17101, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 17101, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Harrisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17101)

Living with asthma requires vigilant management and access to quality healthcare. For residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area (ZIP code 17101), several hospitals offer varying levels of asthma care. This review provides a factual assessment of key facilities, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized asthma centers, and telehealth capabilities. This information can help patients make informed decisions about their asthma care.

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

Located approximately 15 miles east of Harrisburg, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a major player in the region's healthcare landscape. It is a flagship hospital, and its performance warrants close examination. The hospital consistently holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality, patient safety, and outcomes, though it's essential to understand that CMS ratings are just one measure of quality.

Hershey Medical Center's Emergency Department (ED) is a critical access point for asthma patients. While specific ED wait times for asthma-related visits fluctuate, it's crucial to understand that wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of other emergencies. Patients should be prepared for potential delays. Hershey Medical Center's ED is equipped to handle acute asthma exacerbations, providing rapid assessment, bronchodilator treatments, and oxygen therapy.

The hospital boasts a comprehensive pulmonary medicine department, which is crucial for long-term asthma management. This department offers specialized clinics, including those focused on difficult-to-control asthma. These clinics often involve multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and allergists, to develop personalized treatment plans. Hershey Medical Center also has a dedicated pediatric pulmonology program, essential for children with asthma.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Hershey Medical Center offers telehealth options, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and education. The availability of telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of asthma-related telehealth visits per year, are often difficult to obtain publicly. However, patients should inquire about telehealth options during their appointments.

**UPMC Harrisburg Hospital:**

UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, located within the city limits of Harrisburg, is another significant healthcare provider. It is a large community hospital serving a broad patient population. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates an average level of quality compared to other hospitals.

The ED at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital is another crucial point of access for asthma patients in the 17101 area. Like Hershey Medical Center, ED wait times can vary. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during peak hours. The ED is equipped to stabilize patients experiencing acute asthma attacks.

UPMC Harrisburg Hospital has a pulmonary medicine department that provides care for patients with asthma. The department offers diagnostic testing, such as pulmonary function tests, and treatment for various respiratory conditions. The hospital also has respiratory therapists who play a vital role in managing asthma patients.

Telehealth services are available at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Patients can access telehealth appointments for follow-up care and medication management. The hospital is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities.

**Holy Spirit Hospital (Geisinger Holy Spirit):**

Holy Spirit Hospital, now part of the Geisinger Health System, is another option for residents of the 17101 area. It is located in Camp Hill, PA, just across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg. Holy Spirit has a 3-star CMS rating.

The ED at Holy Spirit Hospital is equipped to handle asthma emergencies. The hospital's ED wait times fluctuate, and patients should be prepared for potential delays.

Holy Spirit Hospital's pulmonary medicine department offers care for asthma patients. The department provides diagnostic services and treatment options. Respiratory therapists are also available to assist patients with their asthma management.

Telehealth services are offered by Geisinger, which includes Holy Spirit Hospital. Patients can access telehealth appointments for follow-up care and medication management. Geisinger has a robust telehealth program.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors influence asthma care. The presence of board-certified allergists and immunologists in the area is critical. These specialists can diagnose and treat allergic triggers that exacerbate asthma symptoms. Patients should inquire about the availability of allergy testing and immunotherapy options.

Access to respiratory therapists is also essential. Respiratory therapists provide education on proper inhaler technique, peak flow meter use, and asthma action plans. They also monitor patients' respiratory status and provide support during exacerbations.

The availability of asthma education programs is another important consideration. These programs can empower patients to manage their asthma effectively. They often cover topics such as asthma triggers, medication management, and emergency preparedness.

**Specific Data Limitations:**

Obtaining precise, real-time data on ED wait times, specific asthma-related telehealth visit numbers, and the number of patients seen in asthma-specific clinics is often challenging. This type of data is subject to change and is not always publicly available. Patients should directly inquire with the hospitals about these metrics.

**Making an Informed Choice:**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care is a personal decision. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. Factors to consider include:

* **Proximity:** The hospital's location and ease of access.
* **CMS Star Rating:** An indicator of overall quality, though not the sole determinant.
* **Emergency Department Wait Times:** Consider the potential for delays.
* **Specialty Clinics:** The availability of specialized asthma clinics.
* **Pulmonary Medicine Department:** The expertise and resources of the pulmonary department.
* **Telehealth Options:** The availability of telehealth services for convenient follow-up care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensuring the hospital is in-network.
* **Patient Reviews:** Reading online reviews from other asthma patients.

Patients should also consult with their primary care physicians and asthma specialists to determine the best course of action. By carefully evaluating these factors, residents of the 17101 area can make informed decisions about their asthma care and access the resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Ongoing communication with healthcare providers and proactive self-management are essential for successful asthma control.