All Photos

Reading Hospital

2.9 (536)

Reading Hospital, founded in 1867, is a 697-bed teaching hospital located in West Reading, Pennsylvania. It has received numerous accolades, including Magnet recognition and Healthgrades´ America´s 50 Best Hospitals Award. The hospital excels in specialties such as cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, and trauma care, housing the busiest emergency department in Pennsylvania.

NPI Number : 1669530069

420 S 5th Ave, West Reading, PA 19611

(484) 628-8000

towerhealth.org

Get Directions

Departments

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Neurology

Cardiology

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Radiology

Sleep Center

Speech and Hearing Center

Weight Management Center

Women´s Health Center

Behavioral Health Services

Appointment Information

Department	Appointment Options
General	- Online scheduling via MyTowerHealth portal - Phone scheduling: 833-34-TOWER - Same-day appointments available
Laboratory	- Phone scheduling: 484-628-5227 - Walk-ins welcome - Appointments encouraged for shorter wait times
Radiology/Imaging	- Phone scheduling: 484-628-8611 - Online scheduling via MyTowerHealth portal
Virtual Care	- On-demand urgent care via MyTowerHealth app - Scheduled video/phone visits with providers - eVisits available through MyTowerHealth portal

Visiting Hours

Department	Visitation Options
General Inpatient	- Daily visiting hours 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Two visitors at a time - Check in at 5th Avenue Lobby for visitor badge
Intensive Care Unit	- Two visitors at a time - Visits may be staggered based on patient condition - Check with nursing staff for best visit times
Maternity	- Two designated visitors with wristbands during labor/delivery - Visitors permitted 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM - One adult visitor may stay overnight
Virtual Visits	- Available through MyTowerHealth patient portal - Schedule video visits with providers - On-demand virtual urgent care available

Important Doctors

Reading Hospital Information

Management and Leadership Team

Name	Title	Department	Areas of Expertise
Charles F. Barbera	President & CEO	Executive Leadership	Hospital Administration, Emergency Medicine
Michelle Trupp	Chief Operating Officer	Operations	Hospital Operations, Nursing Administration
Suzanne Wenderoth	Chief Medical Officer	Medical Affairs	Clinical Quality, Physician Leadership
Lisa Oldham-Lougheed	Chief Nursing Officer	Nursing	Nursing Leadership, Patient Care
Kristin Kearney	Chief Financial Officer	Finance	Financial Management, Strategic Planning
Debra L. Powell	Chair, Department of Medicine	Medicine	Internal Medicine, Medical Education
Jeremy M. Ellis	Director, Quality and Safety	Quality	Patient Safety, Quality Improvement
Anthony A. Donato	Director, Research and Faculty Development	Academic Affairs	Medical Research, Faculty Development
Edward W. Skorpinski	Division Chief	Medicine	Internal Medicine Subspecialties
Earl J. Hope	Chief, Section of Cardiology	Cardiology	Cardiovascular Care, Heart Program Leadership

Average Salary

Department	Common Procedure/Service	Average Cost	Notes
Cardiology	Echocardiogram	$1,500 - $2,500	Costs may be higher for more complex imaging
Cardiology	Cardiac Catheterization	$5,000 - $15,000	Varies based on complexity and if stents are placed
Oncology	Chemotherapy Session	$1,000 - $3,000 per session	Total cost depends on treatment plan duration
Oncology	Radiation Therapy	$10,000 - $50,000 total	Cost varies widely based on type and duration
Neurology	MRI Brain Scan	$1,000 - $3,000	With and without contrast
Neurology	EEG	$200 - $700	Standard 1-2 hour test
Orthopedics	Total Knee Replacement	$20,000 - $50,000	Includes surgery and initial hospital stay
Orthopedics	Physical Therapy Session	$50 - $150 per session	Multiple sessions typically needed
Outpatient Services	Primary Care Visit	$100 - $300	New patient visits may be higher
Outpatient Services	Urgent Care Visit	$150 - $500	Varies based on services provided

