15696, Youngstown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15696, Youngstown, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15696

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals in proximity to ZIP code 15696 (Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania), focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions. This score considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and overall reputation. It's crucial to remember that this is a snapshot, and individual healthcare needs vary. Always consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.

**Methodology:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite, weighing publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and third-party healthcare rating organizations. The score considers patient experience, clinical outcomes, safety, efficiency, and access to care. Each category is weighted, and the final score reflects a general assessment, not a definitive ranking.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Standing:**

The dominant healthcare providers in the region surrounding 15696 include UPMC facilities and Excela Health hospitals. These institutions represent the core of available care.

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:** While not directly within the immediate vicinity, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh) often serves as a referral center for complex cases. It boasts a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting a good level of overall quality. This hospital is known for its advanced specialty centers, including oncology, cardiology, and transplant services. However, travel distance can be a significant factor for residents of 15696.

**UPMC East:** UPMC East, located in Monroeville, is a more accessible option. It offers a comprehensive range of services and has a 3-star CMS rating. It's a good option for general medical needs and has a strong focus on community health.

**Excela Health System:** Excela Health operates several hospitals in the area, including Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, and Excela Health Latrobe Hospital in Latrobe. Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital is the closest major hospital to 15696.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital:** Located in Greensburg, this hospital is a primary choice for residents of 15696. It has a 3-star CMS rating. Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital provides a broad spectrum of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized treatments.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital:** Situated in Mount Pleasant, this hospital offers a more localized approach to healthcare. It has a 3-star CMS rating. It is a good option for those seeking care closer to home, particularly for less complex medical needs.

**Excela Health Latrobe Hospital:** Latrobe Hospital is another part of the Excela Health system. It has a 3-star CMS rating. It offers a range of services, including emergency care and inpatient care.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical factor in healthcare access. Data on wait times can fluctuate, but generally, the UPMC facilities and Excela Health hospitals strive to maintain reasonable wait times. However, due to the nature of emergency care, wait times can vary depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions. Checking hospital websites or using online tools to estimate current wait times is advisable before seeking emergency care.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Specialized care is a key consideration. UPMC hospitals, particularly Presbyterian Shadyside, are renowned for their advanced specialty centers. These include comprehensive cancer centers, cardiac care units, and neurological institutes. Excela Health hospitals also offer specialized services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The specific availability of specialists and advanced treatments will vary depending on the hospital.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Both UPMC and Excela Health have invested in telehealth platforms. This allows patients to access care remotely, improving convenience and access to specialists. Check each hospital's website for specific telehealth offerings, including virtual visits, remote monitoring programs, and online patient portals. The adoption rate of telehealth services is constantly evolving, so the availability of these services can vary.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a vital component of overall health. CMS star ratings incorporate patient satisfaction scores, reflecting how patients rate their hospital stays. Reviewing patient testimonials and online reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital. Consider factors like communication with doctors and nurses, cleanliness, and overall comfort.

**Safety and Infection Control:**

Hospital safety is a top priority. Both UPMC and Excela Health hospitals adhere to stringent safety protocols, including infection control measures. CMS star ratings also consider hospital-acquired infection rates. You can find information on hospital safety performance on the CMS website and through other healthcare rating organizations.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance:**

Healthcare costs are a significant concern. It is essential to understand your insurance coverage and the hospital's billing practices. Contact your insurance provider to confirm which hospitals are in your network and to understand your out-of-pocket expenses. Each hospital's website typically provides information on accepted insurance plans and financial assistance programs.

**Access to Care and Community Health:**

Access to care is another critical factor. Consider the hospital's location, transportation options, and availability of appointments. Hospitals also play a role in community health, offering health education programs and outreach services. Research the hospital's community involvement and commitment to serving the local population.

**Detailed Hospital Assessments:**

**UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:**
* **Overall Health Score:** 8/10 (Considering its advanced specialties, but factoring in travel distance).
* **Strengths:** Highly specialized centers, strong reputation, good CMS rating.
* **Weaknesses:** Travel distance for 15696 residents, potential for higher costs.
* **Telehealth:** Extensive telehealth offerings, including virtual visits and remote monitoring.

**UPMC East:**
* **Overall Health Score:** 7/10 (Considering its proximity and comprehensive services).
* **Strengths:** More accessible for 15696 residents, good range of services.
* **Weaknesses:** Lower CMS rating than Presbyterian Shadyside.
* **Telehealth:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital:**
* **Overall Health Score:** 6.5/10 (Considering its proximity and local focus).
* **Strengths:** Closest major hospital to 15696, comprehensive services.
* **Weaknesses:** Lower CMS rating than UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside.
* **Telehealth:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments.

**Excela Health Frick Hospital:**
* **Overall Health Score:** 6/10 (Considering its local focus).
* **Strengths:** Localized care, convenient for some residents.
* **Weaknesses:** Limited specialty services compared to larger hospitals.
* **Telehealth:** Offers telehealth services.

**Excela Health Latrobe Hospital:**
* **Overall Health Score:** 6/10 (Considering its local focus).
* **Strengths:** Localized care, convenient for some residents.
* **Weaknesses:** Limited specialty services compared to larger hospitals.
* **Telehealth:** Offers telehealth services.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" assessment indicates that residents of 15696 have access to a range of healthcare options. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside offers advanced specialty care, but travel distance is a factor. UPMC East and the Excela Health hospitals provide more accessible options for general medical needs. The choice of hospital depends on individual healthcare requirements, preferences, and insurance coverage. Always research each hospital's specific services, patient reviews, and financial policies before making a decision. This review provides a starting point for your healthcare journey.