15845, Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15845, Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15845

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 15845, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis incorporates publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Healthgrades, and other reputable sources to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for the region. This score is not a single number but a composite of various factors, offering residents a nuanced understanding of their healthcare options.

**Geographic Context and Key Hospitals:**

ZIP code 15845, located in the heart of Pennsylvania's Clearfield County, is primarily served by hospitals in the immediate vicinity and within a reasonable driving distance. The primary focus will be on hospitals in Clearfield and surrounding counties, including those in nearby Centre and Cambria counties, as these are the most likely destinations for residents seeking care.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is the quality of the hospitals. CMS star ratings provide a readily accessible, albeit simplified, measure of hospital performance. Hospitals are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five being the highest. However, it is important to remember that these ratings are based on specific metrics and do not encompass all aspects of care.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital:** Located approximately 20 miles from 15845, Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital is a major regional player. As of the latest available data, Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital has a CMS star rating of three stars. This rating reflects a "average" performance in several key areas, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. The hospital is a major employer in the area and offers a broad range of services.

**UPMC Altoona:** While a further distance, approximately 60 miles from 15845, UPMC Altoona is a major referral center and a significant provider of healthcare in the region. UPMC Altoona has a CMS star rating of three stars. The hospital is known for its specialized services and its affiliation with the broader UPMC system.

**Other Hospitals and Their Significance:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several smaller facilities contribute to the healthcare ecosystem. These facilities may specialize in certain areas or serve as a critical access point for emergency care.

**Clearfield Hospital:** Located in Clearfield, approximately 10 miles from 15845, Clearfield Hospital is another key provider. While specific CMS star ratings for this hospital may vary, it provides essential services to the local community.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of hospital accessibility and efficiency. Long wait times can be detrimental to patient health, especially in cases of serious illness or injury. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on websites like Healthgrades and individual hospital websites. However, it is important to note that these times are averages and can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital's ER:** The average ER wait time at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital should be checked on the latest data available from Healthgrades or the hospital's website. It is essential to consider the potential for longer wait times during peak hours or periods of high patient volume.

**UPMC Altoona's ER:** Similarly, the ER wait times at UPMC Altoona should be checked on the latest data available from Healthgrades or the hospital's website. Given its role as a referral center, it may experience higher patient volumes and potentially longer wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care:**

The availability of specialized care is a critical factor in assessing the overall health of a region. Residents may require access to specialists in areas such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and neurology.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital's Specialty Centers:** Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical services. It is important to investigate the specific programs and services offered by the hospital to determine if they meet individual healthcare needs.

**UPMC Altoona's Specialty Centers:** UPMC Altoona is known for its comprehensive specialty services. It has specialized centers in cardiology, oncology, and other areas. The hospital's affiliation with the UPMC system provides access to a wider network of specialists and advanced treatments.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care: The Modern Approach:**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth services can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and provide convenient access to specialists.

**Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital's Telehealth:** Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital has been actively expanding its telehealth capabilities. Information regarding available telehealth services, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs, should be researched on the hospital's website.

**UPMC Altoona's Telehealth:** UPMC, in general, has a strong presence in telehealth. Residents should check the UPMC Altoona website for information on available telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists through virtual platforms.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS and other organizations, provide valuable insights into how patients perceive their care. Factors such as communication with doctors, the cleanliness of the hospital, and the overall patient experience are all important considerations.

**Reviewing Patient Satisfaction Data:** Reviewing patient satisfaction data, such as the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at the hospitals in the area. This data can be found on the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility is a key consideration for residents of ZIP code 15845. The availability of transportation, including public transportation and ambulance services, is critical for accessing healthcare facilities. The distance to hospitals and the ease of travel are important factors to consider, especially for individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

**Community Health Initiatives and Resources:**

The overall health of a community is also influenced by local health initiatives and resources. These may include public health programs, community health centers, and support groups. Researching the availability of these resources can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.

**Insurance Coverage and Affordability:**

Access to healthcare is heavily influenced by insurance coverage and affordability. Residents should understand the insurance plans accepted by local hospitals and the potential out-of-pocket costs associated with care.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 15845 is a complex evaluation that considers various factors.

* **Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital:** Offers a range of services and has a three-star CMS rating. Residents should assess the specific services offered and consider the average ER wait times.
* **UPMC Altoona:** A larger regional center with a three-star CMS rating. It offers a wider range of specialty services. Transportation time is a factor.
* **Clearfield Hospital:** Provides essential services to the local community.
* **ER Wait Times:** Should be checked on the latest data available from Healthgrades or the hospital's website.
* **Specialty Centers:** Both Penn Highlands DuBois and UPMC Altoona offer specialty services.
* **Telehealth:** Both hospitals are expanding their telehealth capabilities.
* **Patient Experience:** Review patient satisfaction data on the CMS Hospital Compare website.
* **Accessibility:** Consider transportation options and travel distances.
* **Community Resources:** Research local health initiatives and resources.
* **Insurance and Affordability:** Understand insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 15845 offers a mix of options. Residents have access to a range of services, from primary care to specialized treatments. While the CMS star ratings provide a starting point for evaluating hospital quality, it is crucial to consider other factors, such as ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth capabilities, and patient experience. By carefully considering these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and choose the best options for their individual circumstances. This review provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and empowering residents to navigate the system effectively.