Support Programs for Patients

Program/Service	Description
Financial Assistance Program	Discounted services based on income and family size
Home Health Services	Skilled nursing, therapy, and aide services provided at home
Palliative Medicine	Symptom management and support for serious illnesses
Social Work Services	Counseling, case management, and resource connections
Support Groups	Groups for various conditions like stroke, brain injury, amputees
Food Insecurity Program	Referrals to food banks and assistance programs
Patient Financial Services	Help with Medicaid applications and billing questions

Payment Plans

Payment Plan Option	Details
Monthly Payment Plan	Up to 12 months, minimum $30 monthly payment
Interest-Free Period	6-12 months interest-free on medical credit cards
Income-Based Plan	Reduced costs for low-income patients meeting criteria
Flexible Spending Account	Pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses
Able Pay Program	Flexible payment options for out-of-pocket expenses
Financial Assistance Program	For patients unable to pay full amount
Uninsured Discount	70% of amounts generally billed

Accepted Insurance Companies

Aetna

Amerihealth Caritas

Cigna

Coventry

Devoted Health

Humana

Medicaid

Medicare

Tricare

United Healthcare

Upmc Health Plan

Cost Consulting

Department	Financial Counseling Services
Financial Services	- Assistance applying for state medical assistance programs - Help determining eligibility for financial assistance - Education on available financial resources - Guidance on partial payment options - Assistance setting up payment plans - Information on Charity Care programs
Patient Financial Services	- Counseling for uninsured/underinsured patients - Screening for eligibility for assistance programs - Help applying for financial assistance - Explanation of discounted/self-pay rates - Information on payment plan options
Billing Office	- Estimates of out-of-pocket costs before treatment - Explanation of hospital charges and billing - Information on financial assistance policies - Help understanding insurance coverage and benefits

Hospital for patients with disabilities or special needs

Accommodation Type	Details
Physical Accessibility	- Designated disability parking spaces - Accessible crosswalks, curb cuts, and ramps - Level access to elevators on all floors - Accessible offices, meeting rooms, bathrooms, waiting areas
Assistive Devices	- Hearing aids - Cochlear implants - Visual doorbells - Vibrating alarms - Assistive devices for impaired manual skills
Communication Aids	- Qualified sign language interpreters - TTY/TDD devices - Closed-captioning software - Speech-to-text tools - Written information in accessible formats (large print, audio, etc.) - Language interpretation services
Priority Services	- Critical care response team available by dialing 5555 - Palliative care support team - Discharge lounge for patients waiting for transportation
Staff Training	- Cultural competency training - Diversity and inclusion training - Training on providing care for patients with disabilities

Digital Health Services

Department	Digital Health Services
Cardiology	- Remote heart monitoring devices - Virtual follow-up visits - Online heart health education resources
Emergency	- Virtual urgent care visits - Online ER wait times - Remote triage services
General Medicine	- Video consultations with primary care providers - Secure messaging with care team - Remote prescription refills
Oncology	- Telehealth appointments for Cancer Care - Remote symptom monitoring - Online support groups
Pediatrics	- Virtual pediatric visits - Remote developmental assessments - Online parenting resources
Psychiatry	- Telepsychiatry appointments - Online mental health screenings - Virtual group therapy sessions
Radiology	- Online imaging results portal - Virtual radiology consultations - Remote image sharing capabilities
Surgery	- Virtual pre-operative consultations - Remote post-operative monitoring - Online surgery preparation resources

Collaborations / Educational Programs

Department	Program Details
Allergy/Immunology	Outpatient rotation, 1-2 days per week, 9am-4:30pm
Anesthesiology	Hands-on skills training in airway procedures and IV placement
Burn	Inpatient rotation, 50% operating room experience
Cardiology	Experience in cardiac catheterization lab
Emergency Medicine	4-8 week rotation, participation in resuscitations and procedures
Family Medicine	Outpatient and inpatient experiences, community medicine
Obstetrics/Gynecology	Prenatal care, labor & delivery, gynecologic exams
Pediatrics	Inpatient, outpatient, and nursery rotations
Psychiatry	Exposure to major psychiatric illnesses, 6-week rotation
Research	6-week summer internship program
Surgery	12-week core rotation, operating room experience
Ultrasound	2-week rotation, hands-on training in core applications

