The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15629, East Vandergrift, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
Health Scores in 15629, East Vandergrift, Pennsylvania
Overall Health Score | 76 |
---|---|
People Score | 57 |
Provider Score | 74 |
Hospital Score | 52 |
Travel Score | 47 |
## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Greensburg, PA (ZIP Code 15629)
Navigating healthcare can be daunting. For residents of Greensburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15629), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors from CMS star ratings to emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability. This is not a ranking, but a comprehensive look at the healthcare landscape within a reasonable radius of Greensburg.
**The Flagship: Excela Health System**
The dominant healthcare provider in the region is Excela Health, a system encompassing three hospitals: Excela Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Excela Latrobe Hospital, and Excela Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant. This system serves as the cornerstone of local healthcare, and its performance significantly impacts the overall health score for the area.
**Excela Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg):**
Excela Westmoreland Hospital is the closest and most accessible hospital for many Greensburg residents. It is a 390-bed facility offering a wide range of services. Unfortunately, at the time of this review, it holds a concerning 2-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects performance across various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While the hospital offers comprehensive services, the low CMS rating suggests potential areas for improvement.
Emergency room wait times at Westmoreland Hospital are a key consideration. While specific real-time data fluctuates, historical averages often show wait times that can exceed the national average. This can be a critical factor during emergencies. The hospital’s ER sees a high volume of patients, contributing to potential delays.
Westmoreland Hospital boasts a Level II Trauma Center, providing critical care for severe injuries. This designation is crucial for residents in the region, offering advanced trauma care capabilities. The hospital also features specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. The Heart and Vascular Institute offers comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The Arnold Palmer Cancer Pavilion provides advanced cancer treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center offers a range of services, from joint replacements to sports injury rehabilitation.
Telehealth services at Westmoreland Hospital are available, though the scope and availability may vary depending on the specialty. The system has been expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly in areas like behavioral health and chronic disease management. Patients should check directly with the hospital for specific telehealth options.
**Excela Latrobe Hospital (Latrobe):**
Located a short drive from Greensburg, Excela Latrobe Hospital offers another option within the Excela Health system. Latrobe Hospital, like Westmoreland, has a 2-star CMS rating. This raises similar concerns about overall performance and patient outcomes.
Emergency room wait times at Latrobe Hospital, like Westmoreland, can be variable. Patients should anticipate potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
Latrobe Hospital has a strong focus on women's health, with a dedicated maternity unit. It also offers specialized services in areas like gastroenterology and urology. The hospital’s surgical services are comprehensive, including minimally invasive procedures. Telehealth services are available, but again, patients should verify specific offerings directly with the hospital.
**Excela Frick Hospital (Mount Pleasant):**
Excela Frick Hospital, located further south, offers a smaller, community-focused healthcare environment. The CMS rating for Frick Hospital, at the time of this review, is unavailable.
Emergency room wait times at Frick Hospital are generally shorter compared to the larger hospitals in the system. This can be a significant advantage for patients seeking prompt care.
Frick Hospital provides a range of services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. It is often a preferred choice for residents seeking a more intimate healthcare experience. Telehealth services are also available, though the specifics should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
**Beyond Excela: Other Healthcare Options**
While Excela Health dominates the landscape, residents also have access to other healthcare providers in the broader region.
**UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center):**
UPMC, a large and well-regarded health system, has a presence in the region. While not immediately within Greensburg, UPMC facilities are accessible within a reasonable driving distance. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, a flagship hospital within the UPMC system, consistently receives high CMS ratings (4 or 5 stars). However, access to UPMC facilities from Greensburg requires a longer commute.
UPMC offers a wide range of specialized services, including advanced cancer treatment, transplant services, and cutting-edge research. The system is known for its focus on innovation and technology.
**UPMC East (Monroeville):**
UPMC East, located in Monroeville, provides another UPMC option. This facility offers a comprehensive range of services and is closer to Greensburg than the downtown Pittsburgh hospitals.
**Forbes Hospital (Monroeville):**
Forbes Hospital, also part of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN), is another hospital located in Monroeville.
**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**
Emergency room wait times are a crucial aspect of healthcare accessibility. The information provided by hospitals is often self-reported and can fluctuate. Websites like ER Wait Times.com and the hospital's own websites can provide real-time data. However, these numbers should be viewed as estimates, and actual wait times may vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.
**Specialty Centers: Access to Advanced Care**
The availability of specialized medical centers is a key indicator of healthcare quality. Excela Health provides comprehensive services in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. UPMC and AHN offer even more specialized services, including transplant centers and advanced cancer treatment facilities.
**Telehealth: Expanding Access**
Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Excela Health and UPMC have been expanding their telehealth offerings, particularly in areas like behavioral health, chronic disease management, and follow-up appointments. Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and enhance patient convenience.
**Overall Health Score Considerations**
The "Overall Health Score" for the Greensburg area is influenced by several factors:
* **CMS Star Ratings:** The low CMS ratings for Excela Health hospitals are a significant concern. These ratings reflect potential challenges in patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Variable wait times, particularly at Excela Westmoreland Hospital, can be a barrier to timely care.
* **Specialty Center Availability:** The presence of specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics within the Excela Health system is a positive factor. The proximity of UPMC facilities provides access to even more advanced care.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The expansion of telehealth services by Excela Health and UPMC is a positive trend, improving access to care and patient convenience.
* **Geographic Accessibility:** The concentration of healthcare resources in the Greensburg area, with the proximity of UPMC facilities, provides reasonable access to care for most residents.
**Conclusion:**
The healthcare landscape near Greensburg, PA (ZIP code 15629) presents a mixed picture. While Excela Health provides the primary healthcare infrastructure, the low CMS ratings for its hospitals are a significant concern. Residents have access to a range of specialty services, and telehealth is expanding. However, emergency room wait times can be a challenge. The proximity of UPMC facilities offers access to higher-rated hospitals and more specialized care, but requires a longer commute. Residents should carefully consider these factors when making healthcare decisions and actively seek information about specific services and wait times. Further, patients should advocate for improved quality and outcomes at local hospitals and participate in patient experience surveys to help drive positive change. The "Overall Health Score" for the area reflects a need for ongoing improvement in patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality, particularly within the Excela Health system.
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