16923, Genesee, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 16923, Genesee, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 16923 (Coudersport, PA)

Navigating healthcare choices can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals readily accessible to residents of ZIP Code 16923 (Coudersport, PA), factoring in quality metrics, accessibility, and available services. Due to the rural nature of the region, options are limited, but understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility is crucial. This review prioritizes factual information, drawing on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Potter County**

Coudersport, Pennsylvania, sits in Potter County, a sparsely populated area. This geographic reality significantly impacts healthcare access. Residents often face longer travel times to reach hospitals, and the availability of specialized services is generally more limited than in urban areas. The primary healthcare providers serving this region are smaller community hospitals, emphasizing primary care and basic emergency services.

**UPMC Cole (Coudersport, PA)**

UPMC Cole, located directly within Coudersport, is the most immediate healthcare resource for residents of ZIP Code 16923. It is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special federal funding due to its rural location and limited bed capacity (typically 25 beds or fewer). This designation highlights its vital role in providing essential services to the community.

UPMC Cole's CMS Star Rating is currently unavailable. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the hospital's size and the specific data collection requirements for CMS ratings. However, it's essential to understand that the absence of a star rating doesn't necessarily equate to poor quality; it simply means the data isn't available for that specific metric.

Emergency Room (ER) wait times at UPMC Cole are not readily available through public sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website. However, as a smaller facility, it's reasonable to assume wait times are generally shorter than those at larger, urban hospitals. The ER is equipped to handle a range of emergencies, including basic trauma and medical conditions.

UPMC Cole offers a range of services, including inpatient care, surgical services, and diagnostic imaging. They also provide outpatient services like physical therapy and laboratory testing. The hospital has a strong focus on primary care, with a network of family medicine physicians and specialists who provide regular office hours.

Telehealth services at UPMC Cole are likely available, although the specific scope and availability are subject to change. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial in rural areas, allowing patients to access specialist consultations and follow-up care without the need for extensive travel.

**Other Considerations for Healthcare Access**

While UPMC Cole is the primary hospital for Coudersport residents, patients may seek care at hospitals further afield, especially for specialized services or in cases of severe illness or injury. Several hospitals within a reasonable driving distance offer a broader range of options.

**Olean General Hospital (Olean, NY)**

Olean General Hospital, located in Olean, New York (approximately a 45-minute drive from Coudersport), is a larger facility that can serve as a secondary option for residents in the region. It is part of the Upper Allegheny Health System.

Olean General Hospital's CMS Star Rating is unavailable.

ER wait times at Olean General Hospital are not publicly available through the CMS Hospital Compare website. However, as a larger facility than UPMC Cole, it's possible that wait times could be longer.

Olean General Hospital offers a more extensive range of services than UPMC Cole, including specialized medical and surgical care, a cardiac catheterization lab, and a comprehensive cancer center. They have various specialty clinics, including cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology.

Telehealth services are likely available at Olean General Hospital, expanding access to specialist consultations and follow-up care.

**Bradford Regional Medical Center (Bradford, PA)**

Bradford Regional Medical Center, located in Bradford, Pennsylvania (approximately a 1-hour drive from Coudersport), is another potential option.

Bradford Regional Medical Center's CMS Star Rating is unavailable.

ER wait times at Bradford Regional Medical Center are not publicly available through the CMS Hospital Compare website.

Bradford Regional Medical Center offers a range of services, including inpatient care, surgical services, and diagnostic imaging. They also have specialty clinics and a focus on primary care.

Telehealth services are likely available at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

**Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital (Danville, PA)**

For pediatric care, the Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville, PA (approximately a 3-hour drive) is a regional referral center. This hospital is a highly specialized facility, providing comprehensive pediatric care.

The Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, which houses the children's hospital, has a CMS Star Rating of 3 stars.

ER wait times at Geisinger Medical Center are not readily available through public sources.

Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital offers a comprehensive range of pediatric services, including specialized medical and surgical care, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Telehealth services are likely available at Geisinger, potentially providing access to pediatric specialists for patients in the Coudersport area.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 16923 is heavily influenced by the limitations of rural healthcare. The primary hospital, UPMC Cole, provides essential services, but access to specialized care requires travel. Olean General Hospital and Bradford Regional Medical Center offer more comprehensive options, but with longer travel times. For specialized pediatric care, the Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital is a significant resource, but it requires a substantial drive.

**Accessibility and Travel Time:** The most significant factor impacting the "Overall Health Score" is accessibility. Residents of Coudersport face longer travel times to access a wider range of services. This can be particularly challenging in emergency situations.

**Service Availability:** The range of services available at UPMC Cole is more limited than at larger hospitals. Residents may need to travel for specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures.

**Quality Metrics:** The absence of CMS Star Ratings for the primary hospitals in the immediate area makes it difficult to directly compare quality metrics. However, the availability of data on patient outcomes and infection rates at the larger facilities, such as Olean General Hospital and Bradford Regional Medical Center, is an important factor to consider.

**Telehealth Integration:** The availability of telehealth services is a positive factor, as it can help bridge the gap in access to specialists. Residents should inquire about telehealth options when seeking care.

**Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can offer valuable insights. Patients should research and consider the experiences of others when choosing a healthcare provider.

**Emergency Preparedness:** The ability of UPMC Cole to handle emergencies is crucial. Residents should be aware of the hospital's capabilities and any limitations in emergency services.

**Conclusion**

For residents of ZIP Code 16923, the "Overall Health Score" is a nuanced assessment. While UPMC Cole provides essential services and convenient access, the limited range of specialized care necessitates travel to larger hospitals. Telehealth services offer a potential solution for some needs. Residents should carefully consider their healthcare needs, the services available at each facility, and the travel time required to access those services. Proactive planning, understanding the available resources, and staying informed about evolving healthcare options are vital for maintaining good health in this rural setting. It is recommended that residents consult with their primary care physicians to determine the most appropriate healthcare options for their individual needs and health concerns.