17025, Enola, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 17025, Enola, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Care in Hershey, PA: A Deep Dive into Hospital Options Near 17025

Finding the right hospital for asthma care can be critical, especially during a flare-up. This review focuses on hospital options near Hershey, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17025), examining their strengths, weaknesses, and key metrics relevant to asthma patients. We'll delve into factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized asthma centers, telehealth availability, and more, providing a comprehensive overview to help you make informed decisions.

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

The undisputed flagship hospital in the region is the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located directly in Hershey. This is the primary choice for many residents of 17025 and surrounding areas. Hershey Medical Center is a large, comprehensive facility with a Level I trauma center and a wide array of specialized services.

**CMS Star Rating & General Performance:** Hershey Medical Center currently holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 4-star rating indicates good performance, it's important to note that ratings can fluctuate, and the specific metrics behind the rating are worth investigating.

**Emergency Room Considerations:** ER wait times are a crucial consideration for asthma patients. Hershey Medical Center's ER sees a high volume of patients, which can sometimes lead to longer wait times. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website and other sources show that average wait times can vary. Patients experiencing severe asthma symptoms should always seek immediate medical attention, and the hospital's emergency department is equipped to handle these situations.

**Specialty Centers & Pulmonary Expertise:** Hershey Medical Center boasts a robust pulmonary medicine department. They have a dedicated team of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses experienced in diagnosing and managing asthma. The hospital offers comprehensive asthma care, including diagnostic testing (like pulmonary function tests), medication management, and patient education. They also have specialized programs for severe asthma and related conditions.

**Telehealth & Virtual Care:** Penn State Health has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for asthma patients, providing convenient access to follow-up appointments, medication refills, and asthma education. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the provider and the patient's insurance coverage. It is recommended to inquire directly with the hospital about their specific telehealth options for asthma management.

**Beyond Hershey: Exploring Other Options**

While Hershey Medical Center is the primary option, it's important to consider other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, especially for those seeking specific services or experiencing long wait times.

**UPMC Harrisburg Hospital (Harrisburg, PA):** Located approximately 15-20 miles from Hershey, UPMC Harrisburg is another major hospital in the region. It's a large, full-service hospital with a wide range of specialties.

**CMS Star Rating & General Performance:** UPMC Harrisburg Hospital also has a 4-star rating from CMS. This indicates a similar level of quality compared to Hershey Medical Center.

**Emergency Room Considerations:** ER wait times at UPMC Harrisburg can vary. Checking real-time wait times through online resources or by calling the hospital before heading to the ER can be beneficial.

**Specialty Centers & Pulmonary Expertise:** UPMC Harrisburg has a pulmonary medicine department that provides asthma care. They offer diagnostic testing, medication management, and patient education. The scope of their specialized programs may differ from Hershey Medical Center, so it's important to research their specific offerings.

**Telehealth & Virtual Care:** UPMC has a growing telehealth program. Patients should check with the hospital to confirm the availability of telehealth services for asthma management.

**WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital (Lebanon, PA):** Located about 10-15 miles from Hershey, WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon offers another potential option.

**CMS Star Rating & General Performance:** WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room Considerations:** ER wait times at Good Samaritan Hospital can vary, and it's advisable to check current wait times before going to the ER.

**Specialty Centers & Pulmonary Expertise:** WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital has a pulmonary department that provides asthma care. The scope of their specialized programs may differ from Hershey Medical Center, so it's important to research their specific offerings.

**Telehealth & Virtual Care:** WellSpan has a growing telehealth program. Patients should check with the hospital to confirm the availability of telehealth services for asthma management.

**Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital (Camp Hill, PA):** Located about 20-25 miles from Hershey, Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill is another option.

**CMS Star Rating & General Performance:** Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room Considerations:** ER wait times at Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital can vary, and it's advisable to check current wait times before going to the ER.

**Specialty Centers & Pulmonary Expertise:** Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital has a pulmonary department that provides asthma care. The scope of their specialized programs may differ from Hershey Medical Center, so it's important to research their specific offerings.

**Telehealth & Virtual Care:** Geisinger has a growing telehealth program. Patients should check with the hospital to confirm the availability of telehealth services for asthma management.

**Key Factors for Asthma Patients:**

Beyond the general hospital information, asthma patients should consider several specific factors when choosing a hospital:

* **Pulmonary Specialists:** The presence of experienced pulmonologists and respiratory therapists is crucial.
* **Asthma Education Programs:** Look for hospitals that offer patient education programs to help manage asthma effectively.
* **Emergency Room Capabilities:** Ensure the ER is equipped to handle asthma exacerbations, including access to nebulizers, oxygen, and other necessary treatments.
* **Telehealth Options:** Telehealth can be a valuable tool for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and asthma education.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.

**Digging Deeper: Research and Preparation**

Before an asthma emergency, it's wise to proactively research the hospitals in your area.

* **Hospital Compare:** Utilize the CMS Hospital Compare website (Medicare.gov/caregivers/hospital-compare) to compare hospitals' performance on various metrics, including patient experience and safety.
* **Hospital Websites:** Explore the websites of the hospitals mentioned above. Look for information about their pulmonary departments, asthma programs, and telehealth services.
* **Talk to Your Doctor:** Consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist for recommendations and insights based on your specific needs.
* **Create an Asthma Action Plan:** Develop a detailed asthma action plan with your doctor, outlining steps to take during a flare-up, including when to seek emergency care.
* **Know Your Medications:** Keep a list of your asthma medications and dosages readily available.
* **Transportation:** Consider how you will get to the hospital in an emergency.

**Conclusion:**

For residents near ZIP code 17025, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is the primary hospital option, offering a comprehensive range of services and a strong pulmonary medicine department. However, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, and Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital provide alternative options. Asthma patients should proactively research these hospitals, considering factors like ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and their own individual needs. Being prepared with an asthma action plan and knowing your options can make a significant difference in managing asthma effectively and ensuring timely access to care during an emergency.