Excela Health Latrobe Hospital Patient & Visitor Guide

Overview

Excela Health Latrobe Hospital in Latrobe, PA, provides 24/7 emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and access to specialists across the Excela Health system, with scheduling available online, by phone, or through the patient portal.

As part of a regional network serving Westmoreland County and surrounding communities, the hospital connects patients with cardiology, orthopedics, imaging, rehab, and behavioral health. It coordinates transfers to other Excela campuses when needed.

For quality and safety insights, review independent ratings on Medicare’s Care Compare and The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Then verify designations such as accreditation and stroke readiness through The Joint Commission and related specialty bodies.

If you’re deciding where to go or how to prepare, use the sections below for appointments, emergency care, services, quality measures, costs, patient portal, visiting, parking, accessibility, and training programs.

Appointments and department contacts

You can book appointments online, by phone, or via referral from your primary or specialty provider. If you’re unsure where to start, call the hospital switchboard to be routed to scheduling, clinics, or support services.

Excela Health offers online scheduling for many primary care and specialty visits and coordinates referrals between clinics and hospital services. For specialized procedures (such as imaging, infusion, or surgery), your provider’s order is usually required. Staff will confirm insurance, prep instructions, and arrival times during scheduling.

If you prefer to speak with someone, use the main phone line to request “appointments” or a specific department. After-hours and weekend calls typically route to an answering service with urgent message escalation.

To explore providers by specialty before you book, see the Services and specialties section below.

Online scheduling and referral pathways

Use Excela Health’s online tools to request primary care, selected specialty visits, and follow-ups, or ask your clinician to submit a referral. Most diagnostic tests and procedures (MRI/CT, ultrasound, endoscopy, and surgery) require a physician’s order to schedule.

For digital bookings, create or log in to your patient portal to choose a provider, location, and time. New patients can submit a request and a team member will confirm by phone or message.

Referring providers typically share your records and imaging through secure exchange. Once received, the hospital will contact you to finalize prep and check benefits.

If online scheduling isn’t available for your service, call the main line and ask for the relevant department’s scheduler. You can discuss options and timing by phone.

Phone scheduling and featured department numbers

Phone scheduling connects you to people who can answer insurance, prep, and timing questions on the spot. When you call the main line, ask to be transferred to the department that fits your need.

For quick routing, request:

• Primary Care or Family Medicine scheduling for new-patient and routine visits
• Cardiology for consults, testing (echocardiogram, stress test), and follow-ups
• Orthopedics for injury visits, joint care, and surgical consults
• Imaging (Radiology) for MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and mammography
• Laboratory for walk-in bloodwork hours and fasting guidance
• Physical/Occupational Therapy for rehab evaluations and follow-ups
• Behavioral Health for outpatient therapy/psychiatry intake or inpatient unit
• Surgery Scheduling or Pre-Admission Testing for procedure prep questions
• Patient Financial Services for estimates, bills, or financial assistance
• Medical Records/Health Information Management for records requests

If you don’t see your service listed, ask the operator for the department directory or clinic scheduling and provide the service name. They’ll connect you.

Emergency care and urgent care guidance

Latrobe Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) is open 24/7 for life-threatening and urgent conditions. Triage on arrival prioritizes the most serious cases first.

For chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, or major injury, go to the ED or call 911.

On arrival, check in with a photo ID and insurance card if available (care is provided regardless of ability to pay). A triage nurse will assess symptoms, determine urgency, and order initial tests.

Visit lengths vary with condition severity, needed testing, and imaging. The team will keep you updated and notify you if admission is needed.

For time-sensitive emergencies like stroke or heart attack, the ED activates rapid pathways to shorten time to treatment. If your concern is minor and can be safely treated elsewhere, staff may suggest urgent care or a next-day clinic.

24/7 ED access, triage, and what to bring

Access the ED anytime through the clearly marked emergency entrance. Parking and drop-off are adjacent for quick entry.

