15937, Jerome, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15937, Jerome, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15937

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 15937, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for the region. The primary focus is on hospitals readily accessible to residents of this area, considering proximity and referral patterns.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

ZIP code 15937, located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is served by a network of hospitals and healthcare providers. The region's healthcare needs are diverse, ranging from primary care to specialized treatments. Assessing the quality and accessibility of these facilities is crucial for residents seeking the best possible care. This review prioritizes hospitals that are within a reasonable driving distance and/or are major referral centers for the area.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a readily accessible measure of quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, are based on various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** This hospital, located in Johnstown, is a significant player in the local healthcare market. It is a tertiary care center and the flagship hospital in the area. Its CMS star rating is a key indicator of its overall performance. The rating reflects its performance in areas like infection control, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction. A thorough examination of the hospital’s performance on the CMS website is recommended to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

**Other Important Considerations:**

Beyond CMS ratings, several other factors contribute to a hospital's overall health score. These include emergency room wait times, the availability of specialized services, and the integration of telehealth technologies.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical factor in assessing hospital accessibility. Long wait times can be detrimental to patient outcomes, particularly in time-sensitive situations. Data on ER wait times is often available through hospital websites, the CMS Hospital Compare website, and third-party sources.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's ER:** The ER wait times at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center should be closely monitored. Comparing these wait times to national and regional averages provides valuable context. Analyzing the trends over time can reveal improvements or areas needing attention.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is another crucial aspect of a hospital's overall health score. These services cater to specific medical needs, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's Specialties:** Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is expected to offer a range of specialty services. Evaluating the quality and reputation of these centers is essential. This includes assessing the expertise of the medical staff, the availability of advanced technologies, and the patient outcomes in these specialized areas.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in recent years. It allows patients to access medical care remotely, improving access and convenience.

**Telehealth at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Assessing the telehealth capabilities of Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is vital. This includes evaluating the types of telehealth services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the accessibility of these services, and the patient experience with telehealth.

**Other Hospitals and Healthcare Providers:**

While Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is a primary focus, other healthcare providers in the area also contribute to the overall health score.

**UPMC Altoona:** Located further afield, UPMC Altoona is a major regional hospital that may be a referral center for some residents near 15937. Its CMS star rating and specialty services should be considered.

**Smaller Community Hospitals and Clinics:** The presence of smaller community hospitals and clinics is important for providing accessible primary care and urgent care services. Evaluating their quality and accessibility is crucial.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience:**

Beyond clinical quality, accessibility and patient experience are vital components of the overall health score.

**Accessibility:** Factors like location, transportation options, and insurance acceptance influence accessibility. Assessing the ease with which patients can access care is essential.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, online reviews, and hospital ratings provide insights into the patient experience. These metrics reflect the quality of care, the communication between providers and patients, and the overall patient experience.

**Specific Considerations for 15937 Residents:**

Residents of 15937 may have specific healthcare needs and preferences. These factors should be considered when evaluating the healthcare landscape.

**Demographics and Health Needs:** The demographics of the 15937 population, including age, socioeconomic status, and prevalent health conditions, can influence healthcare needs.

**Local Resources and Support:** The availability of local resources, such as support groups, community health programs, and social services, can enhance the overall health score.

**Data Sources and Methodology:**

This review relies on publicly available data from various sources, including:

* **CMS Hospital Compare:** Provides CMS star ratings, quality data, and patient experience information.
* **Hospital Websites:** Offer information on services, wait times, and patient resources.
* **Third-Party Websites:** Provide hospital ratings, reviews, and comparison tools.
* **Local Health Departments:** Offer data on public health initiatives and community health needs.

The methodology involves:

* **Data Collection:** Gathering data from the sources listed above.
* **Data Analysis:** Analyzing the data to assess hospital quality, accessibility, and services.
* **Overall Health Score:** Developing an overall health score based on the analysis.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for residents near ZIP code 15937 is contingent on several factors. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's CMS star rating, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities are crucial. The performance of other hospitals, such as UPMC Altoona, and the availability of primary care and urgent care facilities also play a role. Accessibility, patient experience, and the specific healthcare needs of the 15937 population are also important considerations.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of 15937 should:

* **Research Hospitals:** Investigate the CMS star ratings, specialty services, and patient reviews of hospitals in the area.
* **Consider ER Wait Times:** Be aware of ER wait times and choose the most appropriate facility based on their needs.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Take advantage of telehealth services to improve access to care.
* **Consult with Healthcare Providers:** Discuss their healthcare needs and preferences with their primary care physicians.
* **Stay Informed:** Remain updated on healthcare developments and resources in the area.