15367, Venetia, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15367, Venetia, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Waynesburg, PA (ZIP Code 15367)

Finding the right healthcare in a rural area like Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, demands careful consideration. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 15367, focusing on key metrics that impact patient well-being. We’ll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability to paint a comprehensive picture. Due to the rural nature of the area, the closest and most relevant hospitals will be examined, focusing on those within a reasonable driving distance.

**The Landscape of Care: Proximity and Options**

Waynesburg, nestled in Greene County, is primarily served by hospitals in surrounding counties. The closest major medical centers are in Washington County and Morgantown, West Virginia. This geographical reality influences access to care, particularly for specialized treatments. Transportation, therefore, becomes a crucial factor for residents.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive into Performance**

The cornerstone of any health review is evaluating the performance of flagship hospitals. This involves scrutinizing data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which provides a star rating system reflecting overall quality.

**Washington Health System Greene (Waynesburg, PA):** While located directly in Waynesburg, Washington Health System Greene is a critical access hospital. This designation means it provides essential services in a rural area but has limitations compared to larger, acute-care facilities. As a critical access hospital, it doesn’t receive a CMS star rating in the same way as larger hospitals. However, it is essential to understand its role in the local healthcare ecosystem. It offers emergency services, inpatient care, and a range of outpatient clinics, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.

**Washington Hospital (Washington, PA):** Located approximately 30 minutes from Waynesburg, Washington Hospital is the closest major acute-care facility. It holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide. The hospital offers a broad range of services, including a comprehensive cancer center, heart and vascular care, a certified stroke center, and a Level II trauma center.

**WVU Medicine – Uniontown Hospital (Uniontown, PA):** Situated roughly an hour away, Uniontown Hospital is part of the WVU Medicine network. While not directly within the immediate vicinity, it serves a significant patient population from the region. It has a 3-star rating from CMS, indicating average performance. Uniontown Hospital offers a comprehensive array of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a wound care center.

**WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV):** Approximately an hour and fifteen minutes from Waynesburg, Ruby Memorial Hospital is the flagship hospital of WVU Medicine and a tertiary care center. It boasts a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting above-average performance. Ruby Memorial provides advanced specialty care, including transplant services, a comprehensive cancer center, a Level I trauma center, and specialized pediatric care. It is a regional referral center for complex medical conditions.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Measure of Access**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of hospital efficiency and access to immediate care. Unfortunately, publicly available, real-time data for specific hospitals can be limited. However, general trends and publicly available data points provide insight.

**Washington Hospital:** The average ER wait time at Washington Hospital is generally in line with national averages, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. However, wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

**WVU Medicine – Uniontown Hospital:** ER wait times at Uniontown Hospital are often comparable to Washington Hospital, typically falling within a similar range. However, patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital:** As a Level I trauma center, Ruby Memorial Hospital often experiences higher patient volumes. This can lead to longer ER wait times, potentially exceeding an hour in some cases. However, the hospital prioritizes the most critical cases, ensuring prompt attention for life-threatening conditions.

**Specialty Centers: Expertise and Resources**

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in assessing overall healthcare quality. Residents of Waynesburg need access to specialized care, often requiring travel.

**Washington Hospital:** Washington Hospital has a robust offering of specialty services. Its comprehensive cancer center provides advanced treatments, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The hospital's heart and vascular center offers a full range of cardiac services, including interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. Additionally, its orthopedic department provides specialized care for joint replacements and sports injuries.

**WVU Medicine – Uniontown Hospital:** Uniontown Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a wound care center. While not as extensive as Washington Hospital, it provides essential specialized care for the local community.

**WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Ruby Memorial Hospital stands out for its comprehensive specialty services. It houses a renowned cancer institute, a transplant center (including heart, lung, liver, and kidney transplants), a Level I trauma center, and a dedicated children's hospital. It is a regional leader in complex medical procedures and treatments.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. It offers a convenient way to connect with healthcare providers for consultations, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management.

**Washington Hospital:** Washington Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This allows patients to access specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel.

**WVU Medicine – Uniontown Hospital:** Uniontown Hospital has also invested in telehealth infrastructure, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring. This has improved access to care for patients in the surrounding communities.

**WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Ruby Memorial Hospital has a robust telehealth program, connecting patients with specialists across the WVU Medicine network. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and telestroke services, ensuring timely access to specialized care.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary Assessment**

Based on the available data, the "Overall Health Score" for residents near Waynesburg, PA, is influenced by a combination of factors.

* **Proximity:** The location of Washington Hospital (3-star CMS rating) provides a convenient option for acute care, offering a good range of services.
* **Specialty Care:** For specialized treatments, Ruby Memorial Hospital (4-star CMS rating) in Morgantown, WV, is a significant resource, but requires a longer travel time.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are generally reasonable at Washington Hospital and Uniontown Hospital, but can fluctuate. Ruby Memorial Hospital may have longer wait times due to its trauma center status.
* **Telehealth:** The increasing availability of telehealth services at all three hospitals improves access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Recommendations for Patients:**

* **Establish a primary care physician:** Having a primary care physician (PCP) in the Waynesburg area is crucial for coordinating care and referrals to specialists.
* **Consider travel time:** Factor in travel time to hospitals when choosing a provider or seeking emergency care.
* **Utilize telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient access to specialists and routine care.
* **Research specialists:** When specialized care is needed, research the specific expertise and experience of providers at Washington Hospital and Ruby Memorial Hospital.
* **Prepare for potential delays:** Be prepared for potential ER wait times, especially during peak hours or at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

**Conclusion:**

Healthcare near Waynesburg, PA, presents a mixed bag. While local options are available, residents often need to travel for specialized care. The presence of Washington Hospital provides a solid foundation for acute care, while Ruby Memorial Hospital offers access to advanced treatments. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each facility, residents can navigate the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about their health. The increasing availability of telehealth services further enhances access to care, especially in this rural setting. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the need for proactive healthcare management, including establishing a relationship with a primary care physician, understanding available resources, and planning for potential travel.