16127, Grove City, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 16127, Grove City, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Hermitage, PA (ZIP Code 16127)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals readily accessible to residents of Hermitage, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16127), focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings. This information aims to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape**

Hermitage, PA, is situated in Mercer County, offering a mix of community hospitals and regional medical centers. Proximity to larger cities like Youngstown, Ohio, expands the healthcare options. The "Overall Health Score" considers accessibility, quality indicators, and a snapshot of available services.

**The Flagship: UPMC Jameson**

UPMC Jameson, located in New Castle, PA (approximately 20 minutes from Hermitage), is a prominent player. It's a large, acute-care hospital with a comprehensive range of services. UPMC Jameson has a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not the highest rating, it indicates a hospital striving for continuous improvement.

UPMC Jameson's emergency department is a critical access point. **Average ER wait times are a crucial metric.** While real-time data fluctuates, recent reports suggest wait times can vary, so checking the hospital’s website or using online tools before arrival is advisable. The hospital offers a broad spectrum of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and a dedicated women's health center. UPMC Jameson has been investing in telehealth capabilities, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring options, expanding access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management.

**Competing for Care: Sharon Regional Medical Center**

Sharon Regional Medical Center, located in Sharon, PA (roughly 10 minutes from Hermitage), presents another significant option. This hospital is part of the Steward Health Care System. CMS star ratings for Sharon Regional are not publicly available, which makes it difficult to make a direct comparison to UPMC Jameson.

Sharon Regional's emergency department is a vital resource for the community. **ER wait times are another key consideration.** Like UPMC Jameson, wait times can vary, so checking real-time information is recommended. The hospital provides a range of services, including cardiology, cancer care, and surgical specialties. Sharon Regional has been expanding its telehealth offerings, focusing on virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring. The hospital is known for its cardiovascular services.

**Beyond the Immediate: Expanding Options**

While UPMC Jameson and Sharon Regional are the closest major hospitals, residents also have access to facilities in neighboring Ohio.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Located in Youngstown, OH (approximately 30 minutes from Hermitage), St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital is a large, tertiary care center. It is a Level 1 Trauma Center. The hospital has a **3-star CMS rating**. St. Elizabeth Youngstown offers a wide array of specialized services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and comprehensive cancer treatment. Access to the hospital's emergency department is a critical factor. **ER wait times are important to consider.** The hospital has been actively developing its telehealth infrastructure, providing virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring.

**Akron Children's Hospital – Beeghly Campus:** For pediatric care, Akron Children's Hospital – Beeghly Campus, located in Boardman, OH (approximately 30 minutes from Hermitage), is a valuable resource. While not a general hospital, it offers specialized pediatric services.

**Key Considerations: Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in assessing hospital accessibility. Hospitals are legally required to post current ER wait times. These times can fluctuate based on patient volume, severity of illness, and staffing levels. Patients should check the hospital's website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information. Longer wait times can indicate higher patient volume or potential staffing challenges.

**Specialty Centers: A Deeper Dive**

Beyond general services, the availability of specialized centers is a key differentiator. UPMC Jameson and Sharon Regional offer cardiology and cancer care. St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital in Ohio provides advanced cardiac and neurological services. Patients with specific medical needs should research the specialized centers available and their expertise.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery. Hospitals are increasingly offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online access to medical records. Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. When assessing a hospital, consider the availability and scope of its telehealth services.

**Patient Experience: A Vital Component**

Patient experience is a vital aspect of overall health. CMS uses the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey to gauge patient satisfaction. This survey asks patients about their experiences with hospital staff, communication, pain management, and the overall hospital environment. Reviewing HCAHPS scores can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction levels.

**Hospital Safety: A Critical Metric**

Hospital safety is paramount. The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit organization, rates hospitals on their safety performance, including their ability to prevent medical errors, infections, and other harms. Checking a hospital's Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade can help assess its commitment to patient safety.

**Financial Considerations: Transparency Matters**

Healthcare costs are a significant concern. Hospitals are required to provide price transparency information, allowing patients to compare costs for common procedures. This information can be found on hospital websites. Understanding the financial implications of care is essential for informed decision-making.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Hermitage, PA, is multifaceted. UPMC Jameson and Sharon Regional are the primary local options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. UPMC Jameson has a 3-star CMS rating. Both hospitals offer a range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, and cancer treatment. St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital in Ohio provides additional specialized services.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research specific needs:** Patients should research hospitals based on their specific medical needs and the availability of specialized services.
* **Check ER wait times:** Always check current ER wait times before going to the emergency room.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Consider the availability of telehealth services for convenience and access to care.
* **Review patient experience data:** Review patient satisfaction scores and safety ratings to assess the quality of care.
* **Consider financial implications:** Review price transparency information to understand the cost of care.
* **Factor in travel time:** Assess the travel time to each hospital, considering the potential impact on emergency care.

This review provides a starting point for evaluating healthcare options near Hermitage, PA. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians and conduct thorough research to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed about the latest developments is crucial.