17350, New Oxford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17350, New Oxford, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 17350

The quest for quality healthcare near Hanover, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17350) leads to a landscape dominated by a few key players, each offering a unique blend of services and performance metrics. This review aims to provide an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors ranging from CMS star ratings and ER wait times to specialty centers and telehealth capabilities, offering a comprehensive picture for informed decision-making.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The immediate vicinity of Hanover doesn't boast a vast selection of hospitals. However, several institutions within a reasonable driving distance serve the community. The primary contenders include UPMC Hanover, WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, and WellSpan York Hospital. These hospitals represent the core of healthcare access for residents of 17350, each with its own strengths and areas for potential improvement. Access to larger, tertiary care centers like Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, are also considered, though they require significantly more travel.

**UPMC Hanover: A Local Anchor**

UPMC Hanover, formerly Hanover Hospital, is the closest full-service hospital to the 17350 ZIP code. It's a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special financial considerations due to its rural location and the essential services it provides. While this designation doesn't directly translate to quality ratings, it underscores the hospital's importance to the local community.

UPMC Hanover's CMS star rating is a crucial indicator of its overall quality. As of the most recent publicly available data, UPMC Hanover holds a [**Insert current CMS Star Rating here. This data fluctuates and requires real-time updates. Check CMS Hospital Compare for the most current information.**] star rating. This rating reflects performance across various categories, including patient experience, safety of care, and effectiveness of care. A higher star rating indicates better overall performance.

ER wait times are a significant concern for many patients. UPMC Hanover's ER wait times can vary. [**Insert current ER wait time data here. This information is often available on the hospital's website or through third-party sources like the Healthgrades website. Be specific about the source and date of the data.**] is a good benchmark. Shorter wait times generally indicate more efficient emergency department operations.

UPMC Hanover offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The hospital also provides labor and delivery services. [**Investigate and specify any recent expansions or additions to specialty services. This information is available through press releases and hospital websites.**] Telehealth capabilities are also increasingly important. UPMC Hanover provides telehealth services, including virtual visits with physicians. [**Specify the types of telehealth services offered, such as primary care, specialist consultations, and behavioral health services. Also, include any recent growth in telehealth usage.**]

**WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital: A Regional Presence**

WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, located approximately [**Insert approximate driving distance and time from Hanover**] is another significant option for residents of 17350. As part of the WellSpan Health system, it benefits from a larger network and resources.

WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital's CMS star rating is a key metric. [**Insert current CMS Star Rating here. This data fluctuates and requires real-time updates. Check CMS Hospital Compare for the most current information.**] This rating provides a comparative measure of quality against other hospitals.

ER wait times are a critical factor. [**Insert current ER wait time data here. This information is often available on the hospital's website or through third-party sources like the Healthgrades website. Be specific about the source and date of the data.**] The ability to quickly access emergency care is crucial.

WellSpan Gettysburg offers a comprehensive range of specialty services. [**List specific specialty services, such as cardiology, oncology, and women's health. Mention any specialized centers or programs, like a stroke center or a bariatric surgery program.**] Telehealth services are an increasingly important part of the healthcare landscape. WellSpan Gettysburg provides telehealth options. [**Specify the types of telehealth services offered, such as primary care, specialist consultations, and behavioral health services. Also, include any recent growth in telehealth usage.**]

**WellSpan York Hospital: A Tertiary Care Option**

WellSpan York Hospital, located further away, is a larger tertiary care center, offering a broader range of specialized services. It serves as a regional referral center for more complex medical needs.

WellSpan York Hospital's CMS star rating provides a measure of quality. [**Insert current CMS Star Rating here. This data fluctuates and requires real-time updates. Check CMS Hospital Compare for the most current information.**]

ER wait times are a factor to consider. [**Insert current ER wait time data here. This information is often available on the hospital's website or through third-party sources like the Healthgrades website. Be specific about the source and date of the data.**]

WellSpan York Hospital offers an extensive array of specialty services. [**List specific specialty services, such as advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and trauma services. Mention any specialized centers or programs, like a heart institute or a cancer center.**] Telehealth is increasingly important. [**Specify the types of telehealth services offered, such as primary care, specialist consultations, and behavioral health services. Also, include any recent growth in telehealth usage.**]

**Beyond the Immediate Vicinity: Regional Options**

While the aforementioned hospitals are closest to 17350, residents may also consider options further afield, especially for specialized care.

**Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:** Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this academic medical center offers a wide range of advanced medical services. It is a Level I trauma center and has a strong reputation for research and specialized care. However, the travel time from Hanover is significant, approximately [**Insert approximate driving distance and time from Hanover**].

**Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):** For highly specialized care, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is a nationally recognized institution. However, the distance from Hanover is considerable, approximately [**Insert approximate driving distance and time from Hanover**], making it a less convenient option for routine care.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for rural communities. All the hospitals mentioned above offer telehealth services to varying degrees. These services can include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The availability and accessibility of telehealth services are crucial factors in evaluating healthcare options near 17350. [**Specify the types of telehealth services offered by each hospital, such as primary care, specialist consultations, and behavioral health services. Also, include any recent growth in telehealth usage.**]

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

Creating a definitive "Overall Health Score" is complex, as individual needs and preferences vary. However, the following factors should be considered:

* **CMS Star Rating:** A key indicator of overall quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times indicate more efficient emergency care.
* **Specialty Services:** Availability of specialized care for specific health needs.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Access to virtual care options.
* **Patient Experience:** Reviews and satisfaction scores (available through sources like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems - HCAHPS).
* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Travel time and ease of access.
* **Cost and Insurance Coverage:** The financial implications of care.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Residents of the 17350 ZIP code have a range of healthcare options available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. UPMC Hanover provides convenient local access, while WellSpan Gettysburg and York offer broader services within the WellSpan network. Larger tertiary care centers like Penn State Hershey and Johns Hopkins provide access to specialized care, but with increased travel times.

The "Overall Health Score" for each hospital is influenced by a variety of factors. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when making healthcare decisions. Utilizing resources like CMS Hospital Compare, hospital websites, and third-party review sites will help in making informed choices. Regular updates on CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings are crucial for maintaining an accurate assessment of healthcare quality in the Hanover area.