15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Johnstown, PA (ZIP Code 15909)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Johnstown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15909), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. The goal is to offer a clear picture, empowering informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Players in the Region**

The primary healthcare providers serving Johnstown are concentrated within a reasonable radius. The most prominent institutions include UPMC hospitals, and other regional facilities. These hospitals form the core of the local healthcare ecosystem.

**UPMC Somerset**

Located approximately 30 miles from Johnstown, UPMC Somerset is a significant player. It's important to note that UPMC Somerset is not within the immediate vicinity of the 15909 ZIP code, but it serves a population that may include residents from the area. UPMC Somerset has a three-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a hospital that generally meets expected standards.

UPMC Somerset's emergency room wait times are a critical consideration. While specific, constantly updated data is hard to come by, it's crucial to check online resources like the hospital's website or third-party sites for the most current information. This data is essential for assessing the accessibility of emergency care.

UPMC Somerset offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. Access to these specialized services is a key factor in the overall health score. The availability of these services reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for care.

Telehealth services are increasingly important. UPMC Somerset likely offers some telehealth options, but the extent and accessibility of these services should be investigated. Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center**

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is a major hospital located in Johnstown, making it a central point of care for residents of the 15909 ZIP code. Conemaugh Memorial is a flagship hospital in the area. The hospital has a three-star rating from CMS, similar to UPMC Somerset. This rating provides a baseline understanding of the hospital's performance across various quality metrics.

ER wait times at Conemaugh Memorial are a critical point of evaluation. Patients seeking emergency care need timely attention. Data on ER wait times should be readily available on the hospital's website or through public health reporting.

Conemaugh Memorial offers a wide range of specialty services. These include cardiology, neurology, oncology, and surgical services. The breadth of these offerings contributes to the hospital's ability to address diverse healthcare needs within the community.

Telehealth services are available at Conemaugh Memorial. The hospital likely offers virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth options. The extent of these services and their accessibility are important factors in the overall health score.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Hospitals and Urgent Care**

Beyond the larger hospitals, residents of the 15909 ZIP code have access to other healthcare options. These include smaller hospitals, outpatient clinics, and urgent care centers. These facilities can provide convenient access to basic medical services.

The presence of urgent care centers is particularly important. They offer an alternative to the emergency room for less serious conditions, potentially reducing wait times and costs.

**Analyzing the Data: Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score**

Several factors contribute to the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near the 15909 ZIP code. These factors are weighted based on their importance to patient care.

* **CMS Star Ratings:** CMS star ratings are a key indicator of hospital quality. A higher star rating generally indicates better performance across various metrics. However, it's essential to understand that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.
* **ER Wait Times:** Long ER wait times can negatively impact patient outcomes. Hospitals with shorter wait times receive higher scores in this category.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of a wide range of specialty services is crucial. Hospitals that offer comprehensive services receive higher scores.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth services enhance access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Hospitals with robust telehealth programs score higher.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys and feedback are vital. Hospitals with positive patient experiences receive higher scores.
* **Hospital Safety:** Infections, falls, and other adverse events can impact patient safety. Hospitals with strong safety records score higher.
* **Community Health Needs:** Hospitals that actively address the health needs of the community receive higher scores. This includes initiatives like health education programs and outreach efforts.

**Scoring Methodology**

The "Overall Health Score" is determined by a weighted average of the factors listed above. Each factor is assigned a specific weight based on its importance. For example, CMS star ratings and ER wait times may have higher weights than telehealth availability. This weighting system ensures that the score reflects the most critical aspects of hospital quality and accessibility.

**Specific Data Points and Their Impact**

* **ER Wait Times:** If average ER wait times at Conemaugh Memorial are consistently above the national average, the hospital's score in this category will be negatively impacted. Conversely, shorter wait times will improve the score.
* **Specialty Service Availability:** The presence of a comprehensive cancer center at Conemaugh Memorial will positively impact the hospital's score. The absence of certain key specialties could negatively affect the score.
* **Telehealth Utilization:** If UPMC Somerset has a robust telehealth program with high patient utilization, its score in this category will be higher. Limited telehealth options will result in a lower score.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** High patient satisfaction scores, as measured by surveys, will improve a hospital's score. Low scores will have the opposite effect.
* **Hospital Safety Metrics:** A hospital with a low rate of hospital-acquired infections will receive a higher score in the safety category. High infection rates will lower the score.

**Limitations and Considerations**

This "Overall Health Score" is based on publicly available data and information. The accuracy of the score depends on the reliability of the data sources. It is essential to recognize that this is a snapshot in time, and hospital performance can change.

Patients should always consult with their primary care physician and conduct their own research before making healthcare decisions. This review is intended as a starting point for information gathering, not as a definitive guide.

**Conclusion: Assessing the Healthcare Landscape in Johnstown**

The hospitals serving the 15909 ZIP code provide a range of healthcare services. UPMC Somerset and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center are the primary providers, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Residents should carefully consider the factors discussed in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability, when making healthcare decisions.

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Johnstown, PA, reflects the balance between these factors. While both major hospitals have three-star CMS ratings, indicating a baseline level of quality, variations in ER wait times, specialty service offerings, and telehealth capabilities will influence the specific scores. Patients should use this information, along with their own research and consultation with their physicians, to navigate the healthcare system effectively. The goal is to make informed choices that promote the best possible health outcomes.