Collaborative Research Projects

Department	Research Project/Clinical Trial	Details
Neuroscience	Collaboration with Johns Hopkins	Deep brain stimulation program, advancing neuroscience care in Berks County
Cardiology	MRI safety study	Testing new protocol for MRIs in patients with pacemakers and implanted cardioverter defibrillators
Cystic Fibrosis	Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic	Collaboration with Drexel University College of Medicine, first in Berks County
Genetics	HPV Specimens study	Research on human papillomavirus strains linked to cancers
Oncology	MRIdian MRI Linear Accelerator	First in Pennsylvania, improving precision of radiation treatment for cancer
Pharmacology	Palbo after Palbo trial	Study on breast cancer treatments
Primary Care	Diabetes prevention study	Effectiveness of coach-based diabetes prevention programs
Various	Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative	Strengthening site-based research infrastructure and optimizing trial execution

Professional Development Programs

Department	Affiliations	Professional Development Programs
Academic	Alvernia University, Drexel University College of Medicine, Duke University, Jefferson Medical College, Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Network	Medical student rotations, Residency programs, Fellowship programs
Cardiology	American Heart Association	Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
Nursing	American Nurses Credentialing Center	Magnet Recognition Program, Nursing Professional Recognition for Excellence Program (PREP)
Research	National Institutes of Health, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Merck	Clinical trials, Research fellowships
Surgery	American College of Surgeons	Trauma center verification, Surgical skills workshops

Certification and Accreditation Programs

Department	Certification/Accreditation	Accrediting Body
Cardiology	Chest Pain Center	Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
Emergency Medicine	Level I Trauma Center	Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation
Hospital-wide	Magnet Recognition	American Nurses Credentialing Center
Maternity	Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit	Pennsylvania Department of Health
Oncology	Accreditation with Commendation	Commission on Cancer
Rehabilitation	Accreditation	Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
Stroke Care	Primary Stroke Center Certification	The Joint Commission

Internship and Observation Programs

Department	Opportunity
Academic Affairs	6-week summer internship
Bariatrics	6-week summer internship
Emergency Medicine	6-week summer internship
Family Medicine	6-week summer internship
Infectious Diseases	6-week summer internship
Internal Medicine	6-week summer internship
Nursing	Job shadowing
Obstetrics/Gynecology	6-week summer internship
Various Clinical Departments	High school internship program
Various Departments	College internship program

Hospital Academic Awards and Achievements

Department	Awards
Cancer	National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) Center of Excellence
Critical Care	- America´s 100 Best Hospitals for Critical Care™ (2014-2017) - Critical Care Excellence Award™ (2014-2017) - Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Sepsis (2008-2023) - Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism (2020-2023) - Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Respiratory Failure (2015-2023)
Heart	- Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Bypass Surgery - Five-Star Recipient for Valve Surgery (2022-2023) - Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Failure (2013-2023) - Get With The Guidelines® - Gold Plus - Heart Failure Honor Roll - Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll - Mission: Lifeline® - STEMI Receiving Center – Gold Plus
Hospital Overall	- America´s 50 Best Hospitals Award™ (2022-2024) - America´s 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2017-2024) - America´s 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2014-2024) - Magnet® recognition (2016, redesignation 2021) - World´s Best Hospitals (2021, 2023-2024) by Newsweek
Labor and Delivery	- Five-Star Recipient for Vaginal Delivery (2015-2016) - Five-Star Recipient for both Natural Birth and Gynecologic Procedures
Orthopedics	- America´s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement - Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ - Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement - Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement (2021-2023)
Pulmonary	- America´s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care™ (2013-2017) - Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ (2013-2023) - Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2013-2017) - Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Pneumonia (2012-2017)
Stroke Care/Neurosciences	- America´s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care™ - Neurosciences Excellence Award™ - Stroke Care Excellence Award™ (2007-2024) - Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Stroke (2006-2024) - Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award (2007-2024)
Women´s Health	- Women´s Health Excellence Award™ - Labor and Delivery Excellence Award™ - Five-Star Recipient for Vaginal Delivery (2015-2016) - American College of Radiology´s Commission on Quality and Safety and Commission on Breast Imaging Care Award - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® Care Award