Bring a government-issued ID, insurance information, a current medication list (or your pill bottles), allergy details, and any recent imaging or test results.

Triage starts within minutes to sort patients by urgency, not arrival time, so those with life-threatening symptoms are seen first. Nurses and physicians will explain next steps, which may include lab tests, imaging, IV fluids/medications, or specialist consultation.

If you are stable and an urgent care visit would be faster, staff can help you decide and share nearby options. For severe symptoms, stay in the ED.

When urgent care is the better choice

Urgent care is often faster and less costly for minor illnesses and injuries that don’t require the hospital ED. Consider urgent care for:

• Mild sprains/strains, simple cuts needing a few stitches, and minor burns
• Sore throat, earache, sinus infection, pink eye, or uncomplicated UTI
• Rashes or allergic reactions without breathing trouble
• Low-grade fever without serious symptoms
• Work/school notes or quick medication refills when appropriate

Choose the ED for chest pain, stroke signs (face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble), severe breathing problems, high fever with confusion, heavy bleeding, serious head or eye injuries, seizures, or pregnancy-related emergencies. When in doubt, call 911.

Services and specialties at a glance

Latrobe Hospital provides core services close to home—emergency care, inpatient medicine and surgery, imaging and lab, rehabilitation, and behavioral health. It coordinates with other Excela campuses for advanced procedures when appropriate.

Ask scheduling staff which services are performed on the Latrobe campus vs. nearby Excela facilities, especially for complex surgeries, advanced cardiac procedures, neonatal care, or specialized oncology treatments. Many follow-up visits, imaging, and therapy can be done locally in Latrobe to reduce travel.

See the sections below for a closer look at major program areas and how to access them.

Cardiac, orthopedic, oncology, and surgical care

Cardiac care typically includes clinic consults, noninvasive testing (EKG, echocardiogram, stress testing), heart rhythm monitoring, and medical management. Transfer for catheter-based procedures is streamlined if not performed on-site. For chest pain or suspected heart attack, ED teams activate time-sensitive protocols and coordinate with interventional centers as needed.

Orthopedic services cover acute injuries, joint pain evaluation, fracture care, and elective surgical consults such as arthroscopy and joint replacement planning. Physical and occupational therapy support both prehab (before surgery) and rehab (after surgery) to improve function and speed recovery.

Oncology services commonly include diagnostics, infusion therapy coordination, symptom management, and survivorship support. Infusion may be provided on campus or at another Excela site based on your regimen.

Outpatient and inpatient general surgery address conditions such as hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, and select colorectal, breast, and endocrine procedures. Pre-admission testing guides safe anesthesia and recovery planning.

Imaging, rehab, pediatrics, and outpatient clinics

Imaging services usually include MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, mammography, and bone density testing. Orders from your clinician are required, and some studies need prep (for example, fasting before CT with contrast).

Lab services provide routine and specialized bloodwork with early-morning hours for fasting tests. Many tests are first-come, first-served, while select studies are scheduled.

Rehabilitation services (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) offer evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and home exercise coaching for orthopedic, neurologic, and post-surgical needs.

Pediatrics is typically provided through outpatient clinics, with ED evaluation available 24/7 for urgent concerns. The team coordinates transfer when neonatal or pediatric subspecialty care is required.

Specialty clinics rotate on campus—such as cardiology, pulmonology, GI, and endocrinology. Ask scheduling which days specific subspecialists see patients in Latrobe.

Quality, safety, and outcomes

Independent organizations publish hospital quality and safety data so you can make informed choices about care. To view current ratings for Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, check Medicare’s Care Compare for CMS Star Ratings and HCAHPS patient experience scores. Also review The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for safety practices and outcomes.

CMS compiles measures across mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, and timeliness into its star ratings, which are posted on Medicare Care Compare. Patient experience results from the HCAHPS survey (nurse/doctor communication, responsiveness, cleanliness, and more) are also published there.

