16731, Eldred, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 16731, Eldred, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Smethport, PA (ZIP Code 16731)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Smethport, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16731), focusing on key metrics that impact patient experience and outcomes. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, telehealth availability, and more. This is not a substitute for medical advice; consult with your physician for personalized recommendations.

**Proximity and Scope:**

The immediate vicinity of Smethport is primarily served by smaller community hospitals and clinics. For access to a broader range of specialized services, residents often look towards larger regional medical centers. This review will concentrate on facilities within a driving distance of approximately 60-90 minutes, acknowledging the rural nature of the area.

**Key Considerations for Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment. It considers several factors:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), offer a standardized measure of hospital quality based on patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** A crucial indicator of access and responsiveness. Shorter wait times generally correlate with better patient flow and potentially improved outcomes.
* **Specialty Services:** Availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, is critical for managing complex medical conditions.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The increasing importance of telehealth, especially in rural areas, allows for remote consultations, monitoring, and follow-up care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Measured through surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), this reflects patient perceptions of their care experience.
* **Hospital Safety:** This includes measures of infection rates, medication errors, and other safety indicators.

**Hospital Profiles and Assessments:**

**1. UPMC Kane (Kane, PA) – Approximately 30 minutes from Smethport:**

UPMC Kane is a critical access hospital, a designation designed to support healthcare in rural areas. This means it is smaller and has fewer beds than a typical hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Not rated by CMS. Critical access hospitals are not routinely assigned star ratings.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available. However, as a critical access hospital, it likely experiences shorter wait times than larger facilities.
* **Specialty Services:** Offers primary care, emergency services, and some specialized outpatient clinics. Limited specialized services due to its size.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** UPMC has a robust telehealth network, and UPMC Kane likely has access to these resources for consultations and follow-up.
* **Overall Assessment:** UPMC Kane provides essential healthcare services to the local community. Its strength lies in its proximity and focus on primary care and emergency services. For complex medical needs, patients may need to be transferred to larger facilities.

**2. Bradford Regional Medical Center (Bradford, PA) – Approximately 30 minutes from Smethport:**

Bradford Regional Medical Center is a larger community hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 Stars. This indicates average performance on CMS quality measures.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Services:** Offers a wider range of services than UPMC Kane, including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Likely has some telehealth options, potentially including remote consultations with specialists.
* **Overall Assessment:** Bradford Regional Medical Center provides a more comprehensive level of care than UPMC Kane. The 3-star rating suggests room for improvement in some areas.

**3. Olean General Hospital (Olean, NY) – Approximately 1 hour from Smethport:**

Olean General Hospital is a larger regional hospital, situated across the state border in New York.

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 Stars. Similar to Bradford Regional Medical Center, this indicates average performance.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Services:** Offers a broad range of services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical specialties.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Likely has established telehealth programs, particularly for specialist consultations.
* **Overall Assessment:** Olean General Hospital offers a good range of services, making it a viable option for residents of the area.

**4. Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) (Erie, PA) – Approximately 2 hours from Smethport:**

ECMC is a large, regional medical center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 Stars.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Services:** ECMC offers a comprehensive array of specialty services, including trauma care, burn center, and transplant services.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** ECMC likely has robust telehealth capabilities.
* **Overall Assessment:** ECMC is a large, regional medical center that offers a comprehensive array of specialty services. However, the distance from Smethport may be a barrier for some patients.

**5. Saint Vincent Hospital (Erie, PA) – Approximately 2 hours from Smethport:**

Saint Vincent Hospital is a large, regional medical center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 Stars.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Services:** Saint Vincent Hospital offers a comprehensive array of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical specialties.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Saint Vincent Hospital likely has robust telehealth capabilities.
* **Overall Assessment:** Saint Vincent Hospital is a large, regional medical center that offers a comprehensive array of specialty services. However, the distance from Smethport may be a barrier for some patients.

**Telehealth Considerations:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. UPMC, in particular, has invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure. Residents should inquire about telehealth options when seeking care, as it can significantly improve access to specialists and follow-up care. The availability of telehealth varies by hospital and specialty.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Caveat:**

Reliable, publicly available data on ER wait times for all the hospitals mentioned is not consistently available. Patients should contact the hospitals directly or check online resources like the hospital's website or third-party healthcare information sites for the most up-to-date information. Keep in mind that wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Patient Satisfaction:**

Patient satisfaction is a critical component of overall health. The HCAHPS survey provides valuable insights into the patient experience. While specific HCAHPS scores for each hospital are not included in this review, patients are encouraged to review the HCAHPS data available on the CMS website. This information can provide a more nuanced understanding of the patient experience at each facility.

**Hospital Safety:**

Hospital safety is another key factor. It's essential to research each hospital's infection rates, medication error rates, and other safety metrics. This information is often available on the hospital's website or through public reporting agencies.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Smethport, PA, reflects the limited options available in this rural area. UPMC Kane provides essential local care but has limited specialty services. Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean General Hospital offer a more comprehensive range of services. Erie County Medical Center and Saint Vincent Hospital, located further away, offer a wider range of specialty services. The CMS star ratings indicate average performance for the larger hospitals. Telehealth capabilities are becoming increasingly important, and residents should inquire about these options. The best choice for an individual will depend on their specific healthcare needs, the availability of specialists, and their willingness to travel. It is crucial to consult with a primary care physician to determine the best course of action and to obtain referrals to specialists if needed. The limited availability of robust, publicly available data on key metrics like ER wait times highlights the need for further transparency in healthcare reporting.