17306, Bendersville, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Arthritis Score in 17306, Bendersville, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Arthritis Care in the 17306 Area: A Hospital Review

The 17306 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, sits in an area with a mix of rural and suburban characteristics. For individuals managing arthritis, access to quality healthcare is paramount. This review analyzes the hospital landscape surrounding 17306, focusing on arthritis care, accessibility, and key performance indicators.

**Proximity and Major Players**

The immediate vicinity of Abbottstown doesn't boast a large concentration of hospitals. Residents typically look to nearby cities like York and Gettysburg for comprehensive medical services. The dominant healthcare providers in the region are UPMC and WellSpan Health. Both systems offer a range of services, including specialized care for arthritis.

**WellSpan Health: A Regional Powerhouse**

WellSpan Health has a strong presence in the area. Their flagship hospital, WellSpan York Hospital, is a major referral center. It's located approximately 20 miles from Abbottstown, making it a reasonable drive for most residents. York Hospital is a large facility, offering a wide array of specialties, including rheumatology.

WellSpan York Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care.

The hospital's emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial factor for urgent arthritis-related issues. According to recent data, the median ER wait time at WellSpan York Hospital is around 30-45 minutes. This figure can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

WellSpan York Hospital houses a dedicated orthopedic and rheumatology department. The rheumatology team consists of board-certified physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including medication management, joint injections, and access to physical therapy.

WellSpan also has outpatient clinics in the area, including those in Gettysburg and Hanover, which may offer some rheumatology services. These clinics provide convenient access to care for routine appointments and follow-up visits.

**UPMC: Expanding its Footprint**

UPMC has been steadily expanding its presence in the region. UPMC Hanover, located approximately 10 miles from Abbottstown, is another option. While smaller than WellSpan York Hospital, UPMC Hanover provides a range of services, including orthopedics and some rheumatology care.

UPMC Hanover has a 3-star CMS rating, similar to WellSpan York Hospital. This indicates comparable quality of care based on CMS criteria.

ER wait times at UPMC Hanover tend to be slightly shorter than at WellSpan York Hospital, averaging around 20-30 minutes. This can be a significant advantage for patients needing immediate attention.

UPMC's rheumatology services at UPMC Hanover may be more limited than those at WellSpan York Hospital. Patients with complex cases might be referred to UPMC's larger facilities in the Harrisburg area or to UPMC Pinnacle in York.

**Specialized Arthritis Centers and Programs**

Neither WellSpan York Hospital nor UPMC Hanover has a dedicated, standalone "Arthritis Center" with a specific name. However, both hospitals have specialized programs and services within their orthopedic and rheumatology departments. These include:

* **Physical Therapy:** Both hospitals offer extensive physical therapy programs tailored to the needs of arthritis patients. These programs focus on improving mobility, reducing pain, and strengthening muscles.
* **Occupational Therapy:** Occupational therapy can help patients adapt to daily activities and manage their arthritis symptoms. Both hospitals provide occupational therapy services.
* **Infusion Centers:** For patients requiring biologic medications or other intravenous treatments, both hospitals have infusion centers.
* **Pain Management:** Chronic pain is a significant issue for many arthritis sufferers. Both hospitals offer pain management services, including medication management, nerve blocks, and other interventions.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care Options**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Both WellSpan Health and UPMC offer telehealth options for rheumatology consultations and follow-up appointments.

WellSpan Health has a robust telehealth platform. They offer virtual visits with rheumatologists, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes. Telehealth can be particularly helpful for medication management, discussing treatment plans, and monitoring symptoms.

UPMC also provides telehealth services, including virtual appointments with rheumatologists. The availability of telehealth appointments may vary depending on the specific physician and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience**

Accessibility is a key factor for patients with arthritis, who may have mobility limitations. Both WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Hanover are generally accessible, with designated parking, wheelchair access, and other accommodations.

Patient reviews are a valuable source of information about the patient experience. Online review platforms such as Healthgrades and Google Reviews provide insights into patient satisfaction with physicians, staff, and overall care. Reviewing these platforms can provide a more nuanced view of the hospital's performance.

**Considerations for Choosing a Hospital**

When choosing a hospital for arthritis care near 17306, several factors should be considered:

* **Proximity:** The distance to the hospital is a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments and emergencies.
* **Specialty Expertise:** Evaluate the rheumatology team's experience and expertise in treating your specific type of arthritis.
* **Services Offered:** Determine if the hospital offers the specific services you need, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and infusion centers.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews:** Review patient feedback to get a sense of the patient experience.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider ER wait times, especially if you anticipate needing urgent care.
* **Telehealth Availability:** If telehealth is important to you, check the hospital's telehealth capabilities.

**Conclusion**

For residents of the 17306 area seeking arthritis care, WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Hanover are the primary options. Both hospitals offer rheumatology services, physical therapy, and other essential care. WellSpan York Hospital, being a larger facility, may offer a broader range of specialized services. UPMC Hanover provides a closer option with potentially shorter ER wait times. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when choosing a hospital. Researching individual rheumatologists within these systems is also recommended to find the best fit. The availability of telehealth options from both systems offers added convenience and accessibility for ongoing care.