Leapfrog assigns an A–F letter grade for safety based on 30+ measures, including error prevention and infection control. See your hospital’s page on The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Because ratings are updated periodically, confirm the latest figures on those sites before you decide or compare facilities.

CMS Star Rating, HCAHPS highlights, and safety metrics

You can find Latrobe Hospital’s current CMS Star Rating and HCAHPS highlights by searching the facility name on Medicare Care Compare. CMS star ratings summarize performance across mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, and efficiency. HCAHPS reports patients’ views on care quality, communication, and hospital environment.

Key safety metrics include hospital-acquired infections (like CLABSI and CAUTI), surgical complications, and readmission rates. These help you understand how reliably safe care is delivered. CMS explains the definitions and scoring methodology on its site so you can interpret differences across hospitals.

After reviewing scores, discuss with your clinician how hospital performance aligns with your specific condition and procedure.

Leapfrog Safety Grade and infection/readmission performance

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade distills safety performance into an easy-to-scan letter grade using national measures on infection prevention, medication safety, and error reporting. A strong grade often reflects robust hand hygiene, staffing, and safety culture. Lower grades can signal areas for improvement.

For infections and readmissions, look for trends over time and comparisons to national averages. If you need a complex procedure, ask about your care pathway. Pre-op optimization, evidence-based checklists, and post-discharge follow-up can all reduce complications.

Share your health history and home support early. This helps the team tailor a safer plan.

Stroke and cardiac timeliness (door-to-needle, PCI) explained

For stroke, “door-to-needle” time tracks how quickly IV clot-busting medication is given after arrival. Faster times improve the chance of better recovery.

For heart attacks requiring catheter-based intervention, “door-to-balloon” or PCI time measures how quickly the blocked artery is opened. Again, sooner is better.

Hospitals use standardized protocols, stroke alerts, and rapid EKG pathways to reduce delays. Recognition programs like Get With The Guidelines–Stroke by the American Heart Association highlight hospitals meeting evidence-based targets. Learn about the program on AHA Get With The Guidelines–Stroke.

Ask your care team how timeliness is measured locally and what steps they take to move quickly when seconds count.

How Latrobe Hospital compares for cardiac and orthopedic care

To compare Latrobe Hospital with other Excela campuses (such as Westmoreland) or nearby systems for cardiac and orthopedic care, review each facility on Medicare Care Compare and The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Look at condition- or procedure-specific outcomes, readmissions, and patient experience, not just overall summaries.

For elective procedures like joint replacement, consider surgeon and hospital volumes, complication rates, infection prevention, and rehab access. For time-sensitive cardiac care, check how your hospital coordinates with interventional centers and what the transfer pathways look like.

Discuss findings with your primary care or specialist to match your needs to the right site of care.

Accreditations and designations

Always verify a hospital’s accreditations and specialty designations on the issuing organization’s website before you decide. Accreditation indicates that national standards are met, and specialty verifications show readiness for specific emergencies.

Common status and how to confirm:

• Hospital accreditation: Search your hospital on The Joint Commission Quality Check.
• Trauma center level (I–IV): Verify on the American College of Surgeons trauma verification pages or your state’s health department.
• Primary stroke or stroke-ready center: Check recognition programs like AHA Get With The Guidelines–Stroke.
• Chest pain/PCI center: Confirm via system announcements or national registries referenced by cardiology societies.

If a needed designation isn’t listed for Latrobe Hospital, ask about transfers within Excela or to regional centers to ensure you receive the right level of care.

Insurance, costs, and financial assistance

Latrobe Hospital accepts most major insurance plans. Excela Health offers tools to verify benefits, estimate costs, and apply for financial assistance if needed.

Before scheduled care, confirm your coverage and request a written estimate so there are no surprises. Under federal rules, hospitals must provide a consumer-friendly price estimator and a machine-readable file of standard charges. See the policy overview on CMS Hospital Price Transparency.

