16263, Yatesboro, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 16263, Yatesboro, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Clarion, PA (ZIP Code 16263)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Clarion, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16263), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. We'll focus on the hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, offering a comprehensive picture of healthcare options.

**Defining the Scope: Geographic Considerations**

Clarion, PA, is a relatively rural area. Therefore, the "near" designation for hospitals extends to a wider radius than in a metropolitan setting. This review will primarily focus on hospitals within a 60-mile radius, encompassing institutions in Clarion County and neighboring counties like Jefferson, Venango, and Armstrong. This allows for a practical assessment of available healthcare resources.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a valuable tool for evaluating hospital quality: the star rating system. This system assigns a rating from one to five stars, with five being the highest, based on various quality measures. It's important to note that CMS ratings are just one piece of the puzzle, but they offer a standardized benchmark.

**Clarion Hospital: A Local Anchor**

Clarion Hospital, located directly in Clarion, is a central healthcare provider for the community. As of the latest available data, Clarion Hospital has a CMS star rating of [Insert Current CMS Star Rating]. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across several key areas, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and various inpatient and outpatient treatments.

**UPMC Northwest: A Regional Presence**

UPMC Northwest, located in Seneca, PA (approximately 30 miles from Clarion), is another key player. UPMC Northwest currently holds a CMS star rating of [Insert Current CMS Star Rating]. Being part of the UPMC network, the hospital benefits from a larger system's resources and expertise. UPMC Northwest offers a comprehensive array of services, including specialized care in areas like cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Star Ratings**

While CMS star ratings offer a valuable overview, they don't tell the whole story. It's essential to consider other factors, such as emergency room wait times, the availability of specialized services, and the integration of telehealth.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for patients. Long wait times can lead to increased anxiety and potentially worsen health outcomes. Unfortunately, publicly available data on specific ER wait times for individual hospitals can be variable and often lags. However, resources like the Healthgrades website often provide estimates based on patient-reported experiences.

**Clarion Hospital ER:** [Insert Information on ER Wait Times - if available from public sources like Healthgrades or local reporting. If no data is available, state "Specific ER wait time data for Clarion Hospital is not readily available through public sources. Patients should check with the hospital directly or consult with their primary care physician for the most up-to-date information."]

**UPMC Northwest ER:** [Insert Information on ER Wait Times - if available from public sources like Healthgrades or local reporting. If no data is available, state "Specific ER wait time data for UPMC Northwest is not readily available through public sources. Patients should check with the hospital directly or consult with their primary care physician for the most up-to-date information."]

**Specialty Centers and Services: Tailoring Care**

The availability of specialized services is a critical factor in assessing a hospital's overall health score. Patients with specific medical needs require access to specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and behavioral health.

**Clarion Hospital:** Clarion Hospital offers a range of specialized services, including [List specific specialties offered, e.g., a cardiac rehabilitation program, a wound care center, or specific surgical specialties]. The hospital's ability to provide these services locally can significantly reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for care.

**UPMC Northwest:** UPMC Northwest boasts a broader range of specialized services due to its affiliation with the larger UPMC network. These include [List specific specialties offered, e.g., a comprehensive cancer center, advanced cardiac care, and specialized orthopedic services]. This allows patients in the region access to a wider array of expertise and treatment options.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to access medical consultations and follow-up care remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

**Clarion Hospital:** [Insert Information on Telehealth capabilities. Does Clarion Hospital offer telehealth services? If so, what types of services are available? Examples: virtual appointments with primary care physicians, access to specialists via telehealth, remote monitoring programs.]

**UPMC Northwest:** [Insert Information on Telehealth capabilities. Does UPMC Northwest offer telehealth services? If so, what types of services are available? Examples: virtual appointments with primary care physicians, access to specialists via telehealth, remote monitoring programs.] The UPMC network has been a leader in telehealth adoption, so it's likely that UPMC Northwest offers a range of telehealth options.

**Other Hospitals in the Vicinity: Exploring Alternatives**

While Clarion Hospital and UPMC Northwest are the primary healthcare providers for the area, other hospitals within the 60-mile radius offer additional options.

**Armstrong County Memorial Hospital (Kittanning, PA):** Located approximately [Distance] miles from Clarion, Armstrong County Memorial Hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient services. Its CMS star rating is [Insert Current CMS Star Rating].

**Butler Memorial Hospital (Butler, PA):** Situated roughly [Distance] miles from Clarion, Butler Memorial Hospital is a larger facility offering a comprehensive array of services. Its CMS star rating is [Insert Current CMS Star Rating].

**Comparing the Options: A Holistic Approach**

When comparing hospitals, it's essential to consider a variety of factors, not just the CMS star rating. Factors to weigh include:

* **Proximity:** The closer the hospital, the easier it is to access care, especially in emergencies.
* **Specialty Services:** Does the hospital offer the specific services you need?
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are generally preferable.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can improve access to care and reduce travel.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews can provide insights into patient experiences.

**Overall Health Score: A Tentative Assessment**

Based on the available information, here's a tentative "Overall Health Score" assessment for hospitals near Clarion, PA (ZIP Code 16263). This is a general assessment and should not be considered a definitive recommendation.

* **Clarion Hospital:** [Insert a brief summary of Clarion Hospital's strengths and weaknesses based on the information provided. Consider its CMS rating, available services, and any known limitations. For example: "Clarion Hospital serves as a crucial local resource with a [CMS Rating] rating. Its strengths lie in its proximity and core services, but patients may need to travel for specialized care. Further investigation into ER wait times and telehealth availability is warranted."]
* **UPMC Northwest:** [Insert a brief summary of UPMC Northwest's strengths and weaknesses. Consider its CMS rating, available services, and any known limitations. For example: "UPMC Northwest, with its [CMS Rating] rating and affiliation with the UPMC network, offers a broader range of specialized services. Its location, however, necessitates travel for Clarion residents. Its telehealth capabilities are likely robust, but specific details should be confirmed."]
* **Other Hospitals:** [Briefly summarize the strengths and weaknesses of other nearby hospitals like Armstrong County Memorial Hospital and Butler Memorial Hospital, highlighting their proximity and any unique services they offer. For example: "Armstrong County Memorial Hospital and Butler Memorial Hospital provide additional options, but are further away. Patients should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing a hospital."]

**Disclaimer:** This "Overall Health Score" is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their primary care physician to determine the best healthcare options for their individual needs. Hospital ratings and services can change, so it's crucial to verify information directly with the hospitals.