17251, Roxbury, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17251, Roxbury, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Shippensburg, PA (ZIP Code 17251)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Shippensburg, PA area (ZIP code 17251), focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth offerings, and other crucial factors. This is not a ranking, but rather a comprehensive overview to empower healthcare consumers.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The primary hospitals serving Shippensburg residents are located in nearby towns and cities. Access to specialized care often requires travel, making proximity and service quality critical considerations. The following analysis considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging that specific needs may necessitate further exploration.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system, a widely used indicator of hospital quality. These ratings, however, should be viewed as one piece of the puzzle, not the definitive answer.

* **UPMC Carlisle (Carlisle, PA):** Located approximately 20 miles from Shippensburg, UPMC Carlisle is a major regional hospital. It currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. UPMC Carlisle offers a broad range of services, including a comprehensive heart and vascular program, a cancer center, and a dedicated women's health unit.
* **WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital (Chambersburg, PA):** Situated roughly 15 miles from Shippensburg, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital is another key provider. It currently has a **4-star rating** from CMS, indicating generally good performance. This hospital is known for its strong cardiac care, orthopedic services, and a robust emergency department. WellSpan Chambersburg is also a teaching hospital, contributing to its research and training capabilities.

**Emergency Department Performance:**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients. Shorter wait times generally indicate better efficiency and potentially faster access to critical care.

* **UPMC Carlisle:** While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, UPMC Carlisle typically reports wait times that are within the regional average. Patients should check the hospital's website or call ahead for the most current information.
* **WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital:** WellSpan Chambersburg's ER often sees a higher volume of patients. Wait times can vary, but the hospital strives to maintain reasonable wait times and prioritizes patients based on the severity of their condition. Real-time wait times are often available online.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general care, specialized services are crucial for specific health needs.

* **Cardiac Care:** Both UPMC Carlisle and WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital offer comprehensive cardiac care, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. WellSpan Chambersburg, in particular, has a strong reputation for its cardiology services.
* **Cancer Care:** Both hospitals have cancer centers, providing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services. Patients may need to travel to larger facilities for certain specialized treatments.
* **Orthopedics:** Both hospitals offer orthopedic services, including joint replacements, sports medicine, and fracture care. WellSpan Chambersburg has a well-regarded orthopedic program.
* **Women's Health:** Both hospitals provide a range of women's health services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography.
* **Behavioral Health:** Access to mental health services is a growing need. Both hospitals offer behavioral health services, but access to specialized psychiatric care may require referrals to other facilities.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care:**

Telehealth has expanded rapidly, offering convenient access to healthcare.

* **UPMC Carlisle:** UPMC has invested in telehealth services, offering virtual visits for a variety of specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and certain specialist consultations. The availability of specific services varies.
* **WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital:** WellSpan also provides telehealth options, including virtual urgent care and virtual visits with specialists. They have expanded their telehealth offerings, particularly during the pandemic.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is an important factor. CMS star ratings incorporate patient survey data, but other resources can provide further insights.

* **Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) Surveys:** Both hospitals participate in HCAHPS surveys, which gather patient feedback on various aspects of care, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the environment. These results are publicly available on the CMS Hospital Compare website.
* **Online Reviews and Reputation:** Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals provide patient reviews and ratings. While these reviews should be considered alongside other factors, they can offer insights into patient experiences.

**Additional Considerations:**

* **Accessibility and Transportation:** Consider the ease of access to each hospital, including driving distance, traffic patterns, and public transportation options.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan and that your preferred providers are in-network.
* **Physician Networks:** Research the physician networks associated with each hospital to determine the availability of specialists and primary care physicians.
* **Community Health Needs Assessments:** Hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments, which can provide information about the specific health challenges and needs of the local population.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near Shippensburg offer a solid level of healthcare services.

* **WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital** generally presents a strong option with its 4-star CMS rating, robust specialty services (particularly in cardiology and orthopedics), and established telehealth offerings. ER wait times can vary, but the hospital strives for efficiency.
* **UPMC Carlisle** provides another viable option, with a 3-star rating and a wide range of services. It is also a good option for telehealth services.

**Disclaimer:** This "Overall Health Score" assessment is based on publicly available data and general information. Individual experiences may vary. Patients should conduct their own research and consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care. Hospital ratings and performance metrics are constantly evolving, so it is essential to check the most current information from reliable sources like CMS and the hospitals' websites. This review does not constitute medical advice.