15952, Salix, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 15952, Salix, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 15952

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 15952, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and the breadth of services offered. Our "Overall Health Score" considers factors ranging from patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes to emergency room wait times and telehealth availability. This analysis is designed to empower residents of the region to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Geographic Scope and Key Considerations**

ZIP code 15952 primarily encompasses the town of Windber, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas in Somerset County. Healthcare access in this region is influenced by its rural setting, which presents both challenges and opportunities. Proximity to larger metropolitan centers, such as Johnstown, becomes crucial for specialized care. We will evaluate hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like travel time and the availability of specific services.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings provide a valuable, albeit simplified, measure of hospital quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, are based on a variety of factors, including patient experience, safety of care, and effectiveness of care.

**Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (Windber Hospital):** This hospital, located directly within the 15952 ZIP code, is a critical access hospital. Critical access hospitals are designed to serve rural communities, providing essential services and often facing unique challenges. While the CMS Star Rating for Windber Hospital is unavailable, its designation as a critical access hospital signifies its importance in providing local healthcare access. The hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient clinics. It is essential to note that critical access hospitals may not offer the same breadth of specialized services as larger, urban hospitals.

**UPMC Altoona:** Located approximately 40 miles east of Windber, UPMC Altoona is a larger, regional hospital. While not directly within the immediate vicinity of 15952, its accessibility makes it a significant healthcare option for residents. UPMC Altoona holds a respectable CMS Star Rating. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of services, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, and specialized surgical procedures.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown):** Situated in Johnstown, approximately 15 miles north of Windber, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is a major healthcare provider for the region. This hospital also has a CMS Star Rating. Conemaugh offers a wide array of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive cancer center, and specialized cardiology and neurology programs. Its proximity to Windber makes it a readily accessible option for residents needing more advanced care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of hospital efficiency and accessibility. Prolonged wait times can lead to delays in treatment and potentially adverse health outcomes.

**Windber Hospital:** As a critical access hospital, Windber Hospital's ER wait times are generally shorter compared to larger hospitals. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions.

**UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** These larger hospitals typically experience longer ER wait times, particularly during peak hours. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website and other sources should be consulted for up-to-date wait time information. It is important to note that wait times can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, the time of day, and the specific condition being treated.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in evaluating the overall healthcare landscape. Residents of 15952 should consider the presence of specialized centers and programs when choosing a hospital.

**Cardiology:** Both UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center offer comprehensive cardiology services, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. Windber Hospital provides cardiology consultations and some diagnostic services.

**Oncology:** Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has a well-established cancer center, offering a full range of cancer treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. UPMC Altoona also provides cancer care services.

**Orthopedics:** Both UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center offer orthopedic services, including joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, and treatment for musculoskeletal injuries.

**Neurology:** Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has a neurology department offering services for various neurological conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.

**Maternity Care:** Both Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and UPMC Altoona have maternity units providing comprehensive obstetric care, including labor and delivery services. Windber Hospital offers limited maternity services.

**Mental Health Services:** Access to mental health services is a critical component of overall healthcare. Both Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and UPMC Altoona offer mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient care. Windber Hospital offers limited mental health services.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth services allow patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, via video conferencing, phone calls, or secure messaging.

**Windber Hospital:** Windber Hospital has been actively expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** These larger hospitals have robust telehealth programs, providing access to specialists and virtual consultations for a wide range of medical conditions. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for residents of 15952, reducing the need for travel to access specialized care.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience**

Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of hospital quality. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey provides valuable insights into patient experiences.

**Windber Hospital:** Patient satisfaction scores for Windber Hospital, as a critical access hospital, are generally positive, reflecting the close-knit community and personalized care.

**UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Patient satisfaction scores for these larger hospitals vary, and it is recommended to consult the HCAHPS survey results available on the CMS Hospital Compare website for more detailed information. Factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and pain management contribute to patient satisfaction.

**Accessibility and Transportation Considerations**

Accessibility is a significant factor for residents of 15952, particularly those without personal transportation. The availability of public transportation, such as buses or ride-sharing services, can impact access to healthcare.

**Windber Hospital:** The proximity of Windber Hospital makes it easily accessible for residents of the town and surrounding areas.

**UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Travel to these hospitals requires personal transportation or reliance on public transportation options. Residents should consider the travel time and potential transportation costs when choosing a hospital.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are critical factors in healthcare decision-making. Residents of 15952 should understand their insurance coverage and the potential costs associated with hospital services.

**Windber Hospital:** As a critical access hospital, Windber Hospital may offer financial assistance programs to patients who qualify.

**UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** These hospitals accept a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should contact their insurance providers to confirm coverage and understand their out-of-pocket expenses.

**Community Health Initiatives and Resources**

Community health initiatives and resources play a vital role in promoting overall health and well-being.

**Local Health Departments:** The Somerset County Health Department provides a range of public health services, including disease prevention programs, health education, and community outreach.

**Community Health Centers:** Community health centers offer affordable healthcare services to underserved populations. Residents of 15952 should investigate the availability of community health centers in the area.

**Overall Health Score Summary and Recommendations**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 15952 offers a range of options, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

**Windber Hospital:** Serves as a vital local healthcare provider, offering essential services and convenient access. However, its limited scope of specialized services may necessitate travel to larger hospitals for more complex medical needs.

**UPMC Altoona:** Provides a comprehensive range of services, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, and specialized surgical procedures. Its CMS Star Rating and patient satisfaction scores are generally positive.

**Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center:** Offers a wide array of services, including a Level II Trauma Center and a comprehensive cancer center. Its proximity to Windber makes it a readily accessible option for residents needing more advanced care.

**Recommendations:**

* **For routine care and emergencies:** Windber Hospital is the most convenient option.
* **For specialized care:** UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center offer a broader range of specialized services.
* **Consider ER wait times:** Check current wait times on the CMS Hospital Compare website before visiting the ER.
* **Utilize telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth options to access specialists and reduce travel time.
* **Research insurance coverage:** Confirm insurance coverage and understand out-of-pocket expenses.
* **Explore community resources:** Utilize community health initiatives and resources for health education and support.

This review provides a starting point for making informed healthcare decisions. Residents of 15952 should consult with their primary care physicians, research specific hospital services, and consider their individual healthcare needs when choosing a healthcare provider. The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic assessment, and residents are encouraged to stay informed about changes in hospital quality and services.