17322, Felton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Hanover, PA (ZIP Code 17322)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Hanover, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17322), access to quality medical care is a critical concern. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals serving this area, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and more. This information aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Hanover, PA, sits in a region with a mix of community hospitals and larger, more specialized facilities. Proximity is a key factor, and the following hospitals are likely to be primary choices for residents of 17322:

* **UPMC Hanover:** Located directly within Hanover, this hospital is a cornerstone of the local healthcare system.
* **WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital:** Situated a short drive away in Gettysburg, this hospital offers a broader range of services.
* **WellSpan York Hospital:** A larger facility, about a 30-minute drive, providing more specialized care.
* **Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:** While further afield (approximately an hour's drive), this academic medical center offers highly specialized services.

**UPMC Hanover: A Local Anchor**

UPMC Hanover is the closest hospital to ZIP code 17322. It is a community hospital that serves a significant portion of the local population. The hospital's overall performance is reflected in its CMS star rating, which is a crucial indicator of quality.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Hanover currently holds a [Insert Current CMS Star Rating for UPMC Hanover, obtained from CMS Hospital Compare]. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. A higher star rating generally indicates better overall performance.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times are a key concern for many patients. The average ER wait time at UPMC Hanover is [Insert Current Average ER Wait Time for UPMC Hanover, obtained from hospital websites or third-party sources]. This figure provides a sense of how quickly patients can expect to be seen by a healthcare provider.
* **Specialty Services:** UPMC Hanover offers a range of core services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. It is important to note the specific availability of specialists and advanced procedures.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for convenient access to care. UPMC Hanover's telehealth capabilities include [Insert specific telehealth services offered by UPMC Hanover, such as virtual visits, remote monitoring, etc.].

**WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital: Expanding the Options**

WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital provides another option for residents near 17322. Located in Gettysburg, it offers a broader range of services than some smaller community hospitals.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital has a CMS star rating of [Insert Current CMS Star Rating for WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital]. This rating is a useful metric for comparing the quality of care.
* **Emergency Room:** The ER wait times at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital are [Insert Current Average ER Wait Time for WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital].
* **Specialty Services:** WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and a comprehensive women's health program.
* **Telehealth:** WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings. [Insert specific telehealth services offered by WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital].

**WellSpan York Hospital: Access to Advanced Care**

WellSpan York Hospital, a larger facility, is accessible for residents of 17322. It is a regional referral center, meaning it often handles more complex cases.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WellSpan York Hospital's CMS star rating is [Insert Current CMS Star Rating for WellSpan York Hospital].
* **Emergency Room:** The ER wait times at WellSpan York Hospital are [Insert Current Average ER Wait Time for WellSpan York Hospital].
* **Specialty Services:** WellSpan York Hospital provides a wide array of specialized services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and comprehensive cancer treatment. It is a regional center for trauma and offers specialized pediatric services.
* **Telehealth:** WellSpan York Hospital has a robust telehealth program. [Insert specific telehealth services offered by WellSpan York Hospital].

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: A Regional Leader**

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located in Hershey, PA, is a major academic medical center. It is a regional leader in specialized care and research. While further away, it is an option for complex medical needs.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center's CMS star rating is [Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center].
* **Emergency Room:** The ER wait times at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are [Insert Current Average ER Wait Time for Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center].
* **Specialty Services:** This medical center excels in many specialty areas, including cardiology, oncology, transplant services, and advanced surgical procedures. It is a major teaching hospital and a hub for medical research.
* **Telehealth:** Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has invested heavily in telehealth. [Insert specific telehealth services offered by Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center].

**Beyond the Numbers: Patient Experience and Community Feedback**

While CMS star ratings and wait times are important, patient experience and community feedback also play a crucial role in assessing a hospital's overall health.

* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide insights into the patient experience. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the environment.
* **Online Reviews:** Platforms like Google Reviews, Healthgrades, and Vitals offer patients the opportunity to share their experiences. These reviews can provide valuable information about the quality of care, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall patient experience.
* **Community Reputation:** Local word-of-mouth and community reputation are also important factors. Talking to neighbors, friends, and family members can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each hospital.

**Access to Specialists: A Critical Consideration**

The availability of specialists is a critical factor in determining the quality of healthcare. Residents of 17322 should consider the following:

* **Cardiology:** Access to cardiologists is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions.
* **Oncology:** Cancer care requires access to oncologists, radiation therapists, and other specialists.
* **Orthopedics:** Orthopedic surgeons are necessary for treating bone and joint problems.
* **Neurology:** Neurologists are needed for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.
* **Mental Health:** Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists and therapists, is crucial for overall well-being.

**Telehealth: The Future of Healthcare**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for providing convenient access to care. Residents of 17322 should consider the following:

* **Virtual Visits:** Virtual visits allow patients to consult with doctors and other healthcare providers remotely.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Remote monitoring allows healthcare providers to monitor patients' health conditions from a distance.
* **Mental Health Services:** Telehealth is particularly useful for providing mental health services.
* **Convenience:** Telehealth offers convenience, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling to appointments.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The hospitals near ZIP code 17322 offer a range of options, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

* **UPMC Hanover:** Provides convenient access to local care, with a focus on community needs.
* **WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital:** Offers a broader range of services than UPMC Hanover.
* **WellSpan York Hospital:** Serves as a regional referral center, providing access to more specialized care.
* **Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:** Offers highly specialized services and is a major research center.

**Recommendations**

Residents of 17322 should consider the following when choosing a hospital:

* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to each hospital and the ease of access.
* **Specialty Needs:** Determine the specific medical needs and the availability of specialists.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** Use CMS star ratings as a guide to overall quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider ER wait times when urgent care is needed.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Evaluate the telehealth options available.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews to gain insights into the patient experience.
* **Consult with Primary Care Physician:** Discuss healthcare needs with a primary care physician for personalized recommendations.

By carefully considering these factors, residents of 17322 can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the best possible care. This "Overall Health Score" review is a starting point for a more in-depth personal evaluation.