16417, Girard, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 16417, Girard, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Girard, PA (ZIP Code 16417)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Girard, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16417), considering factors like quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The goal is to offer residents a clear picture to inform their healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope:**

This review focuses on hospitals within a 50-mile radius of Girard, PA, encompassing Erie and surrounding counties. This allows for a practical assessment of options readily accessible to the community. While smaller clinics and outpatient facilities play a vital role, the primary focus is on acute care hospitals capable of handling a broad range of medical needs.

**Key Metrics and Methodology:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment, drawing from several key metrics. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality measures. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, offer a readily understandable gauge of overall performance.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Data from sources like Medicare.gov and individual hospital websites is considered.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence and quality of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, are crucial for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability and utilization of telehealth services reflect a hospital's commitment to modern healthcare delivery.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient experience, as measured by surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provides valuable insights into patient perceptions.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare signifies adherence to rigorous quality standards.
* **Physician Availability:** The ratio of physicians to patients and the availability of specialists are considered.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**UPMC Hamot (Erie, PA):** Located approximately 20 miles from Girard, UPMC Hamot is a major regional hospital and a significant healthcare provider for the area. It is a flagship hospital, offering a wide array of services. UPMC Hamot has a CMS star rating of **3 stars**. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. UPMC Hamot's ER wait times fluctuate but are generally within the regional average. The hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including a heart and vascular institute, a cancer center, and a women's health center. UPMC Hamot has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services, especially during the pandemic. Patient satisfaction scores, while variable, are generally in line with the regional average. UPMC Hamot is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Saint Vincent Hospital (Erie, PA):** Also located in Erie, Saint Vincent Hospital is another major player in the region's healthcare landscape. Saint Vincent Hospital has a CMS star rating of **3 stars**. This rating suggests a similar level of overall quality to UPMC Hamot. ER wait times are typically comparable to other hospitals in the area. Saint Vincent Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including a comprehensive stroke center and a bariatric surgery program. The hospital has increased its telehealth capabilities, providing virtual appointments and remote monitoring. Patient satisfaction scores are generally in line with the regional average. Saint Vincent Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Other Notable Hospitals:**

**Millcreek Community Hospital (Erie, PA):** Millcreek Community Hospital is a smaller hospital in Erie. It is not a flagship hospital. Millcreek Community Hospital has a CMS star rating of **2 stars**. This rating indicates that it has some areas of concern. ER wait times vary. It has a range of specialty services. Telehealth capabilities are limited. Patient satisfaction scores are generally lower than the regional average. Millcreek Community Hospital is accredited by DNV GL Healthcare.

**Regional Considerations and Accessibility:**

The proximity of these hospitals to Girard, PA, allows for relatively easy access for residents. However, travel times can be affected by traffic, especially during peak hours. Public transportation options are limited in the area, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transport.

**ER Wait Times: A Closer Look:**

ER wait times are a critical factor for anyone seeking urgent medical care. While data can fluctuate, the hospitals in the area generally experience wait times that are within the national average. It is important to note that wait times can vary depending on the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and the overall volume of patients in the ER. Patients with life-threatening conditions are always prioritized.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is a crucial consideration for individuals with specific medical needs. UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital offer a broad range of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. These centers provide specialized expertise and advanced treatments. Millcreek Community Hospital also offers some specialized services, but the scope is more limited.

**Telehealth: The Expanding Frontier:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in recent years. UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital have significantly expanded their telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services. This allows patients to access care remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for those in rural areas or with mobility issues. Millcreek Community Hospital's telehealth capabilities are more limited.

**Patient Satisfaction: The Human Element:**

Patient satisfaction is a vital indicator of the quality of care. HCAHPS surveys provide insights into patient experiences, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment. While patient satisfaction scores can vary, the hospitals in the area generally perform in line with the regional average.

**Accreditation: Ensuring Quality:**

Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission and DNV GL Healthcare signifies that a hospital meets rigorous quality standards. UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital are accredited by The Joint Commission, while Millcreek Community Hospital is accredited by DNV GL Healthcare.

**Physician Availability:**

The ratio of physicians to patients and the availability of specialists are important factors in assessing the quality of care. UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital have a larger pool of physicians and specialists than Millcreek Community Hospital.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital offer the most comprehensive healthcare options for residents of Girard, PA. Both hospitals have a CMS star rating of 3 stars. They offer a broad range of specialty services, and they have invested in telehealth capabilities. Millcreek Community Hospital provides another option, but it has a lower CMS star rating and a more limited scope of services. The choice of hospital should be based on individual needs and preferences, considering factors like specialty care requirements, proximity, and patient satisfaction. Residents should consult with their primary care physicians to determine the best healthcare options for their specific needs.

**Disclaimer:** This "Overall Health Score" is based on publicly available data and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care. Data and ratings are subject to change.