17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating the Best Hospitals Near Hershey, PA (ZIP Code 17044)

Living with asthma requires vigilance, especially when accessing healthcare. This review delves into the hospitals near Hershey, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17044), assessing their suitability for asthma patients based on key factors. We'll examine hospital quality metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized asthma centers, and telehealth capabilities, providing a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment.

**The Landscape: Hospitals in the Hershey Vicinity**

The primary healthcare providers serving Hershey and its surrounding areas are Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg. These hospitals are geographically closest and represent the most likely destinations for emergency care and specialized asthma treatment. Other facilities, such as smaller community hospitals, may offer some services but typically don't possess the breadth of resources found at these flagship institutions.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: A Deep Dive**

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is the dominant healthcare provider in the region. It's a large, academic medical center, offering a wide range of specialties and advanced medical technologies. The hospital is a teaching hospital, which often translates to access to cutting-edge research and treatment protocols.

**CMS Star Rating:** Hershey Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, encompassing patient experience, safety, and efficiency. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally good level of care. It's important to remember that CMS ratings are just one measure and should be considered alongside other factors.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial consideration for asthma patients, especially during exacerbations. Hershey Medical Center's ER wait times fluctuate, but data suggests they are generally within the national average. Patients can often find real-time wait time information on the hospital's website or through third-party platforms. These times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume.

**Asthma-Specific Services:** Hershey Medical Center offers specialized pulmonary and allergy services. They have a dedicated pulmonology department staffed by board-certified pulmonologists who treat a wide range of respiratory conditions, including asthma. The hospital also has allergy and immunology specialists who can diagnose and manage allergic triggers that often exacerbate asthma symptoms.

**Specialty Centers:** The hospital boasts several specialty centers that may indirectly benefit asthma patients. These include centers focused on pediatric care, which is crucial for children with asthma, and centers for advanced respiratory care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Hershey Medical Center has embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments for various specialties, including pulmonology and allergy. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for asthma patients, allowing for remote monitoring, medication management, and follow-up appointments. This is particularly helpful for patients who live far from the hospital or have difficulty traveling. The availability of telehealth services has increased significantly in recent years, making it easier for patients to connect with their providers.

**UPMC Harrisburg: An Alternative Perspective**

UPMC Harrisburg, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offers an alternative for patients seeking asthma care. While slightly further from Hershey, it provides another option for specialized services.

**CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Harrisburg has a 3-star rating from CMS, similar to Hershey Medical Center.

**ER Wait Times:** UPMC Harrisburg's ER wait times are typically comparable to those at Hershey Medical Center, with real-time data available online.

**Asthma-Specific Services:** UPMC Harrisburg also has a pulmonology department, offering diagnosis, treatment, and management of asthma. They have allergy and immunology specialists as well.

**Specialty Centers:** UPMC Harrisburg offers specialized centers, including those focused on respiratory care, potentially offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options for asthma.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UPMC Harrisburg has also expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties, including pulmonology.

**Comparing the Options: A Critical Assessment**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care involves comparing several factors. Both Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg offer comprehensive pulmonary and allergy services, making them viable options.

**Proximity and Accessibility:** Hershey Medical Center's location within Hershey provides a clear advantage for residents of the 17044 ZIP code. This proximity translates to shorter travel times, which can be critical during an asthma emergency.

**Specialized Expertise:** Both hospitals have pulmonologists and allergists, but the specific expertise and experience of individual physicians can vary. Patients should research the credentials and specializations of the doctors at each hospital.

**Technology and Resources:** Both hospitals are well-equipped with modern medical technology. However, the specific equipment and resources available for asthma diagnosis and treatment may differ.

**Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Patients should research reviews and testimonials to understand the experiences of other asthma patients at each hospital.

**Telehealth Integration:** Both hospitals offer telehealth services, which can be a significant benefit for asthma patients. The ease of use, availability of appointments, and integration with the patient portal should be considered.

**Beyond the Flagships: Other Considerations**

While Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg are the primary choices, other healthcare providers in the region may offer relevant services. Smaller community hospitals may provide urgent care for less severe asthma exacerbations. Primary care physicians in the area can also play a crucial role in asthma management.

**The Role of Primary Care Physicians:** Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma patients. They can provide ongoing monitoring, medication management, and referrals to specialists when needed. Patients should establish a strong relationship with their primary care physician and ensure they are familiar with their asthma history and treatment plan.

**The Importance of Patient Education and Self-Management:** Regardless of the hospital chosen, patient education and self-management are essential for controlling asthma. Patients should be educated on their triggers, medications, and emergency action plans. They should also be empowered to actively participate in their care.

**Conclusion: An Asthma Score for Hershey (17044)**

Based on this review, both Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg offer comprehensive asthma care. Hershey Medical Center, due to its proximity to the 17044 ZIP code, provides a slight advantage in terms of accessibility. Both hospitals have comparable CMS ratings and telehealth capabilities.

**Final Assessment:**

* **Hershey Medical Center:** A strong choice, particularly for residents of Hershey, PA, due to its proximity and comprehensive services.
* **UPMC Harrisburg:** A viable alternative, offering similar services and expertise.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Prioritize Proximity:** For residents of 17044, Hershey Medical Center should be the first choice, given its location.
2. **Research Physicians:** Investigate the specific pulmonologists and allergists at each hospital, focusing on their experience and specializations.
3. **Utilize Telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth options for follow-up appointments and medication management.
4. **Develop an Asthma Action Plan:** Work with your physician to create a personalized asthma action plan.
5. **Stay Informed:** Continuously monitor your asthma symptoms and stay up-to-date on the latest treatments and recommendations.
6. **Consider Wait Times:** Always check ER wait times, especially during an asthma exacerbation.
7. **Review Patient Experiences:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the quality of care at each hospital.

This "Asthma Score" review provides a starting point for making informed decisions about asthma care near Hershey, PA. Remember that individual needs and preferences vary, so it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.