Your final out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance benefits (deductible, copays, coinsurance), network status, and any financial assistance you qualify for. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, Patient Financial Services can explain discounts, payment plans, and charity care criteria.

Accepted plans and how to verify coverage

Verify coverage by confirming the hospital and your clinician are in-network and by asking your insurer for an estimate based on procedure codes. This is especially important for imaging, surgery, and infusion services.

To confirm benefits:

• Call your insurance using the member number on your card; ask if “Excela Health Latrobe Hospital” and your provider are in-network.
• Request a benefits summary for your service (deductible, copay, coinsurance) and whether pre-authorization is required.
• Contact Patient Financial Services to cross-check benefits and get an estimate with CPT/DRG codes.
• If out-of-network, ask about single-case agreements, cash-pay discounts, or financial assistance options.

After you confirm, keep notes of the reference numbers and representatives you spoke with. Bring this to pre-admission testing or your clinic visit.

Price estimates and shoppable services

Request a personalized estimate for common “shoppable” services like MRI/CT, screening colonoscopy, screening mammogram, joint MRI, echocardiogram, and uncomplicated hernia repair. Estimates typically include hospital facility fees and, when possible, professional fees (radiologist, anesthesiologist, and surgeon).

When you call for an estimate, have your insurance card, the ordering provider’s name, and the procedure code if available. For imaging, bring the order so staff can match the exact test.

Review your estimate alongside your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum to understand best- and worst-case scenarios. If needed, ask about interest-free payment plans and how to apply them before or after service.

Financial assistance eligibility and application

If you’re worried about costs, apply for financial assistance as early as possible. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and financial hardship. Charity care can reduce or eliminate bills for those who qualify.

Typical application steps:

• Call Patient Financial Services and request the financial assistance application.
• Gather proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax return), ID, address, and insurance denial (if applicable).
• Submit the completed form and documents by the stated deadline; ask for confirmation.
• Continue to communicate if documents are delayed; partial approvals or payment plans may be offered.
• Once a decision is made, review the letter and appeal if circumstances changed.

If your care is urgent, tell registration. Hospitals work to avoid delaying necessary treatment while financial review is in progress.

Patient portal and medical records

Latrobe Hospital offers a secure patient portal to view test results, request refills, manage appointments, pay bills, and message your care team. You also have a legal right to your medical records, usually within 30 days of request under the HHS HIPAA Privacy Rule.

The portal streamlines routine tasks and reduces phone tag. Paper or electronic record copies can be directed to you or another provider.

HIPAA also gives you the right to request corrections to your record if you find inaccuracies. If you need help setting up portal access or making a records request, call the hospital switchboard and ask for “patient portal support” or “Medical Records/Health Information Management.”

Accessing and using MyChart

You can enroll in the portal with an activation code from your clinic or by verifying your identity online. Once active, you can view results, send non-urgent messages, request refills, pay bills, and join telehealth visits.

During sign-up, use your legal name as it appears on your ID and have your date of birth and contact details ready. Turn on two-factor authentication for added security and download the mobile app to enable notifications.

For family access, ask about proxy settings so a caregiver or parent/guardian can help manage appointments and results appropriately. If you forget your password, use the “Forgot” link or call portal support for a reset.

Requesting your medical records

To request records, contact Medical Records/Health Information Management and ask for the Release of Information (ROI) form. You can typically submit by portal, email, mail, or in person.

State your dates of service, the specific documents needed (for example, ED note, imaging report, labs), and the recipient (you or another provider).

Have these ready:

• A government-issued photo ID
• Completed and signed ROI form (include delivery method: portal, secure email, mail, or pickup)
• Any legal documents if you are a proxy (for example, guardianship or POA)

Fees for personal copies are limited by law and reasonable cost-based standards, and most requests are fulfilled within 30 days per federal regulations. If you need images on CD or a secure digital link, specify this on the form. For urgent transfers between providers, ask for expedited handling.

