The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 18901, Doylestown, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
Health Scores in 18901, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Overall Health Score | 84 |
---|---|
People Score | 56 |
Provider Score | 81 |
Hospital Score | 38 |
Travel Score | 71 |
## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Doylestown, PA (ZIP Code 18901)
Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Doylestown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18901), focusing on key metrics to help you make informed decisions about your care. We'll delve into hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services, drawing on publicly available data and industry benchmarks.
**The Landscape: Bucks County Healthcare**
Doylestown, nestled in Bucks County, benefits from a robust healthcare ecosystem. The region is served by a mix of large, established hospitals, community hospitals, and specialized clinics. Proximity to Philadelphia also offers access to world-renowned medical centers. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility is crucial for making the best choice for your individual needs.
**Flagship Hospital: Doylestown Hospital**
Doylestown Hospital, the most prominent hospital in the immediate vicinity, is a key player in the local healthcare landscape. It's a large, non-profit hospital with a long-standing reputation. Doylestown Hospital is a teaching hospital, affiliated with several medical schools.
**CMS Star Rating & Quality Metrics:**
Doylestown Hospital holds a **4-star rating** from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, based on a composite of quality measures, places it above the national average. The CMS star rating considers factors like mortality rates, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
**Specific Performance Highlights:**
Doylestown Hospital generally performs well in areas like heart attack and heart failure care. It's also recognized for its stroke care protocols, often achieving shorter door-to-needle times (the time from patient arrival to receiving thrombolytic medication) than national averages. The hospital's surgical outcomes are generally in line with or better than national benchmarks.
**Emergency Room Performance:**
ER wait times are a critical factor for many patients. Doylestown Hospital's ER wait times are generally **moderate**, with an average wait time that fluctuates depending on the time of day and patient volume. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER. The hospital's ER sees a high volume of patients, so wait times can be longer during peak hours.
**Specialty Centers & Services:**
Doylestown Hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. The **Heart Institute** is a major draw, offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The hospital's **Cancer Institute** provides a full spectrum of cancer treatment, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. The **Woodall Center for Women's Health** provides specialized care for women, including obstetrics and gynecology. The hospital also has a well-regarded **orthopedic program** and a dedicated **behavioral health unit**.
**Telehealth Capabilities:**
Doylestown Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years, offering virtual visits for certain specialties and follow-up appointments. Telehealth services are particularly useful for managing chronic conditions and providing convenient access to care. The hospital continues to invest in its telehealth infrastructure to improve patient access.
**Other Hospitals in the Region:**
While Doylestown Hospital is the closest and largest hospital, other options are available within a reasonable driving distance. These include:
**St. Mary Medical Center (Langhorne, PA):**
St. Mary Medical Center, located approximately 20 minutes from Doylestown, is another major healthcare provider in Bucks County. It's a part of Trinity Health, a large Catholic health system.
**CMS Star Rating & Quality Metrics:**
St. Mary Medical Center has a **3-star rating** from CMS. The hospital's quality performance is generally considered to be average.
**Specific Performance Highlights:**
St. Mary Medical Center is known for its strong **maternity services**, including a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The hospital has a robust **cardiac care program** and offers a range of surgical services.
**Emergency Room Performance:**
ER wait times at St. Mary Medical Center are generally **moderate**, similar to Doylestown Hospital.
**Specialty Centers & Services:**
St. Mary Medical Center offers a variety of specialty services, including a comprehensive **cancer center**, a **stroke center**, and a **wound care center**. The hospital also has a dedicated **bariatric surgery program**.
**Telehealth Capabilities:**
St. Mary Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual visits for a range of specialties.
**Abington Hospital - Jefferson Health (Abington, PA):**
Abington Hospital, located approximately 30 minutes from Doylestown, is a large, tertiary care hospital affiliated with Jefferson Health. It's a major regional referral center.
**CMS Star Rating & Quality Metrics:**
Abington Hospital has a **3-star rating** from CMS.
**Specific Performance Highlights:**
Abington Hospital is known for its advanced medical capabilities and its role as a teaching hospital. It offers a wide range of specialized services, including **transplant services**, **trauma care**, and **complex surgical procedures**.
**Emergency Room Performance:**
ER wait times at Abington Hospital can be **longer** than at Doylestown or St. Mary, particularly during peak hours. This is due to the hospital's high patient volume and its role as a regional trauma center.
**Specialty Centers & Services:**
Abington Hospital has a vast array of specialty centers, including a comprehensive **cancer center**, a **heart and vascular center**, a **neuroscience center**, and a **transplant institute**. The hospital also has a Level I trauma center.
**Telehealth Capabilities:**
Abington Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits for a wide range of specialties.
**Other Considerations:**
**Access to Specialists:**
The availability of specialists is a crucial factor in healthcare. Doylestown Hospital has a good selection of specialists, but for certain rare conditions or complex procedures, patients may need to travel to Philadelphia or other major medical centers.
**Patient Experience:**
Patient experience is a key indicator of overall quality. CMS data includes patient experience surveys, which provide insights into patient satisfaction with their care. Reviewing these surveys can help you understand how patients rate their experiences at each hospital. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable information.
**Cost of Care:**
The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many patients. Hospital pricing can vary significantly. It's essential to understand your insurance coverage and to inquire about the cost of services before receiving care. Hospital websites often provide information about pricing and financial assistance programs.
**Community Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers:**
Several community hospitals and urgent care centers are located in the Doylestown area. These facilities can provide convenient access to care for less serious conditions. However, for serious illnesses or injuries, it's generally advisable to seek care at a full-service hospital with a comprehensive range of services.
**Overall Health Score Summary:**
Based on available data, Doylestown Hospital emerges as a strong contender for comprehensive healthcare needs in the 18901 area. Its 4-star CMS rating, combined with its specialty centers and telehealth capabilities, makes it a solid choice. St. Mary Medical Center offers a good alternative, particularly for maternity services. Abington Hospital, with its advanced capabilities, is an option for complex medical needs, but consider potentially longer ER wait times.
**Recommendations:**
* **For routine care and many specialty needs, Doylestown Hospital is a strong option.**
* **For maternity care, St. Mary Medical Center is a good choice.**
* **For complex medical needs and specialized procedures, Abington Hospital is a viable option, but factor in potential travel time and wait times.**
* **Always check current ER wait times online or by phone before going to the emergency room.**
* **Consider your insurance coverage and the cost of care when making your decision.**
* **Consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.**
* **Review patient experience surveys and online reviews to gain further insights.**
This "Overall Health Score" provides a starting point for your healthcare decision-making process. It's crucial to conduct your own research and consider your individual needs and preferences. Healthcare is personal, and the best choice is the one that best meets your specific requirements.
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