17247, Quincy, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17247, Quincy, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Shippensburg, PA (ZIP Code 17247)

Finding the right healthcare provider is a critical decision, and for residents near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17247), understanding the landscape of local hospitals is paramount. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth options, to help you make informed choices.

**Defining the Scope: Proximity and Key Hospitals**

The primary focus of this review centers on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Shippensburg. This includes facilities in Chambersburg, Carlisle, and potentially Harrisburg, as these are the most likely destinations for residents seeking medical care. The review will primarily examine hospitals with established reputations and a range of services.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Quick Gauge of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a valuable, albeit imperfect, tool for comparing hospital quality: the star rating system. Hospitals are assigned a rating from one to five stars, based on various quality measures. While not the sole determinant of quality, these ratings offer a readily accessible snapshot.

**UPMC Carlisle:** Located approximately 20 miles from Shippensburg, UPMC Carlisle is a significant player in the region. CMS data indicates it has a three-star rating. This rating reflects a mixed performance across various quality metrics.

**WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital:** Situated closer to Shippensburg, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital is a key provider. While the most recent CMS data shows a three-star rating, it's crucial to note that these ratings can fluctuate and should be considered in conjunction with other factors.

**Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center (Harrisburg):** Located further afield, this hospital is a key option for many. It has a four-star rating.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients needing immediate care. Shorter wait times can translate to faster treatment and improved outcomes. Real-time wait time data is often available through hospital websites or third-party apps, but this information is not consistently available.

**WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital:** Generally, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital's ER wait times are in line with, or slightly better than, the national average. However, this can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases.

**UPMC Carlisle:** ER wait times at UPMC Carlisle can fluctuate. Checking real-time data before heading to the ER is always recommended.

**Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center (Harrisburg):** Because of its status as a regional hospital, the ER wait times at Holy Spirit Medical Center can vary, with longer wait times possible.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care**

Beyond general care, access to specialized services is vital. This includes cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and other areas.

**WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital:** WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including a cardiac catheterization lab, cancer care, and orthopedic surgery. They have a comprehensive range of specialists on staff.

**UPMC Carlisle:** UPMC Carlisle provides specialized care in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. They are also a regional provider for stroke care.

**Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center (Harrisburg):** Holy Spirit Medical Center has a broad range of specialty centers, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular institute, and a neurosurgery program.

**Telehealth: Expanding Healthcare Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for routine appointments and follow-up care. It offers convenience and can improve access for patients in rural areas.

**WellSpan Health:** WellSpan Health has invested heavily in telehealth services. They offer virtual visits for a variety of specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management.

**UPMC:** UPMC has a robust telehealth program. They provide virtual visits, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services across various specialties.

**Penn State Health:** Penn State Health has a significant telehealth presence, offering virtual visits and remote patient monitoring.

**Specific Service Highlights**

**Cardiology:** Both WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital and UPMC Carlisle offer comprehensive cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and interventional procedures. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center has a robust heart and vascular institute.

**Oncology:** WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital provides cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center offers a comprehensive cancer center with a wide range of treatments.

**Orthopedics:** UPMC Carlisle and WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital offer orthopedic services, including joint replacement and sports medicine.

**Maternity Care:** WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital and UPMC Carlisle both have maternity units.

**Considerations Beyond Ratings and Numbers**

While CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and specialized services are important, other factors should also be considered.

**Physician Reviews:** Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals provide patient reviews of physicians. Reading these reviews can offer insights into the patient experience.

**Hospital Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission signifies a commitment to quality and safety. Check the accreditation status of each hospital.

**Community Reputation:** Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about their experiences with local hospitals. Word-of-mouth can provide valuable insights.

**Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its physicians accept your insurance plan.

**Financial Considerations:** Understand the hospital's billing practices and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary Assessment**

Based on the available data and considering the factors discussed, here's a tentative "Overall Health Score" assessment for hospitals near ZIP Code 17247:

**WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital:** This hospital offers a convenient location, a range of specialty services, and generally acceptable ER wait times. The three-star CMS rating is a point to consider. **Overall Health Score: Good.**

**UPMC Carlisle:** UPMC Carlisle provides a good range of services and has a three-star CMS rating. ER wait times can be a factor. **Overall Health Score: Good.**

**Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center (Harrisburg):** This hospital offers a broader range of specialized services and has a four-star CMS rating. However, it is located further away, and ER wait times may be longer. **Overall Health Score: Very Good.**

**Important Disclaimer:** This "Overall Health Score" is a subjective assessment based on publicly available information. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your primary care physician and conduct your own research before making healthcare decisions. Hospital quality and performance can change.