15924, Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15924, Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15924

Finding the best hospital for your healthcare needs requires a nuanced understanding of available resources, quality metrics, and accessibility. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 15924 (Johnstown, Pennsylvania), considering factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview to aid informed decision-making.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

Residents of Johnstown, PA (15924) primarily rely on a few key hospitals for their healthcare. UPMC Altoona, while not directly in Johnstown, serves as a major regional hub. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is the most prominent hospital within the city limits. Other options, like smaller community hospitals and specialized facilities, play a supporting role.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:**

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, a flagship facility in Johnstown, is the cornerstone of healthcare for the area. It's a large, full-service hospital offering a wide range of medical and surgical services.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's performance, as measured by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system, is a crucial indicator of quality. CMS assigns hospitals a star rating (from 1 to 5 stars) based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. The most recent CMS data should be consulted to ascertain the current star rating for Conemaugh Memorial. This rating provides a snapshot of the hospital's overall performance compared to others nationally.

Beyond the star rating, scrutinizing specific CMS data points is essential. Look for performance in areas such as:

* **Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs):** Rates of infections like MRSA, C. difficile, and surgical site infections are critical indicators of patient safety.
* **Readmission Rates:** Analyzing the percentage of patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge reveals the effectiveness of post-discharge care and management.
* **Mortality Rates:** Comparing mortality rates for specific conditions (e.g., heart attack, pneumonia) provides insight into the hospital's ability to treat serious illnesses.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores, derived from surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), reflect patient perceptions of their care.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients. Conemaugh Memorial's ER wait times should be readily available through online resources or by contacting the hospital directly. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER, although factors like patient volume and the severity of cases can influence these times. Compare Conemaugh's ER wait times to regional and national averages to gauge its performance.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Conemaugh Memorial boasts several specialty centers and services. Key areas to investigate include:

* **Cardiology:** Assess the hospital's cardiology services, including the availability of interventional cardiology procedures (e.g., angioplasty, stenting), cardiac surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation programs.
* **Oncology:** Evaluate the hospital's cancer care offerings, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical oncology, and access to clinical trials. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons, is a positive indicator.
* **Orthopedics:** Investigate the orthopedic services, including joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, and trauma care.
* **Women's Health:** Examine the hospital's obstetrics and gynecology services, including labor and delivery, maternal-fetal medicine, and gynecologic oncology.
* **Behavioral Health:** Assess the availability of mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services.
* **Stroke Center:** Is Conemaugh certified as a Primary Stroke Center or a Comprehensive Stroke Center? This certification signifies the hospital's ability to provide timely and effective stroke care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth is increasingly important for healthcare access. Evaluate Conemaugh's telehealth offerings, including:

* **Virtual Visits:** Does the hospital offer virtual appointments with physicians and specialists?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Does the hospital utilize remote patient monitoring technologies to track patients' vital signs and health conditions remotely?
* **Telemedicine Specialties:** Does the hospital offer telehealth consultations in specialized areas like cardiology, neurology, or behavioral health?

**UPMC Altoona:**

UPMC Altoona, located outside of Johnstown, is a regional healthcare provider that serves as a significant referral center for the area. It is important to consider UPMC Altoona as an option, particularly for specialized care.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

UPMC Altoona's CMS star rating and specific performance metrics should be thoroughly examined. Compare the hospital's performance on the same key indicators as Conemaugh Memorial (HAIs, readmission rates, mortality rates, patient experience).

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

Assess the ER wait times at UPMC Altoona. Consider travel time from Johnstown to factor in the overall accessibility.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

UPMC Altoona may offer specialized services not available at Conemaugh Memorial. Investigate:

* **Advanced Cardiac Care:** UPMC Altoona may have more advanced cardiac services, including complex cardiac surgery and interventional procedures.
* **Neurology and Neurosurgery:** UPMC Altoona could have a more comprehensive neurology and neurosurgery program.
* **Trauma Center:** If UPMC Altoona is a designated trauma center, it signifies its ability to handle severe injuries.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Evaluate UPMC Altoona's telehealth capabilities, including virtual visits, remote monitoring, and telemedicine specialties.

**Other Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities:**

Beyond Conemaugh Memorial and UPMC Altoona, other healthcare facilities near 15924 should be considered. These may include:

* **Smaller Community Hospitals:** These hospitals may offer basic services and primary care.
* **Specialty Clinics:** Consider specialized clinics that offer specific services, such as outpatient surgery, rehabilitation, or diagnostic imaging.
* **Urgent Care Centers:** Urgent care centers can provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions.

**Accessibility and Convenience:**

Accessibility is a crucial factor. Consider:

* **Location:** How easily accessible are the hospitals from your home?
* **Transportation:** Do you have reliable transportation?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Does the hospital accept your insurance plan?
* **Appointment Availability:** How easy is it to schedule appointments with specialists?

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

An "Overall Health Score" is a subjective assessment based on the factors discussed. A higher score indicates a hospital with a better combination of quality, safety, and accessibility.

* **CMS Star Rating:** A higher CMS star rating contributes positively to the score.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times are favorable.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of a wide range of specialty services, particularly those relevant to your healthcare needs, enhances the score.
* **Quality Metrics:** Strong performance on key quality metrics (HAIs, readmission rates, mortality rates) is essential.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Robust telehealth offerings improve accessibility and convenience.
* **Patient Experience:** Positive patient satisfaction scores contribute to a higher score.
* **Accessibility:** Proximity to your home and ease of access are important.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Research:** Conduct thorough research on Conemaugh Memorial and UPMC Altoona, focusing on the factors outlined in this review.
2. **Compare:** Compare the hospitals based on their CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and quality metrics.
3. **Consider Your Needs:** Prioritize the factors most important to your healthcare needs.
4. **Consult Your Physician:** Discuss your healthcare needs and the available options with your primary care physician.
5. **Stay Informed:** Healthcare information changes rapidly. Regularly update your knowledge of hospital performance and services.

This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near ZIP code 15924. By carefully considering the factors discussed, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare and choose the hospital that best meets your needs. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized recommendations.