17112, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17112, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Harrisburg, PA (17112)

The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 17112 sits in a region with a diverse healthcare landscape, offering residents a range of choices for their medical needs. Determining the "best" hospital is a complex undertaking, demanding a comprehensive assessment beyond simple proximity. This review delves into the key players, their strengths, weaknesses, and performance metrics, offering a fact-rich overview to help residents make informed decisions.

**The Big Players: UPMC and Penn State Health**

Two major healthcare systems dominate the area: UPMC and Penn State Health. Both operate multiple facilities, offering a wide spectrum of services. Their presence shapes the overall healthcare ecosystem, influencing access, specialization, and resource allocation.

**UPMC Harrisburg:**

UPMC Harrisburg, a flagship facility, is a major player in the region. It's a large, multi-specialty hospital offering a broad range of services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgery. UPMC's presence is significant, reflecting its commitment to the area.

**CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Harrisburg has a three-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on several factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a three-star rating indicates adequate performance, it suggests room for improvement compared to higher-rated hospitals.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial factor for many patients. Data indicates that UPMC Harrisburg's ER wait times can fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. Specific wait time data can be found on the hospital's website or through online resources like ProPublica's Hospital Compare.

**Specialty Centers:** UPMC Harrisburg boasts several specialized centers, including a cancer center and a heart and vascular institute. These centers offer advanced treatments and expertise in their respective fields. The availability of these specialized services enhances the hospital's ability to address complex medical conditions.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UPMC has invested in telehealth services, allowing patients to access care remotely. Telehealth options can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, consultations, and managing chronic conditions. The availability of telehealth services improves access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or living in remote areas.

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

Located a short distance from Harrisburg, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a major academic medical center. Its affiliation with Penn State University provides access to cutting-edge research and advanced medical technologies. Hershey Medical Center is a tertiary care facility, meaning it handles complex cases and offers specialized services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Hershey Medical Center has a four-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to UPMC Harrisburg. This rating reflects strong performance in several key areas.

**ER Performance:** Hershey Medical Center's ER wait times are generally competitive. However, like all hospitals, wait times can vary depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions. Real-time wait time information is often available on the hospital's website or through online tools.

**Specialty Centers:** Hershey Medical Center is renowned for its specialized centers, including a comprehensive cancer institute, a heart and vascular center, and a children's hospital (Penn State Children's Hospital). These centers offer advanced treatments and expertise in their respective fields.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Penn State Health has a robust telehealth program, offering a wide range of virtual care options. This includes virtual visits with specialists, remote monitoring programs, and online educational resources. The emphasis on telehealth expands access to care and promotes patient convenience.

**Other Hospitals in the Area:**

While UPMC Harrisburg and Hershey Medical Center are the dominant players, other hospitals contribute to the region's healthcare infrastructure.

**UPMC Pinnacle West Shore:**

UPMC Pinnacle West Shore is another UPMC facility, offering a range of services. It's a community hospital, providing a more localized option for residents.

**CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Pinnacle West Shore has a three-star CMS rating, similar to UPMC Harrisburg.

**ER Performance:** ER wait times at UPMC Pinnacle West Shore can vary. Patients should check online resources for current wait time information.

**Specialty Centers:** UPMC Pinnacle West Shore offers various specialty services, including cardiology and orthopedics.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UPMC Pinnacle West Shore also provides telehealth services.

**Community General Osteopathic Hospital (CGOH):**

CGOH is a community hospital offering a range of services. It's known for its osteopathic approach to healthcare.

**CMS Star Rating:** CGOH's CMS rating is currently unavailable.

**ER Performance:** ER wait times at CGOH can fluctuate.

**Specialty Centers:** CGOH offers various specialty services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** CGOH provides telehealth services.

**Comparing Key Metrics:**

Directly comparing hospitals requires considering various factors beyond CMS star ratings.

**Patient Outcomes:** Reviewing patient outcomes, such as mortality rates and complication rates, is crucial. These metrics provide insight into the quality of care provided. Data is often available on hospital websites or through government resources.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys offer valuable insights into the patient experience. These surveys assess aspects like communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction. Hospital Compare provides information on patient experience scores.

**Cost of Care:** The cost of healthcare is a significant consideration. Comparing the costs of procedures and services across different hospitals is essential. Transparency in pricing is improving, but it can still be challenging to obtain comprehensive cost information.

**Access to Care:** Access to care includes factors like the availability of appointments, the distance to the hospital, and insurance acceptance. Consider the ease of accessing specialists and the availability of transportation.

**Specific Considerations for 17112 Residents:**

Residents of the 17112 ZIP code have relatively easy access to the major hospitals. However, travel times can still be a factor, especially during peak traffic hours.

**Choosing the Right Hospital:**

The "best" hospital depends on individual needs and preferences.

* **For complex medical conditions:** Hershey Medical Center, with its academic affiliation and specialized centers, may be the best choice.
* **For general medical needs and convenience:** UPMC Harrisburg or UPMC Pinnacle West Shore might be more suitable.
* **For those seeking a community hospital experience:** CGOH may be a good option.

**Telehealth's Role:**

Telehealth is increasingly important. It offers convenience and access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Consider the telehealth capabilities of each hospital when making your decision.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

ER wait times can be a significant concern. Check real-time wait times online before heading to the ER. Consider urgent care centers for less severe conditions to avoid long waits.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near 17112 offers a range of options. UPMC Harrisburg and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are the major players, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Residents should carefully consider their individual needs, research patient outcomes, and evaluate the availability of specialized services and telehealth options. By taking a proactive approach, residents can make informed decisions and access the best possible care. Ongoing monitoring of hospital performance and evolving healthcare trends is crucial for navigating this complex landscape.