17055, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 17055, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Care in the Harrisburg Area: A Hospital Review for 17055

Living near the ZIP code 17055, which encompasses Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, means access to a range of healthcare options, including those specializing in asthma management. This review delves into the key hospitals in the area, assessing their strengths and weaknesses in providing asthma care, focusing on factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, PA - ~10 miles from 17055)**

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a flagship facility, is a significant player in the region's healthcare landscape. It boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not specifically focused on asthma care in its overall rating, the hospital's commitment to quality translates to a higher standard of care across all specialties.

The hospital's emergency department (ED) is a critical point of access for asthma exacerbations. While specific ED wait times for asthma patients are not publicly available, the hospital's overall ED wait times are generally reported. Prospective patients can often find current wait times posted on the hospital's website or through online platforms. Hershey Medical Center has a dedicated pediatric ED, which is particularly relevant for children with asthma.

Hershey Medical Center houses a comprehensive pulmonary medicine department. This department provides specialized care for a wide range of respiratory conditions, including asthma. They offer diagnostic services, including pulmonary function testing and allergy testing, crucial for accurate asthma diagnosis and management. The hospital also has respiratory therapists who are integral in treating acute asthma episodes and educating patients on proper inhaler techniques and asthma management strategies.

Telehealth services are increasingly important in healthcare. Hershey Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, including options for follow-up appointments and consultations. This can be especially beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for convenient monitoring of symptoms and medication adjustments. The hospital's telehealth platform provides secure video conferencing and remote monitoring capabilities.

**UPMC Harrisburg Hospital (Harrisburg, PA - ~15 miles from 17055)**

UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, located in Harrisburg, is another major hospital serving the region. It currently holds a 3-star CMS rating. This rating indicates a generally good performance, but with areas for potential improvement.

The hospital's ED is another key access point for asthma patients. Like Hershey Medical Center, specific ED wait times for asthma patients are not always readily available. However, the hospital's website and online resources typically provide information on overall ED wait times.

UPMC Harrisburg Hospital has a pulmonary medicine department that provides care for asthma patients. The department offers diagnostic testing and treatment options. The hospital also has respiratory therapists on staff.

Telehealth services are offered by UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, including options for follow-up appointments. This allows for remote monitoring of asthma symptoms and medication adjustments.

**Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital (Camp Hill, PA - ~5 miles from 17055)**

Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, located in Camp Hill, is geographically closer to the 17055 ZIP code than the other two flagship hospitals. It is part of the Geisinger Health System, known for its integrated healthcare model. Holy Spirit Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.

The ED at Holy Spirit Hospital is a primary point of access for asthma patients. ED wait times are an important factor to consider. The hospital’s website and other platforms provide information on ED wait times.

Holy Spirit Hospital has a pulmonary medicine department offering care for asthma patients. The hospital provides diagnostic testing and treatment options. Respiratory therapists are available to assist with asthma management.

Telehealth services are available through Geisinger, including options for follow-up appointments and consultations. This allows for remote monitoring of asthma symptoms and medication adjustments.

**Specialized Asthma Centers and Resources**

Beyond the major hospitals, the region offers specialized resources for asthma management. While none of the hospitals mentioned are specifically designated as "asthma centers," their pulmonary medicine departments and pediatric departments are the primary points of care.

Allergy and immunology specialists play a crucial role in asthma management. These specialists can perform allergy testing to identify triggers and develop personalized treatment plans. Many allergists and immunologists in the area are affiliated with the hospitals mentioned above or operate independent practices.

The American Lung Association (ALA) is a valuable resource for asthma patients and their families. The ALA offers educational materials, support groups, and advocacy efforts. The ALA website provides information on asthma management, including medication information, trigger avoidance strategies, and emergency preparedness.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor for asthma patients, especially during an exacerbation. Patients experiencing severe asthma symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. While hospitals strive to minimize wait times, factors like patient volume and the severity of cases can influence wait times.

Patients should be aware of the triage process in the ED. Upon arrival, a triage nurse assesses the patient's condition and assigns a priority level. Patients with severe asthma symptoms will typically be seen quickly.

**Telehealth's Role in Asthma Management**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in asthma management. Telehealth can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring. Patients can use telehealth to connect with their pulmonologists or primary care physicians from the comfort of their homes.

Telehealth platforms often include features like secure video conferencing, remote monitoring of vital signs, and patient education resources. Telehealth can also facilitate communication between patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers.

**Pediatric Asthma Considerations**

Children with asthma require specialized care. Pediatric pulmonologists and pediatricians play a crucial role in managing asthma in children. Hershey Medical Center has a dedicated pediatric ED, which is particularly beneficial for children experiencing asthma exacerbations.

Parents should be educated on recognizing asthma symptoms in their children, administering medications, and developing an asthma action plan. Schools and daycare facilities should also be informed about a child's asthma and provided with an asthma action plan.

**Conclusion**

The Harrisburg area, including the region near ZIP code 17055, offers a range of healthcare options for asthma patients. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a flagship hospital with a strong reputation and a 4-star CMS rating. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital and Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital also provide essential services.

The choice of hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. Factors to consider include CMS star ratings, ED wait times, proximity to home, and the availability of specialized services. Patients should discuss their healthcare needs with their primary care physicians and consider the recommendations provided in this review. It is important to note that healthcare information changes frequently, so it is always recommended to check the latest information directly with the hospitals and healthcare providers.