Hospital Specialization and Expertise Opportunit

Department	Program
Anesthesiology	Residency
Cardiology	Fellowship
Child Neurology	Residency
Emergency Medicine	Residency
Endocrinology	Fellowship
Family Medicine	Residency
Gastroenterology	Fellowship
General Surgery	Residency
Hematology/Oncology	Fellowship
Infectious Disease	Fellowship
Internal Medicine	Residency
Neurology	Residency
Obstetrics and Gynecology	Residency
Pediatrics	Residency
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation	Residency
Psychiatry	Residency
Pulmonary Critical Care	Fellowship
Specialty Pharmacy	Residency

Hospital Residency and Assistantship Programs

Department	Program
Anesthesiology	Residency
Cardiology	Fellowship
Emergency Medicine	Residency
Endocrinology	Fellowship
Family Medicine	Residency
Gastroenterology	Fellowship
General Surgery	Residency
Hematology/Oncology	Fellowship
Infectious Disease	Fellowship
Internal Medicine	Residency
Neurology	Residency
Obstetrics and Gynecology	Residency
Pediatrics	Residency
Pharmacy	Residency
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation	Residency
Podiatry	Residency
Psychiatry	Residency
Pulmonary Critical Care	Fellowship

What are the activities of the hospital for patients without insurance?

Service/Support Option
Assistance applying for Medicaid
Discounted rates for uninsured patients
Emergency Care provided regardless of ability to pay
Financial assistance application process
Financial counseling services
Guidance on alternative health insurance options
Information on Children´s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Payment plans available
Presumptive eligibility for financial assistance in some cases
Sliding scale discounts based on income

Hospital Research Collaborations

Department	Research Partner
Academic Affairs	Drexel University College of Medicine
Cardiology	Duke University
Clinical Research	Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Network
Graduate Medical Education	Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
Medical Research	McMasters University
Nursing	Penn State Hershey College of Medicine
Oncology	Temple University School of Medicine
Rehabilitation	University of Michigan
Surgery	University of Pennsylvania Health System
Various	Washington University Medical Center

Mentoring and Consultancy in Hospital Education

Department	Mentorship/Advisory Program
Nursing	- Nurse Residency Program for recent graduates - One-year mentoring program for new nurses - Monthly class sessions for new graduate nurses
Medical Education	- Residency programs with faculty mentors - Fellowship programs with mentoring - High School Internship Program with staff mentors
Community Wellness	- Job Shadowing Program for high school/college students - Pathways College Internship Program
Research	- Mentoring for postdoctoral nurses in research - Leadership Mentoring in Nursing Research Program
All Departments	- Structured mentor-mentee pairing process - Regular mentor-mentee meetings - Mentoring plan development - Ongoing mentor/mentee training and support

Reading Hospital Nearest Places

Hotels

0.2 miles

4.2

Candlewood Suites Reading

Free WiFi, Kitchen, Pet-friendly

0.8 miles

4.3

Courtyard by Marriott Reading Wyomissing

Free WiFi, Indoor pool, Fitness center

1.0 miles

4.4

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading

Free WiFi, Restaurant, Fitness center

0.9 miles

4.1

The Abraham Lincoln

Free WiFi, Restaurant, Fitness center

1.0 miles

4.2

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wyomissing

Free breakfast, Free WiFi, Fitness center

1.0 miles

4.3

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Reading Wyomissing

Free breakfast, Free WiFi, Indoor pool

Florists and Gift Shops

0 km

4.3

Reading Hospital Gift Shop

Free same-day delivery to patients, custom gift baskets, fresh flowers, balloon bouquets

