15090, Wexford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15090, Wexford, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15090 (Wexford, PA)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Wexford, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15090), access to quality medical care is a critical consideration. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals in closest proximity, factoring in key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability. The goal is to offer a clear, fact-based overview to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Wexford. This includes flagship institutions in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, which are typically the primary destinations for specialized care. Proximity is a key factor, but the quality and range of services offered will heavily influence the "Overall Health Score."

**Highmark Health System's Dominance:**

The Highmark Health System, through its Allegheny Health Network (AHN), plays a significant role in the healthcare ecosystem near Wexford. Several AHN hospitals will be evaluated.

**UPMC's Presence:**

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), a major healthcare provider, also has a strong presence in the region. Several UPMC facilities will be analyzed.

**Evaluating the Metrics:**

The "Overall Health Score" will be based on a combination of factors:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system (1-5 stars) based on a hospital's performance in various areas, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. This is a crucial indicator of overall quality.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times, including the time from arrival to seeing a provider and the overall length of stay, is a critical factor. This reflects the efficiency and capacity of the emergency department.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability of specialized centers, such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics, is a key factor in assessing the breadth and depth of healthcare services.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The integration of telehealth services, including virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, is increasingly important for convenient and accessible care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, often derived from surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), offer insights into the patient experience.
* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare indicates adherence to rigorous quality standards.

**Hospital-Specific Analysis:**

**1. AHN Wexford Hospital:**

Located directly in Wexford, AHN Wexford Hospital is a convenient option for residents. It is a smaller community hospital. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and diagnostic imaging. CMS star ratings are not available for AHN Wexford Hospital. ER wait times are generally moderate, reflecting its status as a community hospital. Specialty services are more limited than at larger flagship hospitals. Telehealth options are available, including virtual visits. Patient satisfaction scores are generally good.

**Overall Health Score: Moderate. Primarily serves as a convenient local option for basic and urgent care.**

**2. AHN Saint Vincent Hospital (Erie, PA):**

While not directly in the immediate vicinity of Wexford, AHN Saint Vincent is a larger facility. It is a regional referral center. CMS star ratings and ER wait times vary. It has a broader range of specialty services than AHN Wexford Hospital. Telehealth options are available.

**Overall Health Score: Moderate to Good. Offers a wider range of services, but requires a longer drive.**

**3. UPMC Passavant (McCandless Township):**

UPMC Passavant, located in nearby McCandless Township, is a major hospital serving the North Hills area. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including a Level II Trauma Center. CMS star ratings are available and generally good. ER wait times are typically moderate. UPMC Passavant has strong specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. Telehealth services are integrated, including virtual visits and remote monitoring. Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive.

**Overall Health Score: Good. A well-rounded hospital with a broad range of services and generally good performance metrics.**

**4. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh):**

UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, located in Pittsburgh, is a flagship hospital within the UPMC system. It is a nationally recognized center for advanced care. CMS star ratings are available and generally excellent. ER wait times can vary, often reflecting the high volume of patients. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including transplant services, cancer care, and neurological institutes. Telehealth services are robust, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. Patient satisfaction scores are generally high.

**Overall Health Score: Excellent. A premier hospital offering advanced care and specialized services.**

**5. UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville):**

UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is a specialized pediatric hospital. It is one of the leading children's hospitals in the nation. CMS star ratings are not applicable. ER wait times can vary. It offers a comprehensive range of pediatric specialties and subspecialties. Telehealth services are available. Patient satisfaction scores are generally very high.

**Overall Health Score: Excellent (for pediatric care). A world-class children's hospital.**

**6. AHN Forbes Hospital (Monroeville):**

AHN Forbes Hospital, located in Monroeville, is another major hospital within the AHN system. CMS star ratings are available and generally good. ER wait times are typically moderate. It offers a wide range of specialty services. Telehealth options are available. Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive.

**Overall Health Score: Good. A comprehensive hospital with a good reputation.**

**7. Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh):**

Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), located in Pittsburgh, is the flagship hospital of the AHN system. CMS star ratings are available and generally good. ER wait times can vary. AGH offers a broad spectrum of specialty services, including trauma care, cardiology, and neurosurgery. Telehealth services are available. Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive.

**Overall Health Score: Good to Excellent. A major hospital with a wide range of services and a strong reputation.**

**Telehealth Trends:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Both UPMC and AHN have expanded their telehealth offerings, providing virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. This allows patients to access care more conveniently, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**ER Wait Time Considerations:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor. While wait times fluctuate, it's important to consider the average wait times and the overall efficiency of the ER. Hospitals with shorter wait times generally provide more timely care. However, it's important to note that wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Specialty Center Importance:**

The availability of specialty centers is crucial, especially for those with chronic conditions or complex medical needs. Hospitals with specialized centers in areas like cardiology, oncology, and neurology can provide more comprehensive and specialized care.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience:**

Patient satisfaction scores, often derived from HCAHPS surveys, provide insights into the patient experience. These scores reflect factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment.

**Overall Health Score Summary for 15090 Residents:**

For residents of Wexford (15090), the "Overall Health Score" is influenced by several factors. Proximity is a key consideration.

* **For routine care and urgent needs:** AHN Wexford Hospital provides a convenient local option.
* **For more comprehensive care and specialized services:** UPMC Passavant, AHN Forbes Hospital, and Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) offer a broader range of services and generally good performance metrics.
* **For advanced and specialized care:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh are premier institutions, but require a longer drive.

**Recommendations:**

Residents should consider their individual healthcare needs when selecting a hospital. For routine care, AHN Wexford Hospital may be sufficient. For more complex needs, exploring the options at UPMC Passavant, AHN Forbes Hospital, and AGH is recommended. For specialized care, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh offer exceptional services. Checking the latest CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and patient satisfaction scores can help in making an informed decision. Utilizing telehealth services can also enhance access to care and convenience. It is always best to check with your insurance provider to ensure coverage at the chosen facility.