17319, Etters, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17319, Etters, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Hanover, PA (ZIP Code 17319)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Hanover, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17319), access to quality medical care is paramount. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals closest to this area, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. This information aims to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Choice**

Hanover, Pennsylvania, sits in a region with a mix of community hospitals and larger, more specialized facilities. Residents generally have a choice between local options and those within a reasonable driving distance. Proximity is a key factor in emergency situations, while specialized care might necessitate travel.

**WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital: A Local Anchor**

WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, located approximately 15 miles west of Hanover, serves as a critical healthcare provider for the region. It is a 169-bed facility. Gettysburg Hospital has earned a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific areas.

WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, surgical services, and specialized care units. The emergency department wait times are a crucial metric for residents. According to recent data, the average wait time to see a provider in the emergency room is around 30 minutes. This is a reasonable time, but it can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume.

The hospital also houses a robust cardiac program and a cancer center, providing critical services for patients with heart conditions and cancer. Telehealth services are available, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual visits or the availability of specialists via telehealth, are important to consider.

**WellSpan York Hospital: A Regional Hub**

Approximately 20 miles east of Hanover lies WellSpan York Hospital, a larger facility that serves as a regional referral center. This hospital is a 575-bed facility. WellSpan York Hospital has earned a 4-star rating from CMS. This higher rating suggests a stronger performance across key quality indicators compared to Gettysburg Hospital.

York Hospital boasts a broader array of specialized services, including advanced cardiac care, comprehensive stroke care, and a Level I trauma center. The trauma center is a critical asset, providing immediate and specialized care for patients with severe injuries.

Emergency room wait times at York Hospital tend to be slightly longer than at Gettysburg, often averaging around 45 minutes. This can be attributed to the higher patient volume at a larger facility. However, the hospital's capacity to handle complex medical cases is a significant advantage.

WellSpan York Hospital has made significant investments in telehealth, offering a wide range of virtual services. These include virtual urgent care, remote patient monitoring, and virtual consultations with specialists. The hospital's telehealth platform has seen increased utilization, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management.

**UPMC Hanover: A Community Focus**

UPMC Hanover, located within the town of Hanover itself, is a community hospital providing a range of services to local residents. This is a 109-bed facility. UPMC Hanover has a 3-star rating from CMS.

UPMC Hanover features a 24/7 emergency department and offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital is known for its focus on community outreach and patient-centered care.

Emergency room wait times at UPMC Hanover are generally comparable to those at Gettysburg Hospital, averaging around 30 minutes.

The hospital's specialty services include cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. Telehealth services are available, though the breadth of services may be less extensive than at larger regional hospitals. Specific data regarding the utilization of telehealth services is important to consider.

**Other Considerations: Specialized Care and Out-of-Area Options**

While the hospitals mentioned above are the closest options, residents might need to travel for specialized care. For example, patients requiring advanced cancer treatment or specialized pediatric care may need to travel to facilities in Baltimore or Philadelphia.

The availability of specialized centers is a crucial factor in assessing the overall health score of the region. The presence of these centers reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for complex medical procedures.

**Comparing ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to handle urgent medical needs. While the average wait times provided are useful, it's important to understand that these are averages. Actual wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, particularly for rural communities. Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and provide convenient access to specialists. The availability and utilization of telehealth services should be considered when assessing the overall health score of the region.

**CMS Star Ratings: A General Guide**

CMS star ratings provide a general overview of a hospital's performance. However, it's important to remember that these ratings are based on a limited set of metrics. Patients should not rely solely on these ratings when making healthcare decisions.

**Overall Health Score: A Regional Perspective**

The overall health score for residents near Hanover, PA (ZIP code 17319) is relatively good, given the proximity to several hospitals with varying levels of services. The presence of WellSpan York Hospital, with its 4-star CMS rating and comprehensive services, is a significant asset. The availability of local hospitals like UPMC Hanover and WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital provides convenient access to care.

However, the region could benefit from increased investment in specialized services and further expansion of telehealth capabilities. Patients should research specific services offered by each hospital, consider their individual healthcare needs, and consult with their primary care physicians to make informed decisions.

**Specific Recommendations for Hanover Residents:**

* **For emergencies:** UPMC Hanover or WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital offer quick access.
* **For complex cases:** WellSpan York Hospital's specialized services and Level I trauma center are a major advantage.
* **For telehealth:** Explore the telehealth options offered by WellSpan York Hospital.
* **For specialized care:** Be prepared to travel to larger regional centers or facilities in Baltimore or Philadelphia for certain treatments.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near Hanover, PA. Residents should conduct further research, consult with their healthcare providers, and consider their individual needs when making healthcare decisions. The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic assessment, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Therefore, staying informed about the latest developments in local hospitals and healthcare services is crucial.