15621, Calumet, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15621, Calumet, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Greensburg, PA (ZIP Code 15621)

The residents of Greensburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15621) have access to a range of healthcare options, from large, regional medical centers to smaller, specialized facilities. Evaluating these options requires a nuanced understanding of various factors, including quality of care, accessibility, and specific services offered. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering key metrics to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Key Players and General Overview**

The dominant healthcare providers in the Greensburg area are primarily concentrated around the city itself and in nearby communities. UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) and Excela Health are the two major healthcare systems serving the region. These systems operate multiple hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician practices, creating a network of care for residents. Competition between these two systems is a defining characteristic of the local healthcare market, which can lead to greater investment in facilities and services.

**Flagship Hospitals: UPMC Presbyterian and Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital**

Two hospitals stand out as the primary anchors of healthcare in the region: UPMC Presbyterian and Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. While UPMC Presbyterian is located in Pittsburgh, approximately 30 miles west, it is often a referral destination for complex cases. Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, located in Greensburg, is the closest major hospital for residents of the 15621 ZIP code.

**UPMC Presbyterian: A Regional Powerhouse**

UPMC Presbyterian, a flagship hospital within the UPMC system, is a highly regarded facility. While it is not directly within the 15621 ZIP code, its proximity and reputation make it a significant factor in the overall health score for the region. UPMC Presbyterian boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on performance across several categories, including mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally good level of performance.

UPMC Presbyterian is a major referral center, particularly for specialized services like cardiology, oncology, and transplant services. Its affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine provides access to cutting-edge research and advanced treatment options. The hospital's extensive network of specialists and subspecialists allows for comprehensive care across a wide range of medical conditions.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital: Serving the Local Community**

Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, located directly in Greensburg, is the most accessible major hospital for residents of the 15621 ZIP code. It also holds a 3-star CMS rating, reflecting its performance in key quality and safety metrics. This rating suggests a need for improvement in certain areas, and it is important to consider specific performance indicators when assessing this hospital.

Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital offers a broad range of services, including emergency care, surgery, maternity care, and a variety of medical and surgical specialties. It serves as the primary community hospital for the region, providing essential healthcare services to a large population. The hospital has made significant investments in recent years to improve its facilities and technology, including upgrades to its emergency department and surgical suites.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Unfortunately, specific, publicly available data on ER wait times for individual hospitals within the 15621 area is often limited. However, data from the CMS Hospital Compare website and other sources provides general information.

Generally, ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume. Both UPMC Presbyterian and Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital have reported average ER wait times, but these can fluctuate. It's recommended that patients check current wait times through online portals or by calling the hospitals directly, especially during peak hours.

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

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized centers is crucial for addressing specific health concerns. Both UPMC and Excela Health offer a range of specialty services.

UPMC Presbyterian excels in several specialized areas, including:

* **Cardiology:** The hospital has a renowned cardiology program, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options for heart conditions.
* **Oncology:** UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, affiliated with UPMC Presbyterian, provides comprehensive cancer care, including advanced therapies and clinical trials.
* **Transplant Services:** UPMC Presbyterian is a major transplant center, performing a high volume of organ transplants.

Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital also offers a range of specialty services, including:

* **Cardiology:** The hospital has a cardiology program, offering diagnostic and treatment options for heart conditions.
* **Cancer Care:** Excela Health operates a cancer center, providing comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
* **Orthopedics:** The hospital has a strong orthopedic program, offering surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Both UPMC and Excela Health have expanded their telehealth offerings in recent years.

UPMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits with physicians and specialists across a wide range of specialties. This allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

Excela Health also offers telehealth services, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty accessing in-person appointments.

**Patient Experience: A Subjective but Important Factor**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall health. CMS collects patient experience data through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. This survey assesses patient satisfaction with various aspects of their hospital stay, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the environment.

Both UPMC Presbyterian and Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital have HCAHPS scores available on the CMS Hospital Compare website. These scores provide insights into patient perceptions of the care they received. It is important to review these scores and consider them alongside other quality metrics when evaluating hospitals.

**Financial Considerations: Cost of Care**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for patients. The cost of care can vary significantly depending on the services provided, the insurance coverage, and the hospital's pricing structure. It is essential for patients to understand their insurance coverage and to inquire about the cost of services before receiving care. Both UPMC and Excela Health accept a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should contact their insurance providers to confirm coverage and to understand their out-of-pocket costs.

**Overall Health Score Summary: A Balanced Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near the 15621 ZIP code reflects a complex picture.

**UPMC Presbyterian:** Earns a strong score due to its high CMS rating, specialized services, and affiliation with a leading medical school. Its proximity to Greensburg, while not directly in the 15621 area, makes it a viable option for many residents, particularly for complex medical needs. Its strength is in its depth of specialty services.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital:** Receives a good score. Its location within the 15621 area provides convenient access. Its CMS rating is lower than UPMC Presbyterian, indicating potential areas for improvement, but it offers a comprehensive range of services. Its strength is its accessibility and community focus.

**Key Considerations for Residents:**

* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital is the closest option for most residents.
* **Specialty Needs:** UPMC Presbyterian is the preferred choice for specialized care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check current wait times before seeking emergency care.
* **Patient Experience:** Review HCAHPS scores to assess patient satisfaction.
* **Financial Considerations:** Understand insurance coverage and costs.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of the 15621 ZIP code have access to a good range of healthcare options. The "Overall Health Score" is favorable, with both UPMC Presbyterian and Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital providing valuable services. Choosing the best option requires careful consideration of individual needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each hospital. Regular evaluation of hospital performance metrics and patient reviews is essential for making informed healthcare decisions.