17323, Franklintown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17323, Franklintown, Pennsylvania is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Hanover, PA (ZIP Code 17323)

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. For residents of Hanover, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17323), understanding the landscape of nearby hospitals is crucial for making informed decisions about their health. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering various factors including quality ratings, wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities, to help residents understand their local healthcare options.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Hanover, PA. This includes facilities in Hanover itself, as well as those in surrounding areas like York, Gettysburg, and potentially Lancaster, depending on accessibility. The "Overall Health Score" is not a single, definitive number, but rather a composite assessment based on publicly available data and information.

**Key Considerations:**

Several key metrics are used to evaluate each hospital:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system (1-5 stars) based on quality measures like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. This is a widely recognized indicator of overall hospital performance.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** Average ER wait times are a critical factor, reflecting the efficiency of the emergency department and the potential for timely access to care.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence and quality of specialized centers (e.g., cardiology, oncology, orthopedics) are essential for patients needing specific treatments.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability of telehealth services has become increasingly important, offering convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, often derived from surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide insights into the patient experience.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare is a sign of adherence to rigorous quality standards.

**Hospital Profiles:**

**1. UPMC Hanover (Hanover, PA):**

UPMC Hanover is a primary healthcare provider for Hanover and surrounding areas. It is a community hospital and is a key player in the local healthcare ecosystem.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Hanover currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** Reported ER wait times are typically in line with regional averages, but can fluctuate depending on patient volume. Real-time wait times are often available on the UPMC website.
* **Specialty Centers:** UPMC Hanover offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a comprehensive cancer center. They also have a robust women's health program.
* **Telehealth:** UPMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual visits for certain specialties and remote patient monitoring programs.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally in line with the national average for community hospitals.
* **Accreditation:** UPMC Hanover is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Assessment:** UPMC Hanover provides essential healthcare services to the community. Its 3-star CMS rating indicates areas for improvement, but it remains a critical resource for residents.

**2. WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital (Gettysburg, PA):**

Located approximately 20 miles from Hanover, WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital offers a wider range of services and is a part of the WellSpan Health system.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are generally comparable to or slightly better than those at UPMC Hanover, but can vary.
* **Specialty Centers:** WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital boasts a more extensive array of specialty services, including advanced cardiology, a comprehensive stroke center, and a dedicated surgical unit.
* **Telehealth:** WellSpan Health has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits, remote monitoring, and access to specialists via video conferencing.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally high, reflecting a positive patient experience.
* **Accreditation:** WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Assessment:** WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital offers a higher level of care and a broader range of services than UPMC Hanover. Its 4-star CMS rating and strong telehealth capabilities make it a strong choice for residents.

**3. York Hospital (York, PA):**

York Hospital, part of the WellSpan Health system, is a larger regional medical center located approximately 20 miles from Hanover.

* **CMS Star Rating:** York Hospital holds a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary, but are generally comparable to other regional hospitals.
* **Specialty Centers:** York Hospital has a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including a Level I Trauma Center, a heart and vascular institute, and a cancer center.
* **Telehealth:** WellSpan Health's telehealth programs are available at York Hospital, offering virtual visits, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally good, reflecting a positive patient experience.
* **Accreditation:** York Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Assessment:** York Hospital is a major regional medical center offering a wide array of services. Its proximity to Hanover and the WellSpan Health system's telehealth infrastructure make it a viable option for specialized care.

**4. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, PA):**

While located further away (approximately 50 miles), Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a major academic medical center and a potential option for complex cases.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Hershey Medical Center holds a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be longer due to the hospital's role as a regional referral center.
* **Specialty Centers:** Hershey Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including advanced cardiology, oncology, transplant services, and a children's hospital.
* **Telehealth:** Penn State Health has a robust telehealth program, including virtual visits and remote monitoring.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally good, but can vary depending on the specific department.
* **Accreditation:** Hershey Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Assessment:** Hershey Medical Center is a strong option for complex medical needs, but its distance from Hanover makes it less convenient for routine care.

**5. Lancaster General Hospital (Lancaster, PA):**

Lancaster General Hospital, part of the Penn Medicine system, is located approximately 50 miles from Hanover.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Lancaster General Hospital holds a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary.
* **Specialty Centers:** Lancaster General Hospital has a comprehensive range of specialty services, including advanced cardiology, oncology, and a women's and babies hospital.
* **Telehealth:** Penn Medicine has a robust telehealth program, including virtual visits and remote monitoring.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally good, but can vary depending on the specific department.
* **Accreditation:** Lancaster General Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Assessment:** Lancaster General Hospital is a strong option for complex medical needs, but its distance from Hanover makes it less convenient for routine care.

**Comparative Analysis and Recommendations:**

For residents of Hanover, PA, the "Overall Health Score" assessment suggests the following:

* **For Routine Care and Emergencies:** UPMC Hanover is a convenient and accessible option. However, residents should be aware of its 3-star CMS rating and potential for longer wait times.
* **For a Broader Range of Services:** WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital offers a higher level of care and a broader range of services. Its 4-star CMS rating and strong telehealth capabilities make it a strong choice.
* **For Specialized Care:** York Hospital is a major regional medical center offering a wide array of services.
* **For Complex Cases:** Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Lancaster General Hospital, while further away, offer specialized care and advanced treatments.

**Telehealth Considerations:**

Telehealth is an increasingly important factor in healthcare access. Residents should investigate the telehealth offerings of each hospital, as this can significantly improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Final Thoughts:**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Residents should consider their individual healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when making their choice. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near Hanover, PA, and empowers residents to make informed decisions about their health. It is always recommended to check the latest information on hospital websites and consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.