15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15929

Finding the right hospital can be a critical decision. This review assesses the healthcare landscape near the ZIP code 15929, focusing on key indicators of quality and accessibility. We’ll analyze flagship institutions, examine wait times, and delve into specialized services to provide a comprehensive “Overall Health Score” for the region. Note: This review is based on publicly available data and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.

**Geographic Overview:**

ZIP code 15929 primarily serves the town of Cresson, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. This region is situated in Cambria County, offering a mix of rural and suburban settings. Access to specialized medical care may require travel to larger cities like Johnstown or even further afield.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a readily accessible gauge of overall quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**UPMC Altoona:** Located approximately 30 miles east of Cresson, UPMC Altoona is a significant regional player. As part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system, it benefits from a network of resources and expertise. CMS data indicates a current star rating for UPMC Altoona. The hospital offers a wide range of services, including a comprehensive heart and vascular center, a cancer center, and a dedicated women's health program.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Situated in Johnstown, roughly 20 miles west of Cresson, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is another major healthcare provider serving the area. It is the flagship hospital of the Conemaugh Health System. Conemaugh Memorial has a CMS star rating. The hospital boasts a Level I Trauma Center, crucial for handling critical emergencies. It also houses specialized centers for cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, and behavioral health.

**Other Considerations:**

Smaller community hospitals and outpatient clinics may also be available closer to Cresson. While these facilities might not have the same breadth of services as larger hospitals, they can offer convenient access to primary care, urgent care, and basic diagnostic testing.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in assessing hospital accessibility. Long wait times can be indicative of overcrowding, staffing shortages, or other systemic issues. Publicly available data on ER wait times can vary, but several sources provide insights.

**UPMC Altoona:** Information on ER wait times at UPMC Altoona is accessible through various online platforms and hospital websites. These resources typically provide real-time or near real-time updates on average wait times.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center also provides information on ER wait times. Patients can often find this information on the hospital's website or through third-party healthcare websites.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is a key indicator of a hospital's ability to address complex medical needs.

**UPMC Altoona:** UPMC Altoona's heart and vascular center offers advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. Their cancer center provides comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. The women's health program encompasses a range of services, from obstetrics and gynecology to specialized care for women's health issues.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Conemaugh Memorial's Level I Trauma Center is equipped to handle the most severe injuries and emergencies. The hospital's cardiovascular services include advanced cardiac procedures and treatments. The cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. Conemaugh also provides behavioral health services, addressing mental health and substance abuse issues.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for rural communities. It allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

**UPMC Altoona:** UPMC has invested significantly in telehealth capabilities. They offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services, expanding access to care for patients in the region.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Conemaugh also provides telehealth services, including virtual visits and remote patient monitoring. These services can be particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and consultations with specialists.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of overall healthcare quality. Factors like communication, responsiveness, and the overall hospital environment significantly impact patient satisfaction.

**CMS Star Ratings:** The CMS star ratings incorporate patient experience data, providing a general indication of patient satisfaction levels.

**Online Reviews and Surveys:** Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews offer platforms for patients to share their experiences. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of individual hospitals and providers.

**Access to Care:**

Accessibility involves factors such as proximity, transportation options, and insurance acceptance.

**UPMC Altoona:** Located approximately 30 miles east of Cresson, UPMC Altoona is accessible by car. Public transportation options may be limited. The hospital accepts a wide range of insurance plans.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Situated in Johnstown, roughly 20 miles west of Cresson, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is also accessible by car. Public transportation options may be available, but may have limited routes. The hospital accepts a wide range of insurance plans.

**Financial Considerations:**

Healthcare costs can vary significantly. Patients should inquire about the cost of services and understand their insurance coverage.

**Price Transparency:** Hospitals are increasingly required to provide price transparency information, allowing patients to compare costs.

**Financial Assistance Programs:** Both UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center offer financial assistance programs for eligible patients.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

**UPMC Altoona:**
* **Strengths:** Strong regional presence, comprehensive services, specialized centers (cardiac, cancer, women's health), telehealth capabilities.
* **Weaknesses:** Distance from Cresson, potential for longer ER wait times, need to check CMS star rating.
* **Overall Score:** Based on available data, UPMC Altoona appears to be a strong option for comprehensive healthcare, particularly for specialized needs.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:**
* **Strengths:** Level I Trauma Center, specialized services (cardiac, cancer, behavioral health), telehealth capabilities.
* **Weaknesses:** Distance from Cresson, need to check CMS star rating, potential for longer ER wait times.
* **Overall Score:** Conemaugh Memorial is another strong option, particularly for emergency care and specialized services.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of the 15929 ZIP code should consider their individual healthcare needs when selecting a hospital. For routine care and less complex issues, local clinics or urgent care centers may be sufficient. For specialized care, emergencies, or complex medical conditions, UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center are the primary options. Patients should research ER wait times, check CMS star ratings, consider travel time, and verify insurance coverage before making a decision. Telehealth options can enhance access to care and reduce the need for travel. It is recommended to consult with a primary care physician for personalized recommendations.