17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Camp Hill, PA (ZIP Code 17004)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17004), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial for informed decision-making. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors from CMS star ratings and ER wait times to specialized services and telehealth capabilities. This analysis focuses on the most relevant hospitals in the immediate vicinity, offering a comprehensive overview to empower patients.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Their Footprints**

The healthcare ecosystem surrounding Camp Hill is dominated by a few key players. Penn State Health, UPMC, and WellSpan Health are the primary providers, each with a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers. These systems compete for patients, leading to a diverse range of services and a complex web of options. Proximity to Harrisburg, the state capital, also influences the availability of specialized care.

**Penn State Health: A Strong Presence**

Penn State Health, with its flagship facility, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, is a significant force. While Hershey Medical Center is a bit further afield, it serves as a regional referral center. Hershey Medical Center boasts a strong reputation, often receiving high marks in national rankings. However, access from Camp Hill requires travel, impacting convenience for routine care.

**Hershey Medical Center: Diving Deeper**

Hershey Medical Center is a large, academic medical center, offering a wide array of specialties. The hospital has a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), reflecting its overall performance in areas like patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. ER wait times at Hershey Medical Center can vary, but generally, patients can expect to wait an average of 30-60 minutes before being seen by a provider. This data fluctuates depending on the time of day and the severity of cases. The hospital's emergency department is well-equipped and handles a high volume of patients.

**Specialized Services at Hershey:**

Hershey Medical Center excels in several specialized areas. The hospital has a nationally recognized cancer institute, offering comprehensive cancer care, including advanced treatments and clinical trials. Its heart and vascular center provides cutting-edge cardiac care, including interventional procedures and surgery. The hospital's children's hospital, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, is a major regional provider of pediatric services.

**Telehealth and Digital Health at Hershey:**

Penn State Health has invested significantly in telehealth services. They offer a range of virtual visits for various specialties, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and certain chronic disease management programs. The hospital also utilizes digital health tools, such as patient portals, to enhance communication and access to medical records.

**UPMC: Expanding Reach**

UPMC has a presence in the region, although not as extensive as Penn State Health. UPMC Harrisburg is a major facility in the area. It is a large hospital with a wide range of services.

**UPMC Harrisburg: A Closer Look**

UPMC Harrisburg is a major hospital in the region, offering a comprehensive range of medical services. The hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS, indicating areas for improvement. Emergency room wait times at UPMC Harrisburg are typically in the range of 45-75 minutes, though these times can fluctuate based on patient volume. The hospital's emergency department is equipped to handle a variety of medical emergencies.

**Specialized Services at UPMC Harrisburg:**

UPMC Harrisburg offers a variety of specialized services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has a strong reputation for its surgical services.

**Telehealth and Digital Health at UPMC Harrisburg:**

UPMC Harrisburg offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for certain specialties. The hospital also provides a patient portal for accessing medical records and communicating with providers.

**WellSpan Health: Community Focus**

WellSpan Health focuses on providing care to the surrounding communities. While not directly in Camp Hill, WellSpan facilities are accessible.

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

WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, PA, provides a range of services. The hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. ER wait times at Good Samaritan Hospital are generally around 30-60 minutes.

**Specialized Services at Good Samaritan Hospital:**

Good Samaritan Hospital offers services in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.

**Telehealth and Digital Health at Good Samaritan Hospital:**

WellSpan offers telehealth services, including virtual visits, and has a patient portal for managing care.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of hospital efficiency and patient access. While the data can fluctuate, longer wait times can indicate overcrowding or staffing shortages. The average wait times provided above offer a general guideline, but patients should always be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours or in the case of severe illness. It's important to note that these are averages, and individual experiences may vary.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care**

The availability of specialty centers is vital for patients with specific medical needs. Hershey Medical Center, with its comprehensive cancer institute and heart and vascular center, offers a wider range of specialized care than the smaller community hospitals. Patients needing specialized procedures or treatments may need to consider the travel time to a larger facility.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions. Penn State Health and UPMC are actively expanding their telehealth offerings, providing patients with more convenient access to care. This is especially beneficial for residents of Camp Hill, who may need to travel to Hershey or Harrisburg for in-person appointments.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

When evaluating hospitals, several factors contribute to an "Overall Health Score." These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** A good starting point, but not the sole determinant.
* **ER Wait Times:** A measure of access and efficiency.
* **Specialty Services:** Availability of specialized care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Convenience and access to remote care.
* **Patient Experience:** Surveys and feedback.
* **Quality of Care Metrics:** Infection rates, readmission rates, and other clinical indicators.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

For residents of Camp Hill, the choice of hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. Hershey Medical Center, while requiring travel, offers a comprehensive range of services and specialized care. UPMC Harrisburg and WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital provide convenient options with a range of services. Patients should consider their specific medical needs, insurance coverage, and the importance of factors like ER wait times and telehealth availability. Researching individual providers, consulting with primary care physicians, and utilizing online resources can help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare. The "Overall Health Score" is a complex equation, and the best choice is the one that best meets the individual patient's needs. Regular updates on hospital performance and service offerings are essential for staying informed in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.