Visiting hours and policies

General visiting hours typically run during daytime and early evening, with unit-specific rules for ICU, maternity, and behavioral health to support patient safety and rest. Call the unit before you come, as policies can change during respiratory virus surges or for immunocompromised patients.

Bring a photo ID for security check-in and follow any infection-prevention instructions (hand hygiene, masking if requested). Please stay home if you feel ill.

Children may have age-related restrictions depending on the unit and current community health conditions. If a patient needs a designated support person, ask the nurse manager about exceptions and caregiver access.

Parking, entrances, and directions

Follow campus signs to the Emergency entrance for 24/7 access and closest drop-off. Outpatient clinics and imaging usually have dedicated lots near the main entrance. Allow extra time during morning hours when lab and imaging traffic is heaviest.

Typical options include:

• Emergency Department entrance: short-term parking and patient drop-off nearest the ED
• Main entrance: visitor parking for inpatient units, registration, and general clinics
• Outpatient/Imaging entrance: reserved spots for scheduled MRI/CT, mammography, and X-ray

Watch for posted signs about accessible parking locations and any time limits. If you need wheelchair assistance, call ahead or request help at the door.

Public transit and rideshare drop-off usually occur at the main entrance. Ask Security or the information desk for the best pickup point.

Accessibility and language services

Latrobe Hospital provides accessible facilities and free interpreter services so every patient can communicate effectively and receive equitable care. Wheelchairs, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, and ASL and spoken-language interpreters are available on request.

Hospitals must provide effective communication and reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn more on ADA.gov.

If you need an interpreter (including ASL), ask registration or your nurse. Qualified medical interpreters are provided at no cost.

Notify staff ahead of scheduled procedures if you require special equipment, mobility aids, or communication tools so they’re ready when you arrive.

Maternity and behavioral health programs

Check with scheduling to confirm whether labor and delivery is available at the Latrobe campus or centralized at another Excela facility. Prenatal care, ultrasound, and newborn support are offered across the system with seamless transfer as needed.

Behavioral health services include outpatient therapy and psychiatry access, with inpatient care coordinated by age and clinical need. If you are planning a birth, discuss preregistration, classes, and where you’ll deliver with your obstetrician or midwife.

For mental health or substance use treatment, call the hospital and ask for Behavioral Health intake to review options, insurance requirements, and any referral steps before your first visit.

Labor and delivery, NICU level, and birth resources

Your OB provider can confirm whether delivery occurs at Latrobe Hospital or another Excela campus and what neonatal level of care is on-site. Many systems centralize high-risk deliveries and higher-level NICU services to specialized hospitals, with consultation and transfer pathways in place.

Ask about birth classes, hospital tours (virtual or in-person), and preregistration to streamline your arrival when labor starts. If your pregnancy is high-risk, clarify where maternal-fetal medicine visits and delivery will occur and how newborn care is coordinated if higher-level NICU support is indicated.

Pack your insurance card, birth plan (if you have one), and infant car seat before your due date.

Behavioral health: conditions treated and access

Behavioral health services typically support depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders. They offer crisis evaluation, inpatient stabilization when needed, and outpatient therapy/medication management.

Age-specific programs (adolescent, adult, and geriatric) help tailor care to developmental and medical needs. To start, call Behavioral Health intake and ask about availability, insurance requirements, and whether a referral is needed.

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, go to the ED or call 911. For non-urgent concerns, ask about evidence-based treatments, group programs, and aftercare planning.

Imaging, lab, and telehealth scheduling

You can schedule imaging (MRI/CT and more) and lab tests by phone once your provider places an order. Some labs are available on a walk-in basis during posted hours, and telehealth visits are available for many follow-ups and minor concerns through the patient portal.

Imaging staff will confirm prep (fasting or water intake), metal screening for MRI, contrast allergies, and arrival times (often 15–30 minutes early). For labs, bring your order, insurance card, and a photo ID. Fasting tests are usually done in the morning with only water allowed.

