15417, Brownsville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15417, Brownsville, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Connellsville, PA (ZIP Code 15417)

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. This review aims to provide a clear, fact-rich overview of the hospital landscape near Connellsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15417), offering an "Overall Health Score" based on publicly available data and key performance indicators. This score is not a definitive ranking but a comparative assessment to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Connellsville, nestled in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, benefits from a mix of local and regional healthcare providers. Residents primarily rely on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. This review will focus on the most relevant options, considering factors like proximity, services offered, and quality metrics.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Measure of Quality**

A crucial metric for evaluating hospital quality is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating. This rating system, based on a composite of various quality measures, provides a readily understandable snapshot of a hospital's performance. It's important to remember that these ratings are dynamic and can change.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital (Mount Pleasant, PA):** Located approximately 15 miles northwest of Connellsville, Excela Health Frick Hospital is a key player in the region. As of the latest available data, Frick Hospital holds a CMS star rating. This rating reflects its performance across several categories, including patient experience, safety of care, and readmission rates. Frick Hospital provides a range of services, including a comprehensive emergency department, surgical services, and specialized care units.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh, PA):** While located further away, approximately 50 miles northwest of Connellsville, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is a major tertiary care center and a flagship hospital within the UPMC system. It often attracts patients seeking specialized care. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside consistently receives high ratings and is known for its advanced medical technologies and research capabilities. The hospital's CMS star rating reflects its commitment to quality and patient outcomes.

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital (Pittsburgh, PA):** Also located in Pittsburgh, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is a specialized hospital focusing on women's health. It is a nationally recognized center for obstetrics, gynecology, and related services. Its CMS star rating reflects its expertise and commitment to providing high-quality care for women.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor for patients needing immediate care. Longer wait times can indicate potential overcrowding or resource limitations. Publicly available data, often accessible through hospital websites or third-party platforms, provides insights into average ER wait times.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital:** ER wait times at Frick Hospital are generally moderate, reflecting its role as a community hospital. However, it's essential to remember that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** As a larger, tertiary care center, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside often experiences longer ER wait times than smaller community hospitals. This is due to the higher volume of patients and the complexity of cases it handles. Patients should be prepared for potentially longer wait times, especially during peak hours.

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital:** Given its specialized focus, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital's ER wait times may vary depending on the specific needs of the patient. Patients with obstetric or gynecological emergencies may experience shorter wait times than those seeking general medical care.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Meeting Specific Needs**

Beyond general medical care, hospitals offer specialized services to address specific health concerns. The availability of these centers is crucial for residents with chronic conditions or those needing specialized treatments.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital:** Frick Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. The hospital's commitment to providing comprehensive care within the community is a key strength.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is a hub for advanced specialty care, offering centers for cardiology, oncology, neurology, and transplant services. Its affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine ensures access to cutting-edge treatments and research.

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital:** Magee-Womens Hospital provides specialized care for women's health, including obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, and breast health. It is a leading center for women's health research and innovation.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care: Expanding Access**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas, to improve access to care and provide convenient options for patients.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital:** Excela Health has been expanding its telehealth offerings. Residents can access virtual consultations with physicians, remote monitoring services, and online health education resources.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists through video conferencing. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty traveling to Pittsburgh for appointments.

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital:** UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital also provides telehealth services, including virtual prenatal care, postpartum support, and consultations with specialists.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide insights into how patients perceive their care.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital:** Patient experience scores at Frick Hospital are generally positive, reflecting the hospital's commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centered care.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside consistently receives high marks for its patient experience, reflecting its focus on providing a positive and supportive environment for patients.

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital:** Magee-Womens Hospital is known for its patient-centered approach and its commitment to providing a supportive environment for women.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

**Proximity and Accessibility:** Excela Health Frick Hospital benefits from its proximity to Connellsville, making it the most accessible option for routine care and emergencies. However, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital offer specialized services and advanced care, but require longer travel times.

**Quality Metrics:** The CMS star ratings are a key indicator of quality. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, being larger facilities, often have higher ratings, reflecting their commitment to quality and patient outcomes.

**Specialty Services:** The availability of specialty centers is a significant factor. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital offer a broader range of specialized services than Frick Hospital.

**Telehealth:** All three hospitals have expanded their telehealth offerings, improving access to care for residents.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical factor, especially in emergencies. While Frick Hospital generally has shorter wait times, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital may have longer wait times due to their higher patient volumes.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

For residents of Connellsville, PA (ZIP code 15417), the "Overall Health Score" is complex, as it depends on individual needs.

* **For routine care and emergencies:** Excela Health Frick Hospital is the most convenient option, offering a range of services within a reasonable distance.
* **For specialized care:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital offer a broader range of specialty services and advanced treatments, but require longer travel times.
* **For women's health:** UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is the leading option, providing specialized care and expertise.

**Important Note:** This review is based on publicly available data and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their physicians to determine the best healthcare options for their individual needs. Hospital ratings and performance metrics are constantly evolving, so it is essential to consult the most up-to-date information before making healthcare decisions.