17033, Hershey, Pennsylvania COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 17033, Hershey, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care in Hershey, PA: A Deep Dive into Hospital Options Near 17033

Living near Hershey, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17033) presents residents with several options for healthcare, particularly for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. This review focuses on the key hospitals in the area, providing a fact-rich overview of their capabilities, performance metrics, and resources relevant to COPD patients. We’ll delve into CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings to paint a comprehensive picture.

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

The undisputed leader in the region is Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a sprawling academic medical center. As a Level I trauma center, Hershey Medical Center boasts extensive resources and a broad range of specialists. The hospital consistently ranks high in national and regional assessments.

Hershey Medical Center holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. While not a perfect score, it signifies a solid performance compared to national averages. CMS ratings are based on a complex formula incorporating data from various sources, including patient surveys, infection rates, and readmission rates.

For COPD patients, Hershey Medical Center offers a dedicated pulmonary medicine department. This department houses pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists experienced in managing COPD. They provide comprehensive services, including diagnostic testing (pulmonary function tests, CT scans), medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and education. The hospital’s respiratory therapy team is particularly well-regarded.

Emergency room (ER) wait times at Hershey Medical Center can fluctuate. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website indicates that average ER wait times are often in line with, or slightly above, the national average. It's crucial to note that wait times can be impacted by factors like the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases. Patients should be prepared for potential waits, especially during peak hours.

Hershey Medical Center has invested significantly in telehealth. They offer a variety of virtual care options, including telehealth appointments with pulmonary specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients who require regular check-ups, medication adjustments, or education. Telehealth services can reduce the need for in-person visits, making healthcare more accessible and convenient. The hospital’s telehealth infrastructure is continually expanding, offering more options for remote monitoring and support.

**UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital: A Strong Contender**

Approximately 20 miles from Hershey, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital provides another major healthcare option. This hospital, part of the UPMC system, offers a wide range of services and is a significant presence in the central Pennsylvania healthcare landscape.

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital also holds a 4-star CMS rating, mirroring Hershey Medical Center’s performance. This indicates a comparable level of overall quality and commitment to patient care. CMS ratings provide a valuable benchmark for comparing hospitals.

The hospital features a robust pulmonary medicine department, staffed with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. They offer comprehensive COPD care, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The hospital's respiratory therapy services are well-regarded.

ER wait times at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital are variable. Information from Hospital Compare suggests that wait times can be in line with or slightly above the national average. Patients should be aware of potential wait times and consider the severity of their condition when choosing the ER.

UPMC has been actively developing its telehealth capabilities. UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital offers telehealth appointments with pulmonary specialists. This allows for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education. Telehealth services can be particularly helpful for COPD patients who need ongoing support and monitoring.

**Other Considerations: Community Hospitals and Outpatient Care**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, residents of the 17033 ZIP code have access to other healthcare providers. Several community hospitals and outpatient clinics offer specialized care.

Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, located in nearby Camp Hill, is another option. While not as large as Hershey Medical Center or UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital, it offers a range of services, including pulmonary care. Patients should research the specific services and specialists available at Geisinger Holy Spirit to determine if it meets their needs.

Outpatient clinics and pulmonary rehabilitation centers play a crucial role in COPD management. These facilities provide specialized care, including pulmonary function testing, exercise programs, and education. Patients often benefit from regular visits to these centers to manage their condition effectively.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Both Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital have specialized programs and centers that can benefit COPD patients.

Hershey Medical Center has a strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in pulmonary medicine. They often participate in clinical trials, giving patients access to cutting-edge treatments. The hospital’s research activities contribute to advancements in COPD care.

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital also has specialized programs for respiratory care. Patients should inquire about specific programs, such as smoking cessation support, pulmonary rehabilitation, and chronic disease management.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is rapidly becoming an integral part of COPD management. Both Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital have invested in telehealth infrastructure.

Telehealth appointments offer convenience and accessibility. Patients can consult with their pulmonologists from the comfort of their homes. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those who live in rural areas.

Telehealth also facilitates remote monitoring. Wearable devices and remote monitoring systems can track patients' vital signs and symptoms. This allows healthcare providers to identify potential problems early and intervene proactively.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients with acute COPD exacerbations. Both Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital have variable ER wait times.

Patients should be aware of potential wait times and consider the severity of their condition when choosing an ER. It’s important to bring a list of medications and any relevant medical history to the ER.

**Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Key Component**

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a crucial component of COPD management. Both Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs include exercise training, education, and support. These programs help patients improve their lung function, reduce their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience and satisfaction are important factors to consider when choosing a hospital. CMS ratings include patient satisfaction scores.

Patients should research reviews and testimonials to get a sense of other patients' experiences. Online review sites can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for COPD care requires careful consideration. Residents of the 17033 ZIP code have several options, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

Hershey Medical Center, as the flagship hospital, offers comprehensive services and a strong focus on research. UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital provides another strong option, with a robust pulmonary medicine department.

Patients should research the specific services and specialists available at each hospital. They should also consider factors such as ER wait times, telehealth offerings, and patient satisfaction.

Consulting with a primary care physician or pulmonologist is essential. They can provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs and preferences.

By carefully evaluating the available options and considering their individual circumstances, residents of the 17033 ZIP code can make informed decisions about their COPD care. This includes understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each hospital, considering factors like CMS ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth options, and consulting with their healthcare providers. Proactive research and informed decision-making are key to managing COPD effectively and maintaining a high quality of life.