0.3 km

4.7

It´s A Gift

Specialty gifts, local artisan products

0.4 km

4.8

Curious on the Avenue

Unique gifts, home decor, jewelry

0.8 km

4.7

Acacia Flower & Gift Shop

Fresh flowers, custom arrangements, gift baskets

0.9 km

4.3

Royer´s Flowers and Gifts

Flower arrangements, plants, gift baskets

1.0 km

4.8

Levengood´s Flowers

Fresh flowers, custom arrangements, hospital delivery

Food and Restaurant

0.2 km

4.4

B2 Bistro + Bar

American, Mediterranean

0.5 km

4.5

Coastal Grille

Seafood, American

0.3 km

4.6

The Farmhouse Kitchen

Healthy, Organic

0.4 km

4.7

La Abuela

Mexican

0.6 km

4.3

Third & Spruce Drafthaus

American, Pub

0.7 km

4.6

Mimmo´s Restaurant

Italian

Pharmacies

0 km

4.5

Reading Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy

Full-service pharmacy, OTC medications, specialty pharmacy services

0.3 km

4.3

Reading Hospital 7th Avenue Pharmacy

Full-service pharmacy, OTC medications, automatic refills

0.5 km

4.7

West Reading Drug Store

Home delivery, long-term care services, immunizations

0.6 km

3.9

Rite Aid Pharmacy

Drive-thru pharmacy, immunizations, auto refills

0.8 km

3.8

CVS Pharmacy

24/7 pharmacy, drive-thru, MinuteClinic

0.9 km

4.6

Penn Pharmacy

Compounding, medication synchronization, delivery service

Taxi and Transportation

0.8 km

3.5

Reading Metro Taxi Inc

24/7 service, licensed drivers, standardized pricing

0.9 km

3.8

Grab-A-Cab

Call on demand, reserved vehicle, business passenger and courier services

0.7 km

4.2

Andrew´s Transportation

Airport transportation, corporate accounts, 24/7 operation

0.9 km

3.6

Berks Taxi

Local taxi service

On-demand

4.3

Uber

Ridesharing, 24/7 availability, upfront pricing

1.0 km

Berks Own Limousine Svc

Limousine service

ATMs and Banks

0.4 km

3.7

M&T Bank

ATM, Personal Banking, Business Banking

0.5 km

3.5

Wells Fargo Bank

ATM, Personal Banking, Mortgage Services

0.6 km

3.8

Customers Bank

ATM, Personal Banking, Business Banking

0.7 km

3.6

Citizens Bank

ATM, Personal Banking, Wealth Management

0.8 km

3.4

Santander Bank

ATM, Personal Banking, Business Banking

0.9 km

3.9

WSFS Bank

ATM, Personal Banking, Business Banking

Parking Lots

0.1 km

4.1

5th Avenue Garage

Free valet parking, 24/7 access, Shuttle service

0.3 km

3.9

6th Avenue Garage

Self-parking, Handicap spaces, Shuttle service

0.5 km

7th Avenue/Doctors Office Building Garage

Free parking, Valet service, Shuttle to 6th Avenue entrance

Shopping Malls

1.0 km

3.9

Berkshire Mall

Indoor shopping mall with stores like Bath & Body Works, American Eagle, Claire´s

0.8 km

4.2

The Shops at Hiesters Lane

Outdoor shopping center with healthcare services, community services, restaurants

1.0 km

Berkshire Mall West

Strip plaza with TJ Maxx, Outback Steakhouse, Burlington, Boot Barn

Stationery and Copying Services

0.9 km

4.8

Sir Speedy West Lawn

Printing, signs, banners, marketing services

0.5 km

4.9

Rieck´s Printing

Commercial printing, design, mailing services

0.8 km

4.7

Cornerstone Graphics

Custom stationery, business cards, invitations

Car Rental

0.8 km

4.3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Economy through Full Size cars, Cargo and Minivans, Compact to Standard SUVs

0.9 km

3.9

Budget Car Rental

Midsize cars, SUVs, Minivans

1.0 km

3.7

Avis Car Rental

Luxury cars, SUVs, Vans

Patient Experiences

✅ Summary of Positive Reviews

Patients have praised Reading Hospital for its outstanding obstetrics and gynecology services. One reviewer highlighted the compassionate care they received during labor, appreciating the staff´s dedication and professionalism, including staying beyond shift hours to support the birth process. The NICU´s efficiency and the general post-birth care were also commended for their effectiveness and attentiveness.

❌ Summary of Negative Reviews

Several negative experiences were reported, highlighting issues such as long wait times, poor communication, and inadequate patient care. Problems with the billing department were evident, with reports of unfulfilled discounts leading to unexpected charges and delayed resolutions. Additionally, concerns were raised about unprofessional staff behavior and subpar conditions within the hospital, prompting some to advise against choosing Reading Hospital.