If you prefer virtual care, you can set up a video visit through the portal using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone.

How to schedule MRI/CT and lab tests

Scheduling is straightforward and faster when you have your provider’s order and insurance details handy. Most exams can be booked by calling Imaging or Laboratory scheduling during business hours.

Steps to schedule:

• Get an order from your provider (required for MRI/CT and most labs).
• Call Imaging to book MRI/CT/ultrasound or ask your clinic to coordinate; confirm any prep (for example, fasting, removing metal for MRI).
• For labs, ask if your test is walk-in or scheduled; confirm fasting instructions and earliest check-in time.
• Bring a photo ID, insurance card, and your order on the day of service; arrive 15–30 minutes early for registration.
• Ask when and how results will be shared (portal posting, clinician call, or follow-up visit).

If you have kidney disease, implanted devices, or prior contrast reactions, tell the scheduler. Your prep or test choice may be adjusted.

Telehealth visit setup and requirements

Telehealth lets you see your clinician from home using a secure video platform through your patient portal. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a camera-enabled device, and a quiet, well-lit space.

Before your visit:

• Log into the portal, complete eCheck-In, and test your camera/microphone.
• List your medications, allergies, home vital signs (if available), and top questions.
• Keep your phone nearby in case the clinician needs to switch to audio.
• Have a blood pressure cuff, thermometer, or peak flow meter ready if you track vitals at home.

If the connection drops or audio is poor, use in-visit troubleshooting or switch to a phone call and reschedule video as needed. For issues logging in, contact portal support through the hospital switchboard.

Education, careers, and community programs

Latrobe Hospital participates in Excela Health’s education and workforce pipeline, offering clinical rotations, residency program affiliations, and pathways into hospital careers and volunteer roles. You’ll also find community health screenings, classes, and partnerships guided by the system’s Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs).

Prospective residents and fellows can review program curricula, rotation sites, application timelines, and benefits with Excela’s Graduate Medical Education offices. Job seekers can explore roles across nursing, allied health, support services, and administration, while volunteers support patient and family experience on units and at information desks.

Ask about tuition assistance, certification support, and internship options when you connect.

Residency and fellowship overview

Graduate medical education tied to the Excela Health system provides structured training in core specialties with rotations across inpatient units, clinics, and procedural areas. Curricula emphasize evidence-based practice, patient safety, interprofessional teamwork, and quality improvement.

Application cycles generally follow national timelines for medical residencies and fellowships. Candidates should prepare CVs, recommendation letters, transcripts, and exam scores.

Benefits commonly include salary, health insurance, education funds, and paid time off. For details about which programs are active at Latrobe or other Excela campuses and where residents rotate, contact the GME office through the hospital operator.

Careers and volunteering

Excela Health hires across clinical and non-clinical roles, with on-the-job training and continuing education for many positions. Volunteering opportunities include unit-based support, patient transport, and hospitality roles that improve the patient experience.

How to get started:

• Visit Excela Health’s careers site to search jobs and submit applications.
• Prepare your resume and relevant certifications (for example, BLS/ACLS for clinical roles).
• For volunteering, request an application, provide references, and complete onboarding (ID badge, health screening, orientation).
• Ask recruiters about tuition assistance, clinical ladders, and flexible scheduling.

Follow up with HR if you haven’t heard back within two weeks. Check your spam folder for interview invitations or onboarding links.

Community health and research opportunities

Community programs feature screenings (blood pressure, diabetes risk), health education classes, and partnerships with local organizations to address priorities identified in CHNAs, such as chronic disease management and access to care. Many clinical departments also host support groups for heart health, cancer survivorship, and behavioral health recovery.

If you’re interested in research or clinical trials, ask your specialist whether trials are available within the system or through referral agreements with academic partners. Your care team can help you weigh potential benefits and risks, understand eligibility, and coordinate records if you enroll elsewhere.