15773, Saint Benedict, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15773, Saint Benedict, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15773

This review assesses the overall health landscape for residents near ZIP code 15773, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score." The information is based on publicly available data and is current as of October 26, 2023.

**Defining the Geographic Scope**

ZIP code 15773 encompasses the town of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. This region is primarily served by hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, including those in Indiana, Greensburg, and Johnstown. The "Overall Health Score" considers the strengths and weaknesses of these facilities, acknowledging that residents may also seek care further afield based on individual needs and preferences.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a standardized measure of hospital quality, based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. These ratings offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, benchmark for comparing hospitals.

**Indiana Regional Medical Center (Indiana, PA):** Located closest to Saltsburg, Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) is a key provider. While the hospital's CMS star rating fluctuates, it's generally considered a solid regional hospital. Recent data indicates a moderate rating, reflecting performance in areas like patient safety and readmission rates. IRMC has a strong focus on community outreach and offers a range of services.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg, PA):** Westmoreland Hospital, part of the Excela Health system, is located further afield but provides a broader range of specialized services. Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital typically receives a solid CMS star rating, often reflecting its commitment to quality and patient care. The hospital's performance in areas like surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction is often noted.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown, PA):** Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, a large regional hospital, is another option for residents near 15773. Conemaugh's CMS star rating can vary, but it generally reflects a commitment to providing comprehensive care. The hospital offers a wide array of specialized services and is a major referral center for the region.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Indicator of Access**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. Longer wait times can indicate overcrowding, staffing shortages, or logistical challenges.

**Indiana Regional Medical Center:** IRMC generally reports reasonable ER wait times, typically within the regional average. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases. Residents should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, due to its larger size and broader service offerings, may experience slightly longer ER wait times than IRMC. Patients should check real-time wait time data, often available on the hospital's website or through online platforms, before heading to the ER.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, being a larger facility, can also experience fluctuating ER wait times. Given its role as a regional referral center, it may see a higher volume of patients, potentially impacting wait times.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care**

Access to specialized medical care is essential for managing complex health conditions. The availability of specialized centers near 15773 is an important consideration.

**Indiana Regional Medical Center:** IRMC offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. While it may not have the breadth of specialized centers found at larger hospitals, it provides essential care for many common conditions.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital boasts a more extensive array of specialty centers, including advanced cardiac care, a comprehensive cancer center, and specialized surgical services. This makes it a strong option for patients requiring specialized treatment.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is a major regional referral center with a wide range of specialty centers, including advanced heart and vascular care, neurosurgery, and trauma services. This hospital serves as a hub for complex medical cases.

**Telehealth: Expanding Healthcare Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas, providing access to care remotely.

**Indiana Regional Medical Center:** IRMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for patients in remote areas who have difficulty traveling.

**Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital has also invested in telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities. This allows patients to connect with specialists and manage their health from the comfort of their homes.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and tele-stroke services. This is crucial for serving a large, geographically diverse population.

**Specific Considerations for Residents Near 15773**

Residents of Saltsburg and surrounding areas face unique considerations regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area can present challenges in terms of transportation and access to specialized services.

**Transportation:** Access to transportation is a key factor. Residents who lack reliable transportation may face difficulties reaching hospitals, particularly those located further away.

**Proximity:** IRMC, being the closest hospital, is a primary choice for many residents. However, individuals with complex medical needs may need to travel to facilities like Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital or Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.

**Specialized Needs:** Patients with specific medical needs, such as cancer treatment or cardiac care, should research the specialized services offered by each hospital and consider the travel distance.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents near ZIP code 15773 is generally positive, with a range of hospital options available.

**Strengths:**

* **Proximity to Indiana Regional Medical Center:** Provides convenient access to essential healthcare services.
* **Access to Specialized Care:** Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center offer a wider range of specialized services.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** All three hospitals have invested in telehealth, improving access to care for remote residents.

**Weaknesses:**

* **ER Wait Times:** Fluctuating ER wait times can be a concern, particularly at peak hours.
* **Transportation Challenges:** Rural location can present transportation challenges for some residents.
* **CMS Star Rating Variability:** CMS star ratings can fluctuate, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring of hospital quality.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Hospital Options:** Residents should research the specific services offered by each hospital and choose the facility that best meets their individual needs.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before heading to the ER, check real-time wait time data online or by phone.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Utilize telehealth services for convenient access to care, particularly for routine appointments and follow-up care.
* **Consider Transportation:** Plan for transportation challenges and explore options like ride-sharing or community transportation services.
* **Stay Informed:** Stay informed about hospital performance by monitoring CMS star ratings and other publicly available data.

The overall health landscape near ZIP code 15773 provides a reasonable level of care, with the need for residents to be proactive in researching their options and navigating the healthcare system. The availability of multiple hospitals, coupled with expanding telehealth services, offers a positive outlook for the future of healthcare in the region.