19056, Levittown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 19056, Levittown, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 19056 (Havertown, PA)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. For residents of Havertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 19056), access to quality medical care is a crucial consideration. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals in the vicinity, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability. The goal is to offer a clear, fact-based overview to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus is on hospitals readily accessible to residents of 19056, considering proximity and ease of travel. This includes hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in typical traffic patterns. The review will prioritize hospitals with a strong presence in the area and those that often serve as referral destinations for local physicians.

**The CMS Star Rating: A Quick Gauge of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable starting point for assessing hospital quality. CMS assigns star ratings (ranging from one to five stars) based on a variety of factors, including patient experience, readmission rates, mortality rates, and safety of care. While not a perfect measure, the CMS star rating offers a readily accessible and widely recognized indicator of overall hospital performance.

**Main Line Health System: A Strong Presence**

Main Line Health System (MLH) is a dominant force in the region, and its hospitals are particularly relevant to 19056 residents.

* **Lankenau Medical Center (Wynnewood, PA):** Lankenau Medical Center, a flagship hospital within the MLH system, consistently garners high ratings. It currently holds a four-star rating from CMS. Lankenau is known for its strong cardiology and cardiac surgery programs. It also features a comprehensive cancer center and a dedicated maternity unit. ER wait times at Lankenau fluctuate, but are generally in line with regional averages. Telehealth options are available through MLH, including virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists.

* **Bryn Mawr Hospital (Bryn Mawr, PA):** Bryn Mawr Hospital, also part of the MLH system, is another significant provider. Bryn Mawr also holds a four-star rating from CMS. It is recognized for its orthopedics, neurology, and rehabilitation services. Bryn Mawr's ER wait times are typically comparable to Lankenau's. Telehealth services are integrated into Bryn Mawr's offerings, aligning with the broader MLH telehealth strategy.

* **Paoli Hospital (Paoli, PA):** Paoli Hospital, another MLH facility, provides a range of services. Paoli generally receives a good rating from CMS. Paoli offers a comprehensive range of services including a well-regarded maternity unit. Telehealth services are available. ER wait times are typically in line with the system average.

**Penn Medicine: A Regional Powerhouse**

The University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine) is another major player in the area.

* **Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA):** While located slightly further afield, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) is a major referral center and is accessible to 19056 residents. HUP is a five-star rated hospital by CMS. HUP excels in numerous specialties, including cancer treatment, transplant services, and advanced cardiovascular care. ER wait times can vary, reflecting the high volume of patients. Penn Medicine offers extensive telehealth options, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.

* **Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (Philadelphia, PA):** Penn Presbyterian Medical Center is another Penn Medicine facility. Penn Presbyterian has a good CMS rating. It offers a range of services, including cardiology and cancer care. Telehealth services are available. ER wait times are variable.

**Other Important Considerations:**

* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial factor for urgent care needs. Data on ER wait times is available on hospital websites and through platforms like ProPublica's Hospital Checkup tool. The average wait time is a useful benchmark, but individual experiences can vary.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence of specialized centers is essential for complex medical needs. Consider the availability of centers for cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, and other specialties.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth services are increasingly important for convenient access to care. Look for hospitals that offer virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the patient experience.
* **Cost of Care:** The cost of care is a significant consideration. Research the cost of services and explore payment options.

**Detailed Analysis and Scoring (Illustrative):**

To provide a more concrete "Overall Health Score," the following is a hypothetical example of how a hospital might be assessed. This is for illustrative purposes and does not represent a precise scoring system.

**Lankenau Medical Center:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 4 Stars (High Score)
* **ER Wait Times:** Moderate (Average)
* **Specialty Centers:** Strong (Cardiology, Cancer Center, Maternity) (High Score)
* **Telehealth Availability:** Good (Virtual Visits, Patient Portal) (Moderate Score)
* **Patient Experience:** Good (Based on patient surveys) (Moderate Score)
* **Overall Score:** Based on weighting these factors, Lankenau might receive a high overall score, reflecting its strong performance across multiple categories.

**Bryn Mawr Hospital:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 4 Stars (High Score)
* **ER Wait Times:** Moderate (Average)
* **Specialty Centers:** Strong (Orthopedics, Neurology) (High Score)
* **Telehealth Availability:** Good (Virtual Visits, Patient Portal) (Moderate Score)
* **Patient Experience:** Good (Based on patient surveys) (Moderate Score)
* **Overall Score:** Similar to Lankenau, Bryn Mawr would likely achieve a high overall score, reflecting its strengths in specific specialties and good patient experience.

**Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 5 Stars (Highest Score)
* **ER Wait Times:** Variable (Potentially Longer Due to High Volume) (Moderate Score)
* **Specialty Centers:** Exceptional (Leading-Edge Care in Numerous Specialties) (Highest Score)
* **Telehealth Availability:** Excellent (Extensive Virtual Options) (High Score)
* **Patient Experience:** Good (Based on patient surveys) (Moderate Score)
* **Overall Score:** HUP would likely receive the highest overall score, reflecting its outstanding performance in specialty care and telehealth, despite potentially longer ER wait times.

**Important Considerations for 19056 Residents:**

* **Proximity:** While HUP offers exceptional care, the distance from 19056 may be a factor for some residents, especially in emergencies. Lankenau and Bryn Mawr, being closer, may be more convenient for routine care and less urgent situations.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its affiliated physicians are within your insurance network.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider your individual healthcare needs and preferences when choosing a hospital. Some individuals may prefer the more comprehensive services offered by larger hospitals, while others may value the more personalized care of smaller facilities.
* **Physician Referrals:** Consult with your primary care physician for recommendations. They can provide valuable insights based on your medical history and needs.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of 19056, the healthcare landscape offers a range of options. Main Line Health System hospitals, particularly Lankenau and Bryn Mawr, provide convenient access to high-quality care. Penn Medicine's HUP, while further away, is a leading center for specialized treatments. By considering the factors outlined in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, residents can make informed decisions that best meet their individual healthcare needs. This "Overall Health Score" review aims to provide a clear, fact-based foundation for navigating the healthcare choices available in the Havertown area.