17762, Picture Rocks, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17762, Picture Rocks, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17762

The area surrounding ZIP code 17762, encompassing the Williamsport, Pennsylvania region, offers a diverse range of healthcare options. This review analyzes the key hospitals in the area, evaluating their performance based on factors including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Flagship: UPMC Williamsport**

UPMC Williamsport, formerly known as the Williamsport Regional Medical Center, stands as a prominent healthcare provider in the region. It's the flagship hospital, offering a wide array of services. The hospital's performance is a crucial indicator of the overall health landscape near 17762.

**CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Williamsport currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific areas to understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:** ER wait times are a critical concern for patients. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, UPMC Williamsport generally aims to provide timely care. It’s advisable to check the UPMC website or call the hospital directly for the most up-to-date information. The hospital's ER sees a high volume of patients, which can impact wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** UPMC Williamsport boasts several specialized centers. These include a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The hospital also features a cancer center providing radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. Other key specialties include orthopedics, neurosurgery, and a dedicated women's health center.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for accessing specialists and managing chronic conditions. UPMC Williamsport offers telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. The availability of telehealth varies depending on the specialty and the patient's insurance coverage. UPMC's broader telehealth network extends beyond Williamsport, connecting patients with specialists across the UPMC system.

**Other Hospitals in the Vicinity**

While UPMC Williamsport is the primary hospital, other healthcare facilities contribute to the overall health score of the 17762 area. These include smaller hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialized clinics.

**Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital:** Located in Jersey Shore, PA, approximately 20 minutes from Williamsport, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and primary care. It is part of the Geisinger Health System, known for its integrated approach to healthcare.

**CMS Star Rating:** Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating places it in the same category as UPMC Williamsport, indicating average performance on quality metrics.

**ER Performance:** Like UPMC Williamsport, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital experiences fluctuating ER wait times. Patients should check the hospital's website or call for current wait times.

**Specialty Services:** Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital provides essential services, including cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics. It’s important to note that the range of specialty services may be less extensive than at UPMC Williamsport.

**Telehealth:** Geisinger Health System is a leader in telehealth. Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital benefits from the system's telehealth infrastructure, offering patients remote access to specialists and virtual consultations.

**Smaller Hospitals and Clinics:** The area surrounding 17762 is also served by smaller hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. These facilities provide convenient access to primary care, minor injury treatment, and other services.

**Urgent Care Centers:** Several urgent care centers operate in the Williamsport area. These centers offer a convenient alternative to the ER for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They typically have shorter wait times and lower costs than emergency rooms.

**Specialized Clinics:** Various specialized clinics cater to specific healthcare needs, such as physical therapy, mental health services, and dialysis. These clinics often provide specialized expertise and targeted care.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score**

Several factors contribute to the overall health score of the 17762 area. These include:

**Access to Care:** The availability of hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers directly impacts access to care. The presence of multiple facilities ensures that residents have options and can receive timely medical attention.

**Quality of Care:** CMS star ratings, patient outcomes, and the availability of specialized services are crucial indicators of quality. Hospitals with higher ratings and a wider range of specialties generally provide better care.

**Cost of Care:** Healthcare costs are a significant concern for patients. The cost of services varies between hospitals and clinics. Patients should research pricing and insurance coverage before receiving care.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction is a key component of the overall health score. Factors such as wait times, communication with healthcare providers, and the overall hospital environment influence patient experience.

**Health Outcomes:** The health outcomes of the population in the 17762 area are a critical measure of the effectiveness of the healthcare system. Factors such as chronic disease management, mortality rates, and preventative care services influence health outcomes.

**Telehealth Integration:** The availability and integration of telehealth services improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Telehealth can also facilitate remote monitoring of chronic conditions and reduce the need for in-person visits.

**Detailed Analysis of Key Metrics**

To provide a more detailed assessment, here's a breakdown of key metrics for the primary hospitals:

**UPMC Williamsport:**

* **Average ER Wait Time:** While variable, the average ER wait time is often in the range of 30-60 minutes. However, this can fluctuate significantly based on the time of day and the number of patients.
* **Specific Specialty Centers:** The Heart and Vascular Institute offers comprehensive cardiac care, including advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures. The Cancer Center provides a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment.
* **Telehealth Offerings:** UPMC Williamsport offers telehealth consultations in various specialties, including cardiology, neurology, and behavioral health.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, as measured by surveys, are generally average. UPMC is actively working to improve patient experience through various initiatives.

**Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital:**

* **Average ER Wait Time:** ER wait times at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital are generally comparable to those at UPMC Williamsport. Patients should check the hospital's website for current wait times.
* **Specific Specialty Services:** Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital offers cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedic services.
* **Telehealth Offerings:** Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital leverages the Geisinger Health System's robust telehealth platform, providing access to specialists and virtual consultations.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital are generally comparable to those at UPMC Williamsport.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The overall health score for the area near ZIP code 17762 is moderately positive. UPMC Williamsport serves as the primary healthcare hub, offering a wide range of services and specialties. Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital provides a valuable alternative, especially for residents in the Jersey Shore area. The presence of urgent care centers and specialized clinics further enhances access to care.

**Recommendations for Patients**

Patients should consider the following when choosing healthcare providers:

* **Research Hospitals and Clinics:** Investigate the services offered, CMS star ratings, and patient reviews.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before going to the ER, check the hospital's website or call for current wait times.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Consider telehealth consultations for convenience and access to specialists.
* **Understand Insurance Coverage:** Verify insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs before receiving care.
* **Communicate with Healthcare Providers:** Ask questions and voice concerns to ensure you receive the best possible care.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 17762 offers a reasonable level of access to care and a range of services. UPMC Williamsport is the primary hospital, while Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and other facilities provide additional options. Patients should carefully research their options and make informed decisions based on their individual healthcare needs. The overall health score for the area is solid, but continuous improvement in areas such as ER wait times, patient experience, and access to specialized services would further enhance the quality of care for residents.