15660, Lowber, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15660, Lowber, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15660

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of the 15660 ZIP code, which encompasses the town of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, access to quality medical care is a critical concern. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals within a reasonable radius, considering factors such as patient outcomes, accessibility, specialized services, and technological advancements. The goal is to offer a clear and concise overview, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Scottdale offers a limited selection of hospitals. The primary options for residents include facilities in nearby Greensburg and Mount Pleasant. While smaller community hospitals might be closer, the focus here is on institutions with a broader range of services and a more established reputation.

**Excela Health System: A Regional Powerhouse**

Excela Health, a prominent healthcare system in Westmoreland County, serves as a central point of care for the 15660 area. Excela Health operates three primary hospitals: Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Excela Health Latrobe Hospital in Latrobe, and Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant. These hospitals collectively provide a wide array of services, making Excela a significant player in the region.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital: The Flagship**

Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, located in Greensburg, is the flagship facility within the Excela system. It is the largest and most comprehensive, offering a broad spectrum of medical specialties and advanced technologies. As of the latest available data, Westmoreland Hospital holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating, while not the highest possible, indicates an average performance in key areas like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. It's crucial to remember that CMS ratings are just one metric, and individual experiences can vary.

Westmoreland Hospital boasts a robust emergency department (ED). While precise real-time wait times fluctuate, publicly available data suggests that average wait times can be variable. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during peak hours or periods of high patient volume. The hospital's ED is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including trauma cases.

Specialty centers within Westmoreland Hospital include cardiology, oncology, and surgical services. The hospital has a dedicated heart and vascular institute, offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional procedures. The oncology program provides comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgical services encompass a range of specialties, from general surgery to more complex procedures.

Telehealth services are increasingly integrated into the Excela Health system. While specific utilization statistics for Westmoreland Hospital are not always readily available, Excela Health offers telehealth options for various specialties, including primary care and behavioral health. This allows patients to access care remotely, enhancing convenience and potentially reducing wait times.

**Excela Health Latrobe Hospital: Community Focus**

Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, located in Latrobe, provides a more community-focused approach to healthcare. While smaller than Westmoreland Hospital, it still offers a comprehensive range of services, including a 24-hour emergency department. Latrobe Hospital also has a **3-star CMS rating**, mirroring the performance of its sister facility in Greensburg.

Emergency department wait times at Latrobe Hospital are typically comparable to those at Westmoreland Hospital, with variability depending on patient volume and the severity of cases. The hospital's ED is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, providing immediate care to the local community.

Latrobe Hospital emphasizes primary care and general medical services. It offers specialty services, including cardiology and orthopedics. While not as extensive as Westmoreland Hospital's offerings, Latrobe Hospital provides essential care for many common medical needs.

Telehealth services are also available at Latrobe Hospital, supporting remote consultations and follow-up appointments. The hospital is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities to improve access to care for patients in the surrounding area.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital: A Smaller Presence**

Excela Health Frick Hospital, located in Mount Pleasant, is the smallest of the three Excela hospitals. It focuses on providing essential healthcare services to the immediate community. Frick Hospital has a **3-star CMS rating**, consistent with the other Excela facilities.

Frick Hospital's emergency department provides immediate care for a range of medical conditions. Wait times in the ED can fluctuate, but the hospital strives to provide timely care to patients.

Frick Hospital offers a limited range of specialty services, primarily focusing on primary care, general surgery, and rehabilitation. While not as comprehensive as the other Excela hospitals, Frick Hospital plays a vital role in providing local healthcare access.

Telehealth services are available at Frick Hospital, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments. The hospital is continuously working to enhance its telehealth capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the community.

**UPMC Opportunities: Expanding Horizons**

While Excela Health dominates the immediate vicinity of Scottdale, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system offers additional options within a reasonable driving distance. UPMC facilities in Pittsburgh, approximately an hour's drive from Scottdale, provide access to a broader range of specialized services and cutting-edge technologies.

**UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside: Advanced Care**

UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside, both located in Pittsburgh, are flagship hospitals within the UPMC system. They are renowned for their specialized programs and advanced medical treatments. UPMC Presbyterian has a **4-star CMS rating**, while UPMC Shadyside has a **5-star CMS rating**.

These hospitals are major referral centers, offering expertise in areas such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, and transplant services. They are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly specialized medical professionals.

Emergency department wait times at UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside can vary, but patients should anticipate potential delays due to the high volume of patients. The EDs are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including complex trauma cases.

Telehealth services are extensively integrated into the UPMC system. Patients can access telehealth consultations for various specialties, enhancing convenience and access to care. UPMC is a leader in telehealth innovation, offering a wide range of remote healthcare options.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the major hospital systems, residents of the 15660 area may also consider smaller community hospitals or specialized clinics. These facilities can offer convenient access to specific services, such as outpatient surgery or rehabilitation. However, it is important to research the qualifications and experience of the medical professionals and the quality of care provided.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

For residents of the 15660 ZIP code, the Excela Health system provides the most readily accessible healthcare options. Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg serves as the flagship facility, offering the broadest range of services. While the CMS ratings for the Excela hospitals are consistent at 3 stars, patients should consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a hospital.

UPMC facilities in Pittsburgh offer access to a wider range of specialized services and advanced technologies, but they require a longer travel time. The higher CMS ratings of UPMC Presbyterian (4 stars) and UPMC Shadyside (5 stars) reflect their commitment to quality care.

When evaluating healthcare options, patients should consider factors such as:

* **Specific medical needs:** The availability of specialized services and expertise.
* **Accessibility:** Proximity to the hospital and ease of travel.
* **Wait times:** The potential for delays in the emergency department and for appointments.
* **Patient reviews and satisfaction:** Online resources can provide insights into patient experiences.
* **CMS ratings:** While not the sole indicator of quality, they provide a valuable benchmark.
* **Telehealth availability:** The ability to access care remotely can enhance convenience.

By carefully considering these factors, residents of the 15660 ZIP code can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and choose the hospital that best suits their individual circumstances. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed and proactive is essential for maintaining optimal health.