17029, Granville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 17029, Granville, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17029**

The health of residents in and around Hershey, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17029) is significantly impacted by access to quality healthcare, especially concerning prevalent conditions like hypertension. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of the hospitals serving this area, focusing on their capabilities in managing hypertension, including specialty centers, emergency room wait times, telehealth options, and overall quality metrics.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Hypertension Care**

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a major teaching hospital, stands as a prominent healthcare provider in the region. It holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While this rating is not the highest possible, it reflects a complex evaluation of various aspects of care. Hershey Medical Center boasts a comprehensive cardiology department with specialized programs for hypertension management. They offer advanced diagnostic tools, including ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and sophisticated imaging techniques. The hospital's commitment to research and clinical trials means patients may have access to cutting-edge treatments. ER wait times can fluctuate, but average wait times are available on their website. Telehealth services are available, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, which is crucial for hypertensive patients.

Nearby, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital offers an alternative healthcare option. While it is not directly within the ZIP code, it serves many residents in the broader area. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital also has a cardiology department equipped to manage hypertension. They offer a range of services, from routine checkups to more specialized interventions. CMS ratings for UPMC Harrisburg Hospital are available, providing insights into their overall performance. Telehealth services are also offered at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, which is important for managing hypertension.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management**

Beyond general cardiology departments, the availability of specialized centers is crucial for hypertension care. Hershey Medical Center's focus on research often translates into access to advanced treatments and clinical trials. These centers can offer specialized expertise in complex cases, including resistant hypertension or hypertension related to other conditions.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a critical factor, especially for hypertensive patients who may experience hypertensive crises. While average wait times are readily available on hospital websites and through third-party sources, it is important to remember that these are averages and individual experiences may vary. Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg Hospital both provide data on their ER wait times, allowing patients to make informed decisions.

**Telehealth and Hypertension Management**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg Hospital both offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management. These services are particularly valuable for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments or who need frequent monitoring. Telehealth can improve medication adherence and reduce the risk of complications.

**Hospital Quality Metrics: Understanding the Ratings**

CMS star ratings, while not the only indicator of quality, provide a valuable snapshot of hospital performance. These ratings consider various factors, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. It is important to review the specific metrics that contribute to the overall rating.

**Other Hospitals in the Area**

Several other hospitals and healthcare facilities serve the broader region. These include smaller community hospitals and outpatient clinics. While these facilities may not offer the same breadth of services as the flagship hospitals, they can provide convenient access to primary care and routine hypertension management.

**Conclusion**

For residents of ZIP code 17029 and the surrounding areas, access to quality hypertension care is readily available. Hershey Medical Center stands out as a major provider with a comprehensive cardiology department and a commitment to research. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital also offers a viable alternative. Patients should consider factors such as ER wait times, telehealth availability, and CMS ratings when choosing a hospital. Regular checkups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are crucial for managing hypertension effectively.