15847, Knox Dale, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15847, Knox Dale, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 15847

Finding the right healthcare in the vicinity of ZIP code 15847, which encompasses the town of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, requires a nuanced understanding of available resources. This review provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth accessibility. The goal is to equip residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their health.

**The Landscape of Care: Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance**

The closest major hospitals serving the Reynoldsville area are primarily located in larger surrounding towns. These facilities are the cornerstones of local healthcare, and their performance significantly impacts the overall health score for the region.

**Penn Highlands Healthcare: A Regional Powerhouse**

Penn Highlands Healthcare is a dominant force in the region, with several hospitals under its umbrella. The flagship hospital, **Penn Highlands DuBois**, is a key facility for residents near 15847. It's crucial to note that Penn Highlands DuBois has a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates an average performance, it's important to delve deeper into specific areas to understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

Penn Highlands DuBois boasts a comprehensive range of services. They have a robust cardiology program, including interventional cardiology, offering treatment for heart attacks and other cardiac conditions. Their cancer center provides radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. They also have a well-regarded orthopedic program, including joint replacement and sports medicine.

**Emergency Room Dynamics: Wait Times and Efficiency**

Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to handle urgent medical needs. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but understanding the general trends is essential. For Penn Highlands DuBois, recent reports indicate an average ER wait time that is generally in line with, or slightly above, the national average. This suggests that while the ER is equipped to handle emergencies, patients may experience some waiting. It's always advisable to check the most recent data available, often accessible on hospital websites or through platforms like Healthgrades.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care**

Beyond general medical services, the availability of specialized care is a significant factor in the overall health score. Penn Highlands DuBois has several specialized centers. The cancer center, as mentioned earlier, provides comprehensive cancer care. Their women's health services offer a range of services, including obstetrics and gynecology. The hospital also has a dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) and a surgical suite capable of performing a wide array of procedures.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. Penn Highlands Healthcare has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. This includes virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and behavioral health services. The availability of telehealth significantly improves the overall health score by providing convenient access to care and reducing the need for travel. Penn Highlands' telehealth platform allows for secure video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and secure messaging with healthcare providers.

**Other Hospitals in the Region**

While Penn Highlands DuBois is a primary provider, other hospitals in the broader region also serve the needs of residents near 15847.

**UPMC Altoona:** Located further afield, UPMC Altoona offers a comprehensive range of services and often serves as a referral center for more complex cases. UPMC Altoona has a **3-star rating from CMS**. UPMC Altoona is known for its trauma center, its heart and vascular institute, and its specialized surgical programs. The hospital also has a dedicated cancer center and a robust women's health program.

**ER Wait Times at UPMC Altoona:** ER wait times at UPMC Altoona can vary, but they are generally in line with, or slightly above, the national average. It's important to check the most recent data, as wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Telehealth at UPMC Altoona:** UPMC Altoona also offers a range of telehealth services, including virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and behavioral health services. Their telehealth platform allows for secure video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and secure messaging with healthcare providers.

**Considerations for Overall Health Score**

The overall health score for the area surrounding 15847 is influenced by several factors. The CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality, but they should be considered alongside other metrics. ER wait times are a crucial indicator of access to timely care. The availability of specialty centers and advanced care ensures that residents can receive comprehensive treatment close to home. Finally, the expansion of telehealth services significantly improves access to care, particularly for those in rural areas.

**Specific Recommendations**

* **Research individual hospital performance:** Don't rely solely on CMS star ratings. Investigate specific areas of care that are relevant to your health needs.
* **Check ER wait times:** Before seeking emergency care, consider checking the most recent ER wait times for nearby hospitals.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Utilize telehealth services for routine appointments, follow-up care, and mental health support.
* **Consider specialized needs:** If you have specific health concerns, research the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, cancer care, or orthopedic surgery, at different hospitals.
* **Ask questions:** Don't hesitate to ask your primary care physician for recommendations and to discuss your healthcare options.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 15847 is dominated by Penn Highlands Healthcare, with Penn Highlands DuBois serving as a primary provider. While the hospital has a 3-star CMS rating, its comprehensive services and expanding telehealth offerings contribute positively to the overall health score. UPMC Altoona, although further away, also offers a wide range of services and is a potential option for specialized care. By considering the factors discussed in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and navigate the available resources effectively. The overall health score for the region is good, with room for improvement in areas like ER wait times and further expansion of specialized services. However, the presence of key hospitals and the growing adoption of telehealth provide a solid foundation for quality healthcare in the Reynoldsville area.