19147, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 19147, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near 19147

Finding the right hospital is a critical decision, and for residents near Philadelphia's 19147 ZIP code, options abound. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and more, to help you navigate the healthcare landscape. We'll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of prominent institutions, providing a comprehensive overview for informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Access**

The 19147 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Graduate Hospital and Fitler Square, benefits from its proximity to a concentration of major hospitals. This geographic advantage translates to relatively easy access to a wide range of medical services. However, proximity alone doesn't guarantee quality. Our analysis will help you discern the best choices for your specific needs.

**The Big Players: University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS)**

The University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) is a dominant force in the region. Its flagship hospital, **Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)**, is a cornerstone of healthcare in Philadelphia. HUP consistently earns high marks for its complex care capabilities and research contributions.

* **Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP):** HUP is a nationally recognized hospital, often ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. It consistently receives a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not the ultimate measure, reflects overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. HUP excels in numerous specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and neurology. ER wait times can vary, but generally align with the regional average, often around 30-60 minutes. HUP has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services across various specialties, especially during and after the pandemic.

**Penn Presbyterian Medical Center:** Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, another UPHS facility, is also a significant provider in the area. It is a 3-star hospital.

* **Penn Presbyterian Medical Center:** Penn Presbyterian, located in the 19104 zip code, is a large hospital offering a broad range of services, including a well-regarded cancer center and comprehensive cardiac care. Its CMS rating is a 3-star rating. ER wait times are comparable to HUP. Telehealth options are available, but the program is less extensive than HUP's.

**Jefferson Health: A Strong Contender**

Jefferson Health, another major player in the Philadelphia healthcare market, provides comprehensive care options.

* **Thomas Jefferson University Hospital:** Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is a large, tertiary care hospital, often recognized for its specialized services and research contributions. It has a 3-star rating from CMS. Jefferson is particularly strong in areas like neuroscience, orthopedics, and transplant services. ER wait times fluctuate but are generally in line with the local average. Jefferson Health has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, providing virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities.

**Specialty Centers: Finding the Right Expertise**

Beyond general hospital ratings, understanding the availability of specialized care is crucial.

* **Cardiology:** HUP and Jefferson Hospital are both leaders in cardiology, offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional procedures and heart surgery. Penn Presbyterian also has a strong cardiology program.
* **Oncology:** The Abramson Cancer Center at HUP and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson are both nationally recognized cancer centers, providing comprehensive cancer treatment and research.
* **Neurology:** Both HUP and Jefferson have highly regarded neurology departments, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.
* **Orthopedics:** Jefferson Hospital is known for its orthopedic expertise, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients. While precise wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition, some general trends are observable.

* **HUP and Jefferson:** Both hospitals typically have ER wait times in the 30-60 minute range, although these can be longer during peak hours.
* **Penn Presbyterian:** ER wait times at Penn Presbyterian are generally similar to those at HUP and Jefferson.

It's important to note that these are averages, and individual experiences can vary. Checking real-time ER wait times on hospital websites or through online tools can be beneficial.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

* **HUP:** HUP has a well-developed telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring across various specialties. This can be a convenient option for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions.
* **Jefferson:** Jefferson Health has also expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities.
* **Penn Presbyterian:** Penn Presbyterian's telehealth program is less extensive than HUP's, but options are available.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The CMS star ratings provide a valuable, albeit simplified, overview of hospital quality.

* **HUP:** 4-star rating.
* **Jefferson:** 3-star rating.
* **Penn Presbyterian:** 3-star rating.

These ratings are based on various factors, including patient outcomes, patient safety, and patient experience. While they shouldn't be the sole basis for choosing a hospital, they provide a useful benchmark.

**Other Considerations: Patient Experience and Cost**

Beyond clinical outcomes and wait times, patient experience and cost are also important considerations.

* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide insights into patient experiences. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment. Reviewing these surveys can help you gauge the overall patient experience at different hospitals.
* **Cost:** Healthcare costs can vary significantly. It's essential to understand your insurance coverage and the potential out-of-pocket expenses associated with different hospitals and procedures. Contacting your insurance provider and the hospitals directly can help you estimate costs.

**Making Your Decision: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Consider your individual healthcare needs, preferences, and insurance coverage.

* **For Complex Cases:** If you require specialized care or have a complex medical condition, HUP, with its high CMS rating and extensive specialty centers, may be a strong choice.
* **For a Broader Range of Services:** Jefferson and Penn Presbyterian offer comprehensive care options and may be suitable for a variety of medical needs.
* **For Convenience:** Consider the location of each hospital and the ease of access from your home.
* **For Telehealth:** If telehealth is important to you, HUP's robust program may be a good fit.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

Based on this review, here's a general "Overall Health Score" assessment for the hospitals near 19147:

* **Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP):** High score due to its high CMS rating, strong specialty centers, and robust telehealth program.
* **Thomas Jefferson University Hospital:** Good score, with strengths in specialty care and expanding telehealth options.
* **Penn Presbyterian Medical Center:** Solid score, offering a broad range of services, but with a lower CMS rating and a less extensive telehealth program.

This "Overall Health Score" is a starting point. Conduct your own research, consider your individual needs, and consult with your primary care physician to make the best decision for your health. Remember to check real-time ER wait times and verify insurance coverage before seeking care.