17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Care in Hershey, PA: A Review of Hospital Options Near 17063

The 17063 ZIP code, encompassing Hershey, Pennsylvania, places residents within a region with access to a robust healthcare landscape, including several hospitals offering services relevant to Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, treatment, and support. This review provides a fact-rich overview of the major hospital options, focusing on their capabilities in geriatric care, neurology, and related areas, with an emphasis on data points like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, and specialty center offerings.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: The Flagship**

The cornerstone of healthcare in the region is the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a large, academic medical center. This hospital is the flagship of the Penn State Health system and holds a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality, including factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Hershey Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center, indicating its capacity to handle complex medical cases.

The hospital's Neurology Department is a crucial resource for Alzheimer's care. It offers comprehensive diagnostic services, including cognitive assessments, neuroimaging (MRI, CT scans), and access to specialists in geriatric neurology. The center's Geriatric Psychiatry program is also vital, providing mental health support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. While specific data on the number of Alzheimer's patients treated is not publicly available, the size and scope of the hospital suggest a significant volume of cases.

Hershey Medical Center's Emergency Department (ED) sees a high volume of patients. While precise wait times fluctuate, recent data indicates an average wait time for patients to see a provider in the ED. This is a critical consideration, particularly for individuals with cognitive impairments who may experience increased anxiety or disorientation in emergency settings. The hospital’s website provides real-time ED wait times, which can be a valuable tool for patients and families.

The hospital is also investing in telehealth services. While specific statistics on telehealth utilization for Alzheimer's-related care are not readily available, the hospital's commitment to virtual care suggests that remote consultations and monitoring are becoming increasingly available. This is especially beneficial for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

**UPMC Pinnacle West Shore Hospital: A Regional Option**

Located a short distance from Hershey, UPMC Pinnacle West Shore Hospital offers an alternative for residents seeking healthcare services. This hospital is part of the larger UPMC system and provides a range of medical specialties. The hospital has a three-star CMS rating.

West Shore Hospital's Neurology Department is another key resource for Alzheimer's care. It offers diagnostic services, including neurological evaluations and access to imaging technologies. The hospital also has a Geriatric Medicine program that focuses on the unique healthcare needs of older adults.

The ED at West Shore Hospital is another critical service. While specific wait times vary, it is important to consider the potential for delays, especially during peak hours. The hospital’s website and other online resources provide information on current wait times.

UPMC is also expanding its telehealth offerings. While specific data on telehealth utilization for Alzheimer's-related care are not readily available, the system’s commitment to virtual care suggests that remote consultations and monitoring are becoming increasingly available. This is especially beneficial for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

**Other Considerations: Specialty Centers and Support Services**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents of the 17063 area have access to other resources that can support Alzheimer's care. These include:

* **Memory Care Centers:** Several assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the Hershey area specialize in memory care. These facilities provide specialized care and support for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
* **Support Groups:** The Alzheimer's Association and other organizations offer support groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. These groups provide a valuable opportunity for sharing experiences, receiving emotional support, and learning about available resources.
* **Home Healthcare Agencies:** Home healthcare agencies provide in-home care services, including personal care, medication management, and skilled nursing care. These services can help individuals with Alzheimer's remain in their homes for as long as possible.

**Assessing the Options: Key Considerations**

When choosing a hospital or healthcare provider for Alzheimer's care, several factors should be considered:

* **Expertise:** Look for hospitals with experienced neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists who have expertise in Alzheimer's disease.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Ensure that the hospital has access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and CT scans, to accurately diagnose and monitor the disease.
* **Treatment Options:** Inquire about the range of treatment options available, including medication management, cognitive therapy, and other supportive services.
* **Support Services:** Consider the availability of support services for both the patient and the caregiver, such as support groups, counseling, and respite care.
* **Accessibility:** Evaluate the hospital's location, hours of operation, and ease of access. Consider whether the hospital offers telehealth services or other options that can make it easier to receive care.
* **Emergency Care:** Consider the ED wait times at the hospital.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is becoming an increasingly important tool in Alzheimer's care. It allows patients to receive consultations, monitoring, and support from the comfort of their homes. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

While specific statistics on telehealth utilization for Alzheimer's-related care are not readily available for the hospitals in the area, the growing trend of telehealth services suggests that remote consultations and monitoring are becoming increasingly available.

**Conclusion**

Residents of the 17063 ZIP code have access to a range of healthcare options for Alzheimer's care. The Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center serves as the flagship hospital, offering comprehensive services and access to specialists. UPMC Pinnacle West Shore Hospital provides a regional alternative. In addition to these hospitals, residents can access memory care centers, support groups, and home healthcare agencies. When choosing a healthcare provider, it is important to consider factors such as expertise, diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, support services, and accessibility. Telehealth is also becoming an increasingly important tool in Alzheimer's care, offering patients remote consultations and monitoring. By carefully evaluating these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.