17006, Blain, Pennsylvania COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 17006, Blain, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**COPD Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17006 (Hershey, PA)**

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious respiratory illness, making access to quality healthcare crucial for residents of Hershey, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17006). This review analyzes hospitals in the vicinity, focusing on factors relevant to COPD patients, including hospital ratings, specialized services, and accessibility. The goal is to provide a factual, unbiased assessment to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Major Players and Proximity**

The primary healthcare provider for Hershey residents is Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. This flagship hospital is a major regional presence and is located directly within Hershey. Other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance offer alternative options and specialized services. This review will focus on hospitals within a 30-mile radius of 17006, acknowledging that travel times can vary based on traffic and individual circumstances.

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

Hershey Medical Center is the dominant healthcare institution in the area. As a teaching hospital, it provides a broad range of services, including specialized pulmonary care. The hospital’s reputation is strong, and it often serves as a referral center for complex cases.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Hershey Medical Center generally receives a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. Ratings can fluctuate, so it is essential to check the most current CMS data.
* **Pulmonary Services:** The hospital boasts a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized equipment. They offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options for COPD, including pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, and advanced therapies.
* **Emergency Department:** Hershey Medical Center's ER is equipped to handle respiratory emergencies. ER wait times are a crucial factor for COPD patients. While real-time data fluctuates, average wait times can be found on the hospital's website or through third-party sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website. It is important to note that wait times are influenced by the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients.
* **Telehealth:** Hershey Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, which can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients. Telehealth allows for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or who live in rural areas. Specific telehealth stats, such as the number of virtual visits for pulmonary patients or the types of telehealth services offered, are best obtained directly from the hospital.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital features specialty centers that may be relevant to COPD patients, such as a heart and vascular institute (given the frequent comorbidity of heart disease with COPD) and a sleep disorders center (as sleep apnea is often linked to COPD).

**UPMC Harrisburg Hospital: A Regional Competitor**

Located in Harrisburg, approximately 15 miles from Hershey, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital offers another option for residents of 17006. It is part of the larger UPMC network, providing access to a broader range of resources and expertise.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Harrisburg Hospital typically receives a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Pulmonary Services:** UPMC Harrisburg Hospital has a pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. The hospital provides diagnostic and treatment services for COPD, including pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
* **Emergency Department:** The ER at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital is equipped to handle respiratory emergencies. ER wait times can be found on the hospital's website or through third-party sources.
* **Telehealth:** UPMC Harrisburg Hospital offers telehealth services, potentially including virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for pulmonary patients. Specific details about the availability and types of telehealth services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Specialty Centers:** UPMC Harrisburg Hospital has specialized programs that could benefit COPD patients, such as a cardiac center and a diabetes center.

**WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital: A Community Resource**

Located in Lebanon, approximately 12 miles from Hershey, WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital serves as a community resource for residents in the surrounding areas.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital generally receives a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Pulmonary Services:** The hospital has a pulmonary department that provides diagnostic and treatment services for COPD.
* **Emergency Department:** The ER at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital is equipped to handle respiratory emergencies. ER wait times can be found on the hospital's website or through third-party sources.
* **Telehealth:** WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital offers telehealth services, which may include virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for pulmonary patients. Specific details about the availability and types of telehealth services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Specialty Centers:** WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital has specialized programs that could benefit COPD patients, such as a cardiac center.

**Other Considerations: Accessibility and Patient Experience**

Beyond hospital ratings and specialized services, several other factors are crucial for COPD patients:

* **Accessibility:** The ease of access to a hospital is paramount. This includes proximity, transportation options, and parking availability. For patients with breathing difficulties, minimizing travel time is essential.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website offer patient feedback on various aspects of care, including communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, and overall satisfaction.
* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are vital for managing COPD. These programs provide education, exercise training, and support to improve lung function and quality of life. The availability of these programs at each hospital is a critical factor.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirming that the hospital accepts your insurance plan is essential. Check with your insurance provider and the hospital's billing department to ensure coverage for COPD-related services.
* **Support Groups:** Local support groups for COPD patients can provide emotional support, education, and a sense of community. Inquire with the hospitals or local community centers for information on support groups in the Hershey area.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are particularly important for COPD patients. Rapid access to care during a respiratory exacerbation can be life-saving. While real-time wait times fluctuate, it's crucial to check the hospital's website or third-party sources for current information. Shorter wait times often indicate a more efficient ER and potentially faster access to treatment.

**Specialty Centers and Interdisciplinary Care**

COPD often coexists with other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders. Hospitals with specialized centers that address these comorbidities can provide more comprehensive and coordinated care. An interdisciplinary approach, involving pulmonologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and other specialists, can improve patient outcomes.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. It allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Telehealth can be used for medication management, follow-up appointments, and patient education. The availability and types of telehealth services offered by each hospital should be considered.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for COPD care requires careful consideration of various factors. Hershey Medical Center, as the local flagship hospital, offers a comprehensive range of services and a strong reputation. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital and WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital provide alternative options within a reasonable distance. Patients should evaluate hospital ratings, pulmonary services, ER wait times, telehealth options, and patient reviews to make an informed decision. Consulting with your primary care physician and pulmonologist is crucial to determine the best fit for your individual needs and circumstances. Remember to verify the most current information, including CMS star ratings and ER wait times, directly with the hospitals or reliable third-party sources.