15823, Brockport, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15823, Brockport, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near DuBois, PA (ZIP Code 15823)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the DuBois, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15823) area, focusing on key metrics to inform your healthcare choices. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability, painting a picture of the overall health ecosystem accessible to residents.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of DuBois. This includes facilities in DuBois itself, as well as those in nearby towns and cities like Clearfield and Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The review prioritizes hospitals with comprehensive services and readily available data.

**The Importance of CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, snapshot of hospital quality. These ratings, based on a variety of factors including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience, provide a standardized benchmark. While not the sole determinant of quality, a higher star rating generally indicates a better overall performance. It's crucial to understand that these ratings are dynamic and can change.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital:**

Penn Highlands DuBois, located directly within the 15823 ZIP code, serves as a cornerstone of local healthcare. The hospital offers a wide array of services, including a comprehensive emergency department, surgical suites, and specialized centers. Penn Highlands DuBois currently holds a CMS star rating of three stars. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures.

**Emergency Department Dynamics at Penn Highlands DuBois:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, data from sources like ProPublica can offer insights. It's important to note that these times represent the average wait time before being seen by a healthcare professional, not the total time spent in the ER. Penn Highlands DuBois's ER sees a significant volume of patients, reflecting its role as a primary access point for urgent care in the region.

**Specialty Centers and Services at Penn Highlands DuBois:**

Penn Highlands DuBois houses several specialized centers, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. The hospital's cardiology program provides diagnostic and interventional services. The oncology center offers cancer treatment and support services. The orthopedic department focuses on musculoskeletal care, including joint replacements and sports medicine. These specialized services contribute significantly to the hospital's overall value.

**Telehealth Integration at Penn Highlands DuBois:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Penn Highlands DuBois has embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. The availability of telehealth expands access to care, especially for patients who may face transportation challenges or require specialized consultations. Specific telehealth services and their availability should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Clearfield Hospital:**

Clearfield Hospital, located in Clearfield, PA, is another key healthcare provider serving the region. Clearfield Hospital is part of the Penn Highlands Healthcare system, which also includes Penn Highlands DuBois. This affiliation often facilitates coordination of care and resource sharing.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance at Clearfield Hospital:**

Clearfield Hospital's CMS star rating and specific performance metrics are subject to change. It's crucial to consult the most recent CMS data for the latest information. The hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes and safety, contributes to its overall rating.

**Emergency Department Considerations at Clearfield Hospital:**

Emergency room wait times at Clearfield Hospital are another important factor for residents. As with Penn Highlands DuBois, real-time wait times can fluctuate. Examining available data sources can offer insights into average wait times. The ER at Clearfield Hospital serves a significant patient population, providing essential emergency care.

**Specialty Services at Clearfield Hospital:**

Clearfield Hospital offers a range of specialized services. These include cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The availability of these services allows patients to receive specialized care closer to home. The specific scope and availability of these services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Telehealth Capabilities at Clearfield Hospital:**

Clearfield Hospital has also integrated telehealth services. The extent of these services and their availability should be confirmed directly with the hospital. Telehealth allows for virtual consultations and remote monitoring, expanding access to care for patients in the region.

**Punxsutawney Area Hospital:**

Punxsutawney Area Hospital, located in Punxsutawney, PA, offers healthcare services to residents in the surrounding area. The hospital is a critical access hospital, which means it meets specific criteria related to its size and service offerings.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance at Punxsutawney Area Hospital:**

Punxsutawney Area Hospital's CMS star rating and specific performance metrics are subject to change. It's important to consult the most recent CMS data for the latest information. The hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes and safety, contributes to its overall rating.

**Emergency Department Dynamics at Punxsutawney Area Hospital:**

Emergency room wait times at Punxsutawney Area Hospital are an important consideration. As with other hospitals, real-time wait times can fluctuate. Examining available data sources can offer insights into average wait times. The ER at Punxsutawney Area Hospital provides essential emergency care to the local community.

**Specialty Services at Punxsutawney Area Hospital:**

Punxsutawney Area Hospital offers a range of specialized services, including emergency care, general surgery, and diagnostic imaging. The specific scope and availability of these services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Telehealth Integration at Punxsutawney Area Hospital:**

Punxsutawney Area Hospital has also integrated telehealth services. The extent of these services and their availability should be confirmed directly with the hospital. Telehealth allows for virtual consultations and remote monitoring, expanding access to care for patients in the region.

**Factors Beyond the Hospital Walls:**

Beyond the hospitals themselves, several other factors influence overall health in the DuBois area. These include access to primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health services. The availability of community health programs, such as those focused on preventative care and chronic disease management, also plays a crucial role. The prevalence of health insurance coverage is another critical determinant of access to care.

**Access to Primary Care:**

The availability of primary care physicians is essential for preventative care and managing chronic conditions. Residents should assess the availability of primary care providers accepting new patients in their area.

**Specialist Availability:**

Access to specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and orthopedists, is crucial for managing complex health conditions. Residents should consider the availability of specialists and the ease of access to their services.

**Mental Health Services:**

Access to mental health services is increasingly important. Residents should assess the availability of mental health providers, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, in their area.

**Community Health Programs:**

Community health programs, such as those focused on preventative care and chronic disease management, can improve overall health outcomes. Residents should investigate the availability of such programs in their community.

**Insurance Coverage:**

The prevalence of health insurance coverage is a critical determinant of access to care. Residents should understand their insurance coverage options and how they impact their access to healthcare services.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The hospitals serving the DuBois, PA (15823) area offer a range of services, with Penn Highlands DuBois serving as a primary hub. CMS star ratings provide a valuable, though not definitive, indicator of quality. ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities vary by hospital. Residents should research these factors carefully, considering their individual healthcare needs and preferences. Access to primary care, specialist availability, mental health services, community health programs, and insurance coverage are also vital components of overall health in the region. It is crucial to consult the most up-to-date information from the hospitals and relevant healthcare resources to make informed decisions about your healthcare. This review serves as a starting point for your research, not a definitive recommendation.