15522, Bedford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15522, Bedford, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Bedford, PA (ZIP Code 15522)

Bedford, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents of the 15522 ZIP code have access to a range of medical facilities, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability.

**The Dominant Player: UPMC Bedford**

The primary healthcare provider for Bedford County is UPMC Bedford, formerly known as Bedford Memorial Hospital. This facility serves as the cornerstone of local medical care. UPMC Bedford is a 25-bed acute care hospital, offering a comprehensive suite of services. It is important to note that UPMC Bedford does not have a CMS star rating. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings, which provide a snapshot of hospital quality, are not assigned to all hospitals, particularly smaller, rural facilities like UPMC Bedford.

UPMC Bedford's services include a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, and a range of diagnostic imaging capabilities. The hospital also provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. While specific ER wait times are not publicly available in real-time, anecdotal reports suggest wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume. Patients seeking care at UPMC Bedford should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Specialized Care within UPMC Bedford**

UPMC Bedford offers specialized services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has a dedicated cardiac rehabilitation program, assisting patients recovering from heart-related issues. Orthopedic services include joint replacement and fracture care. The women's health program provides obstetrical and gynecological care.

**Telehealth Integration at UPMC Bedford**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. UPMC Bedford offers some telehealth options, allowing patients to connect with specialists remotely. This is particularly beneficial for accessing specialists who may not be readily available locally. The specific availability of telehealth services varies depending on the specialty and the provider. Patients should inquire directly with UPMC Bedford regarding their telehealth offerings.

**Beyond UPMC Bedford: Exploring Regional Options**

Residents of the 15522 ZIP code also have access to hospitals outside of Bedford County. These facilities may offer specialized services or shorter wait times, depending on the patient's needs.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown, PA)**

Approximately an hour's drive from Bedford, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, PA, is a larger regional hospital. Conemaugh Memorial is a Level I Trauma Center and a regional referral center. It has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance based on various quality measures. Conemaugh Memorial offers a wide range of services, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, and specialized surgical procedures.

ER wait times at Conemaugh Memorial can vary. However, the hospital's size and resources typically allow for more efficient patient throughput compared to smaller facilities. Real-time ER wait times are often available on the hospital's website or through third-party apps.

**UPMC Altoona (Altoona, PA)**

Located approximately an hour's drive from Bedford, UPMC Altoona is another regional option. UPMC Altoona is a large hospital with a CMS star rating of 2 stars. This rating reflects the hospital's performance based on various quality measures. UPMC Altoona offers a broad range of medical services, including specialized care in areas like cardiology, neurology, and oncology.

ER wait times at UPMC Altoona can fluctuate. The hospital's website or third-party apps often provide real-time wait time information.

**Telehealth at Conemaugh Memorial and UPMC Altoona**

Both Conemaugh Memorial and UPMC Altoona have robust telehealth programs. These hospitals offer virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients, and other telehealth services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty accessing specialized care.

**Other Considerations: Access to Specialists**

The availability of specialists is a crucial factor in assessing healthcare quality. Residents of the 15522 ZIP code may need to travel to larger regional hospitals like Conemaugh Memorial or UPMC Altoona to access certain specialists. These hospitals often have a broader range of specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists, and others.

**Ambulatory Surgical Centers and Outpatient Clinics**

In addition to hospitals, residents of the 15522 ZIP code have access to ambulatory surgical centers and outpatient clinics. These facilities provide a range of services, including same-day surgeries, diagnostic testing, and primary care. These options can often offer shorter wait times and more convenient access to care compared to hospital emergency departments.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of the 15522 ZIP code is influenced by several factors:

* **UPMC Bedford:** Serves as the primary healthcare provider, offering essential services. Lacks a CMS star rating, but provides crucial local access.
* **Regional Hospitals (Conemaugh Memorial and UPMC Altoona):** Offer specialized care, but require travel. CMS star ratings provide a comparative measure of quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Vary depending on the facility and time of day. Real-time information is often available online.
* **Telehealth:** Expanding access to specialists, particularly beneficial for rural residents.
* **Access to Specialists:** May require travel to regional hospitals.
* **Outpatient Options:** Ambulatory surgical centers and clinics provide alternatives for certain services.

**Scoring Breakdown:**

* **Access to Basic Care:** High, due to UPMC Bedford.
* **Access to Specialized Care:** Moderate, with travel required for some specialties.
* **Hospital Quality (as measured by CMS):** Variable, with regional hospitals offering different ratings.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Moderate, with increasing options at regional hospitals.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Variable, depending on the facility and time of day.

**Recommendations for Patients**

* **For Emergency Situations:** UPMC Bedford is the closest option. Be prepared for potential wait times.
* **For Specialized Care:** Consider regional hospitals like Conemaugh Memorial or UPMC Altoona.
* **For Non-Emergency Care:** Explore outpatient clinics and ambulatory surgical centers for convenience.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options to access specialists remotely.
* **Research and Compare:** Before seeking care, research the specific services offered by each facility and consider wait times.
* **Inquire About Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the chosen facility accepts your insurance plan.

**Conclusion**

Residents of the 15522 ZIP code have access to a healthcare system that balances local convenience with the need for regional specialization. UPMC Bedford provides essential services, while regional hospitals offer advanced care options. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility, along with the availability of telehealth and outpatient services, empowers residents to make informed healthcare decisions. The "Overall Health Score" for this area is "Good," with the caveat that access to certain specialized services may require travel. Patients should proactively research their options and consider their individual healthcare needs when choosing a provider.