17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Decoding Hospital Care Near Hershey, PA (ZIP Code 17020)

Navigating healthcare, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed decisions. This review delves into the hospital landscape near Hershey, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17020), offering a fact-rich assessment of facilities and their suitability for hypertension care. We'll examine key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, providing a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" perspective.

**The Landscape: Flagship Hospitals and Proximity**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Hershey area are dominated by Penn State Health, with its flagship facility, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, being the most prominent. Other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, offering potential options, include UPMC Harrisburg and WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital. Proximity, however, is just the starting point.

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

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, often simply referred to as Hershey Medical Center, is a major player. It's a Level I trauma center and a teaching hospital, indicating a high level of resources and expertise. The hospital boasts a **4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating, based on various quality measures, suggests a generally good level of care, though it's worth noting that CMS ratings are just one indicator and can fluctuate.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:**

ER wait times are a critical factor, especially in a hypertensive crisis. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, Hershey Medical Center generally reports wait times that are in line with or slightly above the national average. Checking the hospital's website or using online tools like Google can provide the most up-to-date information. Long wait times can be stressful and potentially detrimental for patients with elevated blood pressure.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Focus:**

Hershey Medical Center houses a comprehensive cardiology department. This department is crucial for hypertension management, offering services like diagnostic testing (echocardiograms, stress tests), interventional cardiology (angioplasty, stenting), and electrophysiology (treatment of arrhythmias). The presence of a dedicated cardiology unit is a strong positive for hypertension patients. The hospital also has specialized clinics for conditions that often co-occur with hypertension, such as diabetes and kidney disease, which can further streamline care.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important. Hershey Medical Center has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments for various specialties. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and routine check-ins, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits and improving patient convenience. The specifics of telehealth offerings, including which specialists participate and the types of services available, can be found on the hospital's website.

**UPMC Harrisburg: A Regional Alternative**

Located approximately a 30-minute drive from Hershey, UPMC Harrisburg offers another option. UPMC Harrisburg has a **3-star CMS rating**, suggesting a slightly lower overall performance compared to Hershey Medical Center. It is a large regional hospital with a full range of services, including a cardiology department.

**ER Wait Times and Cardiology Services at UPMC Harrisburg:**

ER wait times at UPMC Harrisburg are comparable to Hershey Medical Center, sometimes varying based on the time of day and day of the week. The hospital's cardiology department provides a range of services, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. The availability of these services is essential for comprehensive hypertension care.

**Telehealth and Accessibility at UPMC Harrisburg:**

UPMC Harrisburg has also invested in telehealth, providing virtual appointments for certain specialties. The availability of telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling. Details on available telehealth services can be found on the UPMC website.

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

WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, located in Lebanon, PA, is another option, though slightly further from Hershey. It is generally considered a community hospital, with a focus on providing essential healthcare services. Its CMS rating is not publicly available.

**ER and Cardiology at WellSpan Good Samaritan:**

ER wait times at Good Samaritan are generally shorter than those at the larger hospitals. The hospital has a cardiology department, offering diagnostic and treatment services. The level of specialization and the volume of complex procedures may be lower compared to Hershey Medical Center or UPMC Harrisburg.

**Telehealth at WellSpan Good Samaritan:**

WellSpan Health, the parent organization, has been expanding telehealth services across its network. Information on specific telehealth offerings at Good Samaritan can be found on the WellSpan website.

**Specialized Hypertension Clinics: A Crucial Component**

Beyond general cardiology departments, the presence of specialized hypertension clinics can significantly enhance care. These clinics often have multidisciplinary teams, including cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, and registered dietitians, all working together to manage complex hypertension cases. Unfortunately, neither Hershey Medical Center nor UPMC Harrisburg currently have a dedicated, separately branded hypertension clinic. However, the integrated approach of the cardiology departments, combined with access to specialists in related fields, can provide a similar level of comprehensive care.

**Medication Management and Formulary Considerations:**

The hospitals in the area will have formularies, which are lists of medications covered by insurance. Patients should discuss their specific medication needs with their physicians and confirm formulary coverage with their insurance providers. This is crucial for ensuring access to necessary medications and minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

**Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: Long-Term Support**

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are an important component of hypertension management, especially after a cardiovascular event. Hershey Medical Center, UPMC Harrisburg, and WellSpan Good Samaritan all offer cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and counseling to help patients improve their cardiovascular health and manage their blood pressure.

**Patient Reviews and Reputation: Beyond the Numbers**

While CMS star ratings and ER wait times are important, patient reviews and the overall reputation of a hospital should also be considered. Online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews provide valuable insights into patient experiences. These reviews can highlight strengths and weaknesses in areas like communication, staff courtesy, and the overall quality of care.

**The "Hypertension Score" Perspective: A Summary**

Based on the available information, here’s a summarized "Hypertension Score" perspective for hospitals near ZIP code 17020:

* **Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:** Offers the most comprehensive care, with a 4-star CMS rating, a strong cardiology department, and expanding telehealth capabilities. ER wait times can be a factor, but the breadth of services makes it a top choice.
* **UPMC Harrisburg:** A viable alternative, with a 3-star CMS rating and a good cardiology department. Telehealth options are available.
* **WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital:** A community hospital option with shorter ER wait times, but potentially less specialization.

**Final Considerations:**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care involves a personalized assessment. Consider your individual needs, insurance coverage, access to specialists, and comfort level with the hospital environment. Consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist to discuss the best option for your specific situation. Always verify the most up-to-date information, including ER wait times and telehealth availability, directly with the hospitals before making any decisions. The journey to managing hypertension is ongoing, and selecting the right healthcare partner is a critical first step.