17029, Granville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

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

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Hershey, PA (ZIP Code 17029)

Hershey, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of the Keystone State, is a community that prioritizes health and wellness. Residents of the 17029 ZIP code have access to a network of hospitals, each offering a unique blend of services and specialties. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the healthcare landscape, assessing key factors to help residents make informed decisions about their medical needs.

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

The undisputed leader in the region is the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a sprawling academic medical center. This flagship hospital boasts a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a testament to its commitment to quality and patient safety. The CMS star rating system evaluates hospitals on various metrics, including mortality rates, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. A five-star rating places Hershey Medical Center among the top hospitals nationally.

Hershey Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center, equipped to handle the most critical emergencies. Its emergency room (ER) sees a high volume of patients, but the hospital strives to maintain reasonable wait times. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, the hospital’s website and readily available online resources provide up-to-the-minute information. The ER is staffed by a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and support staff, ensuring prompt and efficient care.

Beyond its emergency services, Hershey Medical Center excels in a wide array of specialties. It houses a comprehensive cancer institute, offering cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. The hospital's heart and vascular center is renowned for its advanced cardiac care, including complex surgeries and interventional procedures. The children's hospital at Hershey Medical Center, known as Penn State Health Children's Hospital, provides specialized pediatric care across numerous disciplines. The hospital's commitment to research and innovation further enhances its ability to deliver advanced treatments and therapies.

Hershey Medical Center has embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. Telehealth allows patients to access healthcare from the comfort of their homes, improving access to care, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility challenges. The hospital's telehealth platform provides virtual appointments with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and online educational resources. The adoption of telehealth has expanded the hospital's reach and improved patient convenience.

**Competing for Care: Other Hospital Options**

While Hershey Medical Center is the primary healthcare provider, residents also have access to other hospitals in the surrounding areas. UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, located approximately 20 miles from Hershey, offers a comprehensive range of services. This hospital is a large regional medical center with a strong focus on acute care. It provides services in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery.

UPMC Harrisburg Hospital's ER is another option for residents needing immediate medical attention. While specific wait times vary, the hospital is committed to providing timely and efficient emergency care. The hospital also offers a variety of specialty services, including a stroke center and a maternity ward.

Another option, though further afield, is WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, PA. This hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized medical treatments. WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital also has a strong focus on community health, offering various wellness programs and educational resources.

**Analyzing Key Metrics: ER Wait Times, Patient Satisfaction, and More**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating hospital performance. While real-time data fluctuates, hospitals are increasingly transparent about their wait times. Residents can often find this information on hospital websites or through online resources like Google. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER, but it's important to remember that wait times can vary depending on the severity of the patient's condition.

Patient satisfaction is another critical indicator of hospital quality. CMS uses patient surveys to assess patient experiences, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment. Hospitals with high patient satisfaction scores often provide a more positive and supportive environment for patients.

Hospital readmission rates are also carefully monitored. High readmission rates can indicate issues with the quality of care or inadequate discharge planning. Hospitals strive to minimize readmissions by providing comprehensive patient education and support.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care**

Hershey Medical Center's comprehensive cancer institute offers a wide range of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The hospital also participates in clinical trials, providing patients with access to the latest advances in cancer care. The heart and vascular center at Hershey Medical Center is another standout, offering advanced cardiac procedures and treatments.

UPMC Harrisburg Hospital also provides specialized care in various areas, including stroke treatment and orthopedic surgery. WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology and gastroenterology.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Hershey Medical Center has made significant investments in telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This technology allows patients to access healthcare from home, improving access to care, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility challenges.

**Community Health and Wellness Initiatives**

Hospitals in the Hershey area are actively involved in community health initiatives. They offer wellness programs, health education classes, and screenings to promote preventive care and improve community health outcomes. Hershey Medical Center, in particular, has a strong presence in community outreach, providing educational programs and support services.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Residents of the 17029 ZIP code should consider their individual healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences. Hershey Medical Center, with its five-star CMS rating and comprehensive services, is a strong contender. However, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital and WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital offer alternative options with their own strengths.

Residents should research hospital websites, review patient satisfaction scores, and consider factors like ER wait times and the availability of specialized services. Consulting with a primary care physician can also help guide the decision-making process.

**Conclusion: A Robust Healthcare Landscape**

The Hershey area boasts a robust healthcare landscape, providing residents with access to a range of hospitals and specialized services. Hershey Medical Center, with its five-star rating and comprehensive offerings, is a leading healthcare provider. However, other hospitals in the region offer valuable alternatives. By carefully evaluating the factors discussed in this review, residents of the 17029 ZIP code can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the best possible care. The ongoing advancements in telehealth and community health initiatives further enhance the healthcare options available to the residents of Hershey and the surrounding communities.