17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Hershey, PA (ZIP Code 17017)

Hershey, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Dauphin County, is a community with access to a range of healthcare options. Assessing the "Overall Health Score" of hospitals near ZIP code 17017 requires a deep dive into various metrics, from CMS star ratings to ER wait times and specialized services. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview, offering insights for residents seeking the best possible care.

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

The cornerstone of healthcare in the region is the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. This is a major teaching hospital and Level I trauma center, making it a critical resource for the community and beyond. The Medical Center boasts a strong reputation, reflected in its designation as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating is a widely cited metric, it's important to note that ratings can fluctuate. As of the most recent available data, the Hershey Medical Center holds a respectable, but not exceptional, CMS star rating. This rating is based on a complex methodology that considers factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

The Hershey Medical Center is a powerhouse in terms of specialized care. It houses a comprehensive cancer institute, offering cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities. The hospital's heart and vascular center is also highly regarded, providing advanced cardiac care, including complex procedures and innovative therapies. The medical center also has a robust transplant program, offering life-saving procedures for various organs.

**Emergency Room Dynamics**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration for any hospital. At the Hershey Medical Center, wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases being treated. Publicly available data on ER wait times is often updated regularly, and it's advisable to consult the hospital's website or other sources for the most current information. Generally, Level I trauma centers, like Hershey Medical Center, tend to see a higher volume of patients and may experience longer wait times during peak hours.

**Beyond Hershey: Other Hospital Options**

While the Hershey Medical Center is the primary hospital in the immediate vicinity, residents also have access to other healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance. These options expand the range of services available and can offer alternative choices for specific needs.

**UPMC Harrisburg Hospital**

Located in Harrisburg, approximately 15 miles from Hershey, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical services. It is a large regional hospital, serving a significant patient population. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital also has a CMS star rating, which can be compared to the Hershey Medical Center to assess relative performance. This hospital is known for its strong cardiology and orthopedics programs.

**UPMC West Shore Hospital**

Also within the UPMC network, UPMC West Shore Hospital, located in Mechanicsburg, offers another option for residents. This hospital provides a range of services, with a focus on patient-centered care. UPMC West Shore Hospital is generally known for its shorter wait times compared to the larger regional hospitals.

**Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital**

Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, located in Camp Hill, is another option for residents. This hospital is part of the Geisinger Health System and offers a broad spectrum of medical services. Geisinger is known for its integrated healthcare model, which often emphasizes preventative care and coordinated services.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in recent years. Hospitals near Hershey have embraced telehealth to varying degrees, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. The Hershey Medical Center, as a leading institution, has invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure, providing virtual access to specialists and expanding its reach to patients in remote areas. UPMC and Geisinger have also expanded their telehealth offerings. The availability of telehealth services can be a significant advantage, especially for patients with mobility issues, those living in rural areas, or those seeking convenient access to care. Telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual visits and patient satisfaction scores, are often available on hospital websites or in their annual reports.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond the core services, hospitals in the area offer a wide array of specialty centers and programs. The Hershey Medical Center, for example, has a dedicated children's hospital, providing specialized care for pediatric patients. This includes a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and a range of pediatric subspecialties. Other hospitals also have specialized programs for specific conditions, such as diabetes management, stroke care, and rehabilitation services.

**Cancer Care Considerations**

Cancer care is a critical area of healthcare, and the availability of comprehensive cancer services is a key factor in assessing a hospital's overall health score. The Hershey Medical Center's Cancer Institute is a leading center for cancer treatment and research. It offers a full range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care services. The institute also participates in clinical trials, providing patients with access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital and Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital also have cancer centers, providing patients with additional options for cancer care.

**Cardiac Care and Cardiovascular Health**

Cardiovascular health is another crucial area of focus. The Hershey Medical Center's heart and vascular center is a regional leader in cardiac care, offering advanced procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and open-heart surgery. The hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program helps patients recover from heart-related illnesses. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital also has a strong cardiology program, providing a range of services for patients with heart conditions.

**Orthopedic Services and Surgical Capabilities**

Orthopedic services are another important consideration. The Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg Hospital both have robust orthopedic departments, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. These departments often include specialized centers for joint replacement, sports medicine, and spine care.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience and satisfaction are increasingly important metrics in healthcare. Hospitals are actively working to improve the patient experience, focusing on factors such as communication, empathy, and convenience. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into patient perspectives. These surveys assess various aspects of the patient experience, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment.

**Quality and Safety Measures**

Quality and safety are paramount in healthcare. Hospitals employ various measures to ensure patient safety, including infection control protocols, medication safety programs, and fall prevention strategies. Publicly available data on hospital quality and safety measures, such as infection rates and readmission rates, can provide valuable insights into a hospital's performance.

**Cost and Affordability**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many individuals. Hospital costs can vary depending on the services provided, the insurance coverage, and other factors. Patients should be aware of the potential costs of care and should inquire about pricing and payment options before receiving services. Hospital websites often provide information on billing and financial assistance programs.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP code 17017 is complex, and no single metric can fully capture the quality of care. The Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center stands as the primary regional hospital, offering a wide range of services, including specialized care and a Level I trauma center. However, residents also have access to other reputable hospitals, such as UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, UPMC West Shore Hospital, and Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, each with its own strengths and areas of focus. When making healthcare decisions, residents should consider factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth availability, patient experience, and cost. By carefully evaluating these factors, residents can make informed choices that best meet their individual healthcare needs. It is always advisable to consult with a primary care physician or other healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.