17073, Newmanstown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17073, Newmanstown, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17073

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 17073, providing a fact-rich overview to help you make informed decisions about your health. We'll delve into key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, offering a snapshot of each facility's strengths and weaknesses. Remember, this is a snapshot, and individual experiences may vary.

**Understanding the Landscape**

ZIP code 17073, located in Pennsylvania, is primarily served by hospitals in the Harrisburg metropolitan area. Proximity and access are key considerations, but so is the quality of care. We'll focus on the major players, analyzing publicly available data to paint a picture of their overall performance.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center**

The flagship hospital in the region, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, is a major academic medical center. It boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), reflecting its overall quality of care. This rating considers various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. Hershey Medical Center consistently ranks highly in national surveys and is known for its advanced specialty centers.

Hershey Medical Center's emergency department (ED) is a high-volume facility. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, data suggests that average wait times are often longer than at smaller, less-busy facilities. However, the hospital’s size and scope mean it can handle a wide range of medical emergencies and offers specialized care not available elsewhere in the region. The hospital's commitment to trauma care is evident in its Level I Trauma Center designation, which signifies its ability to provide comprehensive care for the most severe injuries.

Hershey Medical Center excels in specialty areas. Its Penn State Cancer Institute is a leading cancer treatment center, offering advanced therapies and clinical trials. The hospital also has a well-regarded heart and vascular institute, a comprehensive children’s hospital (Penn State Children's Hospital), and a robust transplant program. Hershey Medical Center is also a leader in telehealth, offering a range of virtual consultations and remote monitoring services, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management. Telehealth adoption rates have increased significantly in recent years, expanding access to care for patients in rural areas.

**UPMC Harrisburg Hospital**

UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, another significant player in the region, holds a 3-star CMS rating. This rating indicates that the hospital provides a good level of care, but there's room for improvement in certain areas. The hospital's ED is a busy one, and wait times can vary.

UPMC Harrisburg Hospital offers a wide array of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has a well-established cardiac program and is equipped to handle a variety of cardiovascular procedures. It also has a dedicated orthopedic center, offering a range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. The hospital’s women's health services encompass obstetrics, gynecology, and specialized programs for women's health concerns.

Telehealth is also a growing area for UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. While specific statistics on telehealth utilization are not readily available, the hospital offers virtual visits for certain specialties and is expanding its telehealth capabilities.

**Holy Spirit Hospital**

Holy Spirit Hospital, part of the UPMC system, is another option in the area. It also has a 3-star CMS rating. Holy Spirit Hospital's ED is generally less busy than the larger facilities, potentially leading to shorter wait times.

Holy Spirit Hospital focuses on providing comprehensive care to the community. It offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and behavioral health. The hospital has a strong reputation for its maternity services, providing a comfortable and supportive environment for expectant mothers. Holy Spirit Hospital also has a behavioral health unit, offering inpatient and outpatient mental health services.

Telehealth options are available at Holy Spirit Hospital, allowing patients to access care remotely.

**Other Considerations**

Beyond the major hospitals, several other healthcare providers serve the 17073 area. These include urgent care centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized practices. These facilities can be valuable for non-emergency medical needs, providing convenient and accessible care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Crucial Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of access to care. While real-time data fluctuates, understanding the general trends is important. Websites like ProPublica and the CMS Hospital Compare website provide some data on average wait times. However, these are often averages and do not reflect the specific wait time you might experience. Factors like the time of day, the severity of your condition, and the overall volume of patients in the ED can all impact wait times.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Specific Needs**

Specialty centers offer focused care for specific medical conditions. If you have a particular health concern, researching the specialty centers available at each hospital is crucial. For example, if you need cardiac care, investigating the heart and vascular institutes at Hershey Medical Center or UPMC Harrisburg Hospital is important. If you have a child with a medical issue, Penn State Children's Hospital might be the best choice.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery. It offers convenience, reduces travel time, and can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Consider which hospitals offer telehealth services for your specific needs. This is especially important for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health consultations.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

* **Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:** 4-star CMS rating, Level I Trauma Center, strong specialty centers (Cancer Institute, Heart & Vascular Institute, Children's Hospital), robust telehealth offerings. Longer ED wait times due to high volume.
* **UPMC Harrisburg Hospital:** 3-star CMS rating, comprehensive services including cardiology and orthopedics. ED wait times can vary. Expanding telehealth capabilities.
* **Holy Spirit Hospital:** 3-star CMS rating, strong maternity services, behavioral health unit. Potentially shorter ED wait times. Telehealth options available.

**Making Your Choice**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. Consider your individual needs, the specific services you require, and the factors that are most important to you. Reviewing the CMS star ratings, researching specialty centers, understanding ED wait times, and exploring telehealth options are all crucial steps in making an informed choice. Remember to consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations. This review provides a starting point, but thorough research and careful consideration are essential for navigating the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 17073.