15484, Uledi, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15484, Uledi, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15484

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an in-depth look at the hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 15484, offering an “Overall Health Score” based on key metrics. We’ll examine quality indicators, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, providing a comprehensive assessment to inform your healthcare decisions.

**The Geographic Context:**

ZIP code 15484 encompasses the town of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas in Fayette County. This region, like many rural communities, faces specific healthcare challenges, including potential access limitations and the need for specialized services. Proximity to larger urban centers, like Pittsburgh, influences the available healthcare options.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

The primary hospital serving Uniontown is **Uniontown Hospital**, located directly within the ZIP code. This facility is a crucial access point for local residents. Unfortunately, publicly available data regarding CMS star ratings for Uniontown Hospital is limited. This lack of a readily available star rating underscores the importance of considering additional metrics when assessing the hospital's overall quality.

**UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) Facilities:**

The UPMC system, a major healthcare provider in Western Pennsylvania, has a significant presence in the region. While not directly within 15484, several UPMC facilities are accessible and should be considered.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside**, a flagship hospital within the UPMC system located in Pittsburgh, holds a highly regarded reputation. While not geographically close, it offers a comprehensive range of services and is often a referral destination for complex cases. Its CMS star rating, when available, is generally high, reflecting strong performance in areas like patient safety and outcomes. However, travel time must be factored into the equation.

**UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital**, also in Pittsburgh, specializes in women's health. While not a general hospital, it is a crucial resource for women in the region. Its CMS star rating reflects its specialization and strong performance in women's health-related areas.

**UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh**, another UPMC facility, provides pediatric care. Families in the 15484 area may need to travel to this hospital for specialized pediatric services. Like other UPMC flagship hospitals, it typically maintains a high CMS star rating.

**Other Hospitals in the Vicinity:**

**Excela Health Frick Hospital** in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, is another option. While not directly within the 15484 ZIP code, it is accessible. Its CMS star rating, when available, is a key indicator of quality.

**Quality Indicators: CMS Star Ratings and Beyond:**

CMS star ratings, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, offer a snapshot of hospital performance. These ratings, however, are not the sole determinant of quality. Other factors, such as patient satisfaction scores, infection rates, and specific service offerings, are also crucial.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical factor in assessing access to care. Unfortunately, publicly available data on ER wait times for Uniontown Hospital and other nearby facilities can be inconsistent. It is essential to check real-time wait time data, often available on hospital websites or through online platforms, before seeking emergency care. Longer wait times may indicate higher patient volume or resource constraints.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is a key consideration. Uniontown Hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical services. However, the depth and breadth of these services may vary compared to larger, tertiary care centers like UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside or UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

**Cardiology:** Uniontown Hospital likely provides basic cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and management of common cardiac conditions. For complex cardiac issues, patients may be referred to UPMC facilities in Pittsburgh, which offer advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.

**Oncology:** Uniontown Hospital offers oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, patients requiring specialized treatments, such as advanced surgical oncology or clinical trials, may need to travel to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh.

**Surgical Services:** Uniontown Hospital provides a range of surgical services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and urology. UPMC facilities offer more specialized surgical options, including robotic surgery and minimally invasive procedures.

**Women's Health:** UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is a primary resource for women's health needs. Uniontown Hospital likely offers basic obstetrical and gynecological services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services allows patients to access care remotely, reducing the need for travel. Uniontown Hospital may offer telehealth options for certain specialties. UPMC has a robust telehealth program, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Telehealth Stats:** The adoption of telehealth services has increased significantly in recent years. Hospitals are increasingly utilizing telehealth to provide remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management. The specific telehealth offerings available at Uniontown Hospital and nearby UPMC facilities should be investigated.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience:**

Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of healthcare quality. Patient experience surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights. These surveys assess factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and overall hospital environment. Patient satisfaction scores are often publicly available on hospital websites or through CMS.

**Infection Rates and Patient Safety:**

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a serious concern. Hospitals are required to report HAI rates to CMS. These rates provide insight into the hospital's efforts to prevent infections. Reviewing infection rates, along with other patient safety metrics, is crucial when evaluating a hospital's quality.

**Access to Care and Insurance Coverage:**

Access to care is influenced by factors such as insurance coverage, transportation, and the availability of specialists. The hospitals in the 15484 area accept various insurance plans. However, it is essential to verify that the hospital and the specific physicians are in your insurance network. Transportation challenges may impact access to care, especially for those without reliable transportation.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

Creating a single "Overall Health Score" is challenging due to the complex interplay of factors. However, here’s a framework:

* **CMS Star Rating (when available):** A high star rating is a positive indicator.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times indicate better access.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of needed specialties is crucial.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Strong telehealth offerings improve access.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** High patient satisfaction scores are desirable.
* **Infection Rates:** Low infection rates are essential for patient safety.
* **Access to Care:** Consider insurance coverage and transportation.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Determine your specific healthcare needs and research hospitals that offer those services.
* **Check Real-Time Data:** Verify ER wait times and telehealth availability.
* **Consider Travel Time:** Factor in travel time to UPMC facilities in Pittsburgh if specialized care is required.
* **Consult with Your Physician:** Discuss your healthcare needs with your primary care physician.
* **Review Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the patient experience.
* **Verify Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 15484 offers a range of options, from local facilities like Uniontown Hospital to the specialized services of UPMC. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, including CMS star ratings (when available), ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and patient satisfaction, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The best choice depends on individual circumstances, but thorough research is essential for navigating this complex system.