17037, Ickesburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 17037, Ickesburg, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17037**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed choices. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 17037 (Hershey, Pennsylvania), focusing on factors crucial for hypertension care, including quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to empower patients with the data needed to make informed decisions about their care.

**Understanding the Landscape**

Hershey, Pennsylvania, benefits from the presence of a major academic medical center, offering a wide range of services. However, proximity to other hospitals in surrounding areas provides additional options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review considers both the flagship institution and nearby alternatives to provide a comprehensive overview.

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

The cornerstone of healthcare in the area is Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. This is a large, tertiary care facility, serving as a regional referral center. It holds a significant position in the community, offering a comprehensive suite of medical services.

**CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system to evaluate hospital performance. Hershey Medical Center's CMS star rating is a key indicator of overall quality. Patients should check the most current rating on the CMS Hospital Compare website. This rating considers various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Emergency Department (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical concern for patients experiencing hypertensive crises. Hershey Medical Center's ER wait times should be readily available on their website or through online platforms like Google. Comparing these wait times to national averages and other local hospitals provides valuable context. Shorter wait times can be crucial for timely treatment.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Care:** Hershey Medical Center boasts several specialized centers, including cardiology and nephrology departments, crucial for hypertension management. The cardiology department offers advanced diagnostic and interventional procedures, including cardiac catheterization and angioplasty. The nephrology department specializes in kidney health, essential for managing hypertension-related kidney complications.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. Hershey Medical Center offers telehealth services, allowing patients to remotely monitor their blood pressure, consult with physicians, and receive medication management. The availability and accessibility of these services are critical for ongoing care. The hospital's website and patient portals provide details on telehealth offerings.

**Beyond Hershey: Exploring Nearby Hospitals**

While Hershey Medical Center is the primary provider, patients should also consider nearby hospitals. These facilities may offer alternative options, potentially with shorter wait times or specialized services.

**UPMC Harrisburg Hospital:** Located in Harrisburg, this hospital is a major regional provider. It's crucial to assess UPMC Harrisburg Hospital's CMS star rating, ER wait times, and specialty services, particularly in cardiology and nephrology. Comparing these metrics to Hershey Medical Center provides a comparative analysis.

**UPMC Pinnacle West Shore:** Another UPMC facility, UPMC Pinnacle West Shore, offers services closer to the 17037 ZIP code. This hospital's performance metrics, including CMS star ratings and ER wait times, should be evaluated. The availability of cardiology and nephrology services is also essential.

**WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital:** Located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital serves the surrounding communities. Patients should investigate this hospital's performance metrics, including CMS star ratings and ER wait times. The hospital's cardiology and nephrology departments are important factors to consider.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

Several factors should guide the decision-making process when selecting a hospital for hypertension care.

**Hospital Quality Ratings:** CMS star ratings, as well as ratings from other organizations like the Leapfrog Group, provide valuable insights into hospital quality. These ratings consider patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Emergency Department Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times are crucial for timely treatment, especially during hypertensive crises. Patients should research and compare wait times at different hospitals.

**Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized cardiology and nephrology departments is essential for comprehensive hypertension management. These departments offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth services can improve access to care and facilitate ongoing monitoring of blood pressure. Patients should assess the availability and accessibility of telehealth services.

**Physician Availability and Expertise:** Patients should consider the availability of experienced cardiologists and nephrologists at each hospital. Researching physician credentials and experience is important.

**Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. These reviews can highlight areas of strength and weakness.

**Insurance Coverage and Cost:** Patients should verify that their insurance plan covers services at the chosen hospital. Understanding the cost of care is essential.

**Specifics for Hypertension Care**

When evaluating hospitals for hypertension care, specific factors are especially relevant.

**Blood Pressure Monitoring Protocols:** Hospitals should have established protocols for monitoring blood pressure, both in the ER and during inpatient stays.

**Medication Management:** Hospitals should have a robust system for managing hypertension medications, including accurate prescribing, dispensing, and patient education.

**Cardiac and Renal Services:** Access to specialized cardiology and nephrology services is critical for managing hypertension-related complications.

**Patient Education:** Hospitals should provide patients with education about hypertension, including lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques.

**Post-Discharge Care:** Hospitals should offer post-discharge care coordination, including follow-up appointments and medication management.

**Data Availability and Transparency**

Hospitals are increasingly transparent about their performance data. Patients should be able to easily access information about wait times, quality ratings, and other relevant metrics. Hospital websites, patient portals, and online resources provide valuable information.

**Conclusion**

Choosing a hospital for hypertension care requires careful consideration of various factors. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near ZIP code 17037, focusing on quality ratings, wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. Patients should use this information to make informed decisions about their care, considering their individual needs and preferences. Remember to consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist for personalized recommendations. The best hospital is the one that provides the highest quality care, the shortest wait times, and the most convenient access to the services you need.