating this landscape and ensuring optimal health outcomes.