17223, Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 17223, Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Chambersburg, PA (ZIP Code 17223)

Finding the right hospital when managing hypertension, or high blood pressure, is crucial. Proximity to quality care, specialized expertise, and readily available services can significantly impact patient outcomes. This review focuses on hospitals near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17223), analyzing their strengths and weaknesses through a "Hypertension Score" lens, considering factors vital to effective hypertension management.

**Understanding the Hypertension Score:**

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a formal metric. It's a framework for evaluating hospitals based on factors directly relevant to hypertension care. These include: access to specialized cardiology and nephrology, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, availability of telehealth options, ER wait times (critical for hypertensive crises), and overall hospital quality as reflected by CMS star ratings.

**The Landscape: Hospitals in and around Chambersburg**

The immediate vicinity of Chambersburg doesn't boast a large concentration of major hospitals. However, several facilities within a reasonable driving distance provide healthcare services, each with unique characteristics.

**1. WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital (Chambersburg, PA):**

WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital is the most immediate option for residents of ZIP code 17223. It's a community hospital serving the local area.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This indicates average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide.
* **Cardiology Services:** The hospital offers cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and treatment for various heart conditions. However, the scope of specialized cardiology services may be more limited than at larger regional hospitals.
* **Nephrology Services:** Nephrology services, critical for hypertension-related kidney complications, are available.
* **ER Wait Times:** The ER wait times are a key consideration. Data on average ER wait times can fluctuate. Checking real-time data, often available on hospital websites or through third-party apps, is recommended.
* **Telehealth:** WellSpan Health, the parent organization, has expanded its telehealth offerings, which can be beneficial for follow-up appointments and medication management for hypertension.
* **Hypertension Score Assessment:** This hospital provides essential local access. However, the limited scope of specialized services, and the average CMS rating, suggest that for complex cases, patients might benefit from considering larger regional facilities.

**2. UPMC Carlisle (Carlisle, PA):**

Located approximately 30 miles east of Chambersburg, UPMC Carlisle is another potential option for residents seeking healthcare.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Carlisle holds a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Cardiology Services:** UPMC Carlisle offers cardiology services, including interventional cardiology.
* **Nephrology Services:** Nephrology services are available.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Checking real-time data is essential.
* **Telehealth:** UPMC has a robust telehealth program, which can be advantageous for hypertension management.
* **Hypertension Score Assessment:** UPMC Carlisle offers a broader range of cardiology services than WellSpan Chambersburg. The proximity makes it a reasonable option for residents in the Chambersburg area.

**3. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, PA):**

Approximately 60 miles east of Chambersburg, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a major academic medical center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Hershey Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating above-average performance.
* **Cardiology Services:** Hershey Medical Center boasts a comprehensive cardiology program, including advanced interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and heart failure management.
* **Nephrology Services:** The hospital has a renowned nephrology department specializing in kidney disease and hypertension-related complications.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be significant at a major medical center. Checking real-time data is crucial.
* **Telehealth:** Penn State Health offers extensive telehealth services, including remote monitoring and virtual consultations for hypertension.
* **Hypertension Score Assessment:** Hershey Medical Center scores highly due to its comprehensive cardiology and nephrology services, advanced treatments, and telehealth capabilities. However, the longer travel distance and potentially longer ER wait times are factors to consider.

**4. York Hospital (York, PA):**

Located approximately 60 miles east of Chambersburg, York Hospital is another hospital option.

* **CMS Star Rating:** York Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Cardiology Services:** York Hospital offers cardiology services.
* **Nephrology Services:** Nephrology services are available.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times vary.
* **Telehealth:** York Hospital has telehealth options.
* **Hypertension Score Assessment:** York Hospital offers a range of services, but the CMS star rating and the distance from Chambersburg should be considered.

**Key Considerations for Hypertension Patients:**

Beyond the specific hospitals, several factors are crucial for effective hypertension management:

* **Cardiologist and Nephrologist Access:** Regular visits with a cardiologist and/or nephrologist are often essential for patients with hypertension.
* **Medication Management:** Hospitals should have robust systems for medication reconciliation and ensuring patients receive the correct prescriptions.
* **Blood Pressure Monitoring:** Access to home blood pressure monitoring devices and education on their proper use is vital.
* **Lifestyle Counseling:** Hospitals should offer or refer patients to programs that provide guidance on diet, exercise, and stress management.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Knowing the location of the nearest emergency room and understanding the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis are critical.

**Telehealth's Growing Role:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in hypertension care. Remote monitoring of blood pressure, virtual consultations with physicians, and medication management through telehealth platforms can improve patient outcomes and convenience. When evaluating hospitals, the availability and quality of telehealth services should be considered.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

In cases of hypertensive crisis, rapid access to emergency care is paramount. Patients should be aware of the average ER wait times at their local hospitals and have a plan for seeking immediate medical attention if needed. Real-time ER wait time data is often available on hospital websites or through third-party apps.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of ZIP code 17223, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital provides local access to care. However, for those seeking more specialized cardiology and nephrology services, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers a higher level of care. UPMC Carlisle and York Hospital are also options, with their own strengths and weaknesses. The best choice depends on individual needs, the severity of the hypertension, and the patient's preference for travel distance. Patients should research each hospital's services, check real-time ER wait times, and discuss their needs with their primary care physician to make an informed decision. Understanding the available resources and proactively managing hypertension is key to maintaining good health.