15681, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15681, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15681

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 15681 (Youngstown, PA), focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This information aims to empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Score:** The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment based on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources. It considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center availability, telehealth offerings, and patient satisfaction scores. This is not a definitive ranking but a comparative overview to assist in decision-making.

**Excela Health System: A Local Powerhouse**

Excela Health System is a dominant healthcare provider in the region, with three hospitals within a reasonable distance of 15681: Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg), Excela Health Latrobe Hospital (Latrobe), and Excela Health Frick Hospital (Mount Pleasant).

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg):** This is the flagship hospital within the Excela system and a major regional player. Westmoreland Hospital is a comprehensive facility offering a wide range of services. As of the most recent CMS data, Westmoreland Hospital holds a 3-star rating. While this rating indicates average performance, it's crucial to delve deeper.

Westmoreland Hospital boasts a well-regarded heart and vascular center, offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. The hospital also has a robust cancer center, providing radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services. The hospital's emergency department is generally busy, with wait times varying depending on the time of day and patient volume. Data on specific ER wait times is available on the hospital's website and through platforms like ProPublica’s Hospital Compare tool, which provides detailed information on wait times and other performance indicators. The hospital has also invested in telehealth services, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options, particularly beneficial for follow-up care and chronic disease management. Patient satisfaction scores, as reported to CMS, provide insights into the patient experience, covering areas like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the environment.

**Excela Health Latrobe Hospital (Latrobe):** Located closer to 15681, Latrobe Hospital offers a more community-focused approach, still providing a broad range of services. It is a 3-star rated hospital. Latrobe Hospital is known for its orthopedic services, including joint replacement and sports medicine. The hospital also has a labor and delivery unit, catering to the needs of expectant mothers. ER wait times at Latrobe Hospital are often shorter than those at Westmoreland Hospital, though this can fluctuate. Telehealth services are available, offering patients convenient access to care. Patient satisfaction scores are a key indicator of the patient experience.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital (Mount Pleasant):** Frick Hospital is the smallest of the Excela Health hospitals in the area. It is also a 3-star rated hospital. Frick Hospital primarily serves the immediate community, providing essential services such as emergency care, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient surgery. While it may not offer the same breadth of specialized services as Westmoreland Hospital, it plays a crucial role in providing accessible healthcare to residents. ER wait times are generally shorter at Frick Hospital. Telehealth services are available.

**UPMC Facilities: A Regional Network**

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) also has a presence in the region, with several hospitals within a reasonable driving distance.

**UPMC East (Monroeville):** Although not directly in the immediate vicinity of 15681, UPMC East in Monroeville is a significant healthcare provider for the region. It is a 3-star rated hospital. UPMC East is a comprehensive hospital with a strong focus on emergency care, offering advanced trauma services. It also has specialized centers for stroke care and cardiac care. ER wait times are variable, and it's advisable to check the hospital's website or other online resources for the most up-to-date information. UPMC has a robust telehealth program, offering a wide range of virtual care options.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh):** While further afield, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, a flagship UPMC facility, is a major referral center for complex medical cases. It is a highly-rated hospital with a strong reputation for specialized care. It is not a convenient option for routine care, but it is an important option for complex medical needs.

**Other Considerations: Accessibility and Patient Experience**

Beyond the specific hospitals, accessibility is a crucial factor. Consider travel time, transportation options, and the availability of parking. The proximity of the hospital to your home and the availability of public transportation can significantly impact your access to care.

Patient experience is another vital aspect of healthcare. Look for hospitals with positive patient satisfaction scores, which reflect the quality of communication, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall care environment. Reviewing patient testimonials and online reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Specific Needs**

The availability of specialized services is essential for addressing specific health needs. Hospitals in the area offer a range of specialty centers, including:

* **Heart and Vascular Centers:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital and UPMC East have well-regarded heart and vascular centers.
* **Cancer Centers:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital has a comprehensive cancer center.
* **Orthopedic Centers:** Excela Health Latrobe Hospital is known for its orthopedic services.
* **Emergency Departments:** All the hospitals have emergency departments, with varying wait times.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, providing convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management. Excela Health and UPMC offer telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely.

**ER Wait Times: A Key Metric**

ER wait times can vary significantly, depending on the hospital and the time of day. Checking the hospital's website or using online tools like ProPublica's Hospital Compare can provide insights into average wait times. Shorter wait times can be a significant advantage, especially in emergencies.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The hospitals near 15681 offer a range of options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, being the largest in the system, offers a broad range of services. Excela Health Latrobe Hospital and Frick Hospital provide more community-focused care. UPMC East offers a comprehensive emergency department and specialized services. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is a leading referral center for complex medical needs.

**Recommendations:**

* **For comprehensive care:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital is a strong choice.
* **For convenient care:** Excela Health Latrobe Hospital and Frick Hospital are good options, particularly for residents closer to those locations.
* **For specialized needs:** Consider UPMC East for emergency care and specialized services.
* **For complex medical needs:** UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is a leading referral center.

**Important Note:** This review is based on publicly available data and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Hospital ratings and performance metrics can change, so it's essential to verify the most up-to-date information before making any healthcare decisions. The CMS star ratings are just one metric and should be considered alongside other factors, such as the specific services you need and your personal preferences.