17086, Richfield, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17086, Richfield, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Mechanicsburg, PA (ZIP Code 17086)

The health of a community is often reflected in the quality of its hospitals. For residents of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17086), access to quality healthcare is a critical consideration. This review examines the major hospitals within a reasonable radius, providing an "Overall Health Score" assessment based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth capabilities. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather a comprehensive overview to aid informed decision-making.

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

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located approximately 15 miles east of Mechanicsburg, is the region's flagship hospital and a major player in the healthcare landscape. It boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), indicating a solid performance across various quality metrics. This rating reflects Hershey Medical Center's commitment to patient safety, effective care, and patient experience.

Hershey Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center, equipped to handle the most critical emergencies. Its Emergency Department (ED) sees a high volume of patients, and while specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, publicly available data indicates an average wait time that is often longer than some smaller facilities. However, the hospital's capacity and resources are significantly greater, allowing for more comprehensive treatment options.

The hospital excels in specialized care. It houses a comprehensive cancer institute, offering advanced treatments and research opportunities. Its heart and vascular center is nationally recognized, providing cutting-edge cardiac care. Hershey Medical Center also features a dedicated children's hospital, providing specialized pediatric services.

Telehealth plays a significant role at Hershey Medical Center. They offer a robust telehealth program, including virtual visits for various specialties, remote patient monitoring, and tele-consultations. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. Telehealth utilization rates have increased significantly in recent years, reflecting a commitment to expanding access to care.

**UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital (Harrisburg, PA):**

Approximately 10 miles east of Mechanicsburg, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital is another major hospital serving the region. It holds a 3-star CMS rating, indicating an acceptable level of quality, though slightly lower than Hershey Medical Center. This rating reflects areas for improvement in certain aspects of care delivery.

Harrisburg Hospital is also a Level I Trauma Center, providing critical emergency services. Its ED sees a high volume of patients, and average wait times can be variable, reflecting the demands on its resources.

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital offers a broad range of specialties. It features a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, providing advanced cardiac care. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center, offering various treatment options. They also have a strong focus on women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology.

Telehealth is increasingly integrated into UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital's services. They offer virtual visits for various specialties, allowing patients to access care remotely. Telehealth utilization has been growing, reflecting the hospital's efforts to enhance patient access and convenience.

**UPMC West Shore Hospital (Mechanicsburg, PA):**

Located directly in Mechanicsburg, UPMC West Shore Hospital offers convenient access for residents of ZIP code 17086. It has a 3-star CMS rating, similar to Harrisburg Hospital, indicating a solid performance but with areas for potential improvement.

West Shore Hospital is not a Level I Trauma Center, but it does have an ED that provides emergency care. Average ED wait times are generally shorter than the larger hospitals in the area, offering a potentially quicker option for certain medical needs.

UPMC West Shore Hospital focuses on providing a range of services, including general medical and surgical care. They have a strong focus on outpatient services, including diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation. The hospital also offers a range of specialty clinics, providing access to specialized care close to home.

Telehealth is offered at West Shore Hospital, allowing patients to access virtual appointments and consultations. The hospital is actively expanding its telehealth offerings to improve patient access and convenience.

**Holy Spirit Hospital (Camp Hill, PA):**

Holy Spirit Hospital, located a short drive from Mechanicsburg, is a community hospital offering a range of services. It is part of the UPMC system. While its CMS rating is not readily available, it is important to consider its service offerings.

Holy Spirit Hospital has an ED, providing emergency care to the community. The ED wait times are typically shorter than those at the larger trauma centers.

The hospital offers a range of medical and surgical services, including cardiac care, cancer treatment, and women's health services. It is known for its community-focused approach and patient-centered care.

Telehealth services are offered at Holy Spirit Hospital, allowing patients to access virtual consultations and appointments. The hospital is committed to utilizing telehealth to improve patient access and convenience.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the major hospitals, several other healthcare providers serve the Mechanicsburg area. These include urgent care centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized practices. These facilities provide additional options for non-emergency medical needs and specialized care.

**ER Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical factor for patients seeking immediate medical attention. Data on average wait times can be found on hospital websites, Healthgrades, and other publicly available resources. It is important to note that wait times can fluctuate significantly based on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

**Specialty Centers:**

The availability of specialized care is crucial for patients with complex medical needs. The hospitals in the area offer a range of specialty centers, including cardiac centers, cancer centers, and women's health centers. The specific offerings and expertise of these centers vary between hospitals.

**Telehealth Stats:**

Telehealth utilization is increasing across all hospitals. The availability of virtual visits and remote monitoring allows patients to access care more conveniently. The specific telehealth offerings and utilization rates vary between hospitals.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the available data, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center emerges as the top-rated hospital in the area, due to its 4-star CMS rating, comprehensive specialty offerings, and robust telehealth program. However, the longer ED wait times are a potential drawback.

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital and UPMC West Shore Hospital both have 3-star ratings, offering a range of services with varying wait times and specialty offerings. Holy Spirit Hospital provides additional community-focused care.

For residents of Mechanicsburg (ZIP code 17086), the choice of hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. Hershey Medical Center offers the highest level of care but may involve longer wait times. UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital and UPMC West Shore Hospital provide convenient access to care with shorter wait times. Holy Spirit Hospital provides additional community-focused care.

**Recommendations:**

* **For critical emergencies:** Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center or UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital, both Level I Trauma Centers, are the best options.
* **For non-emergency care:** UPMC West Shore Hospital or Holy Spirit Hospital may offer shorter wait times and convenient access.
* **For specialized care:** Research the specific specialty centers offered by each hospital to determine the best fit for individual medical needs.
* **Utilize telehealth:** Consider telehealth options for convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Check wait times:** Before visiting the ED, check the estimated wait times on hospital websites or through other available resources.

This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for evaluating the healthcare options near Mechanicsburg, PA. Residents are encouraged to research specific needs and preferences and consult with their primary care physicians to make informed decisions about their healthcare.