17402, York, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 17402, York, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near 17402 (York, PA)

The search for quality healthcare near York, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17402) reveals a landscape dominated by two major players: UPMC and WellSpan Health. Evaluating these hospitals requires a comprehensive look at various factors, from CMS star ratings and ER wait times to specialized services and telehealth offerings. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, focusing on readily available data to inform healthcare decisions.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The cornerstone of healthcare in the area is **WellSpan York Hospital**, the primary facility for WellSpan Health. This hospital, located within the 17402 vicinity, is a large, acute care facility. As of the most recent data available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), WellSpan York Hospital holds a **3-star rating**. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's crucial to delve deeper into specific areas to understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

UPMC, a major healthcare network, has a more limited direct presence within the immediate 17402 area. However, its regional facilities, such as **UPMC Harrisburg**, located a reasonable distance from York, serve as potential referral points and offer specialized services. UPMC Harrisburg currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS, mirroring WellSpan York Hospital's rating. This suggests a similar overall quality profile, although specific departmental performance may vary.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of hospital efficiency and patient access. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but publicly available information provides a general understanding. WellSpan York Hospital's ER wait times are generally reported to be within the national average, with a typical wait time to see a provider ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. However, this can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

UPMC Harrisburg's ER wait times are also generally reported to be in line with national averages. Accessing real-time wait time data through hospital websites or third-party platforms like Google can provide the most up-to-date information before a visit. It's important to remember that these are estimates and individual experiences may differ.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Both WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Harrisburg offer a range of specialized services. WellSpan York Hospital boasts comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, and advanced heart failure management. They also have robust oncology services, with radiation therapy and medical oncology programs. In addition, the hospital provides specialized care in areas like orthopedics, neurology, and women's health.

UPMC Harrisburg offers a similar breadth of specialties. They have strong programs in cardiology, including advanced heart procedures. Their cancer center provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology and medical oncology. UPMC Harrisburg also has specialized programs in areas like neurosurgery, transplant services, and trauma care.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for convenient access to care. WellSpan Health has actively expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual visits for a variety of specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and specialist consultations. This allows patients to connect with providers remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits.

UPMC has also invested heavily in telehealth. They offer a wide range of virtual care options, including urgent care, specialist consultations, and chronic disease management programs. UPMC's telehealth platform provides convenient access to care and allows patients to manage their health remotely.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a vital component of overall health quality. Both WellSpan and UPMC collect patient satisfaction data through surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). These surveys assess various aspects of care, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment.

Analyzing publicly available HCAHPS data provides insights into patient satisfaction levels. While specific scores can vary, both WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Harrisburg generally receive scores that are in line with or slightly below national averages. It's important to note that patient experience is subjective, and individual experiences may differ.

**Hospital Safety and Infection Control:**

Hospital safety is a paramount concern. Both WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Harrisburg implement rigorous infection control protocols to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). These protocols include hand hygiene practices, environmental cleaning, and surveillance of infection rates.

Publicly available data from the CDC and other sources provides information on hospital-acquired infection rates. Comparing these rates with national benchmarks can help assess a hospital's performance in infection control.

**Community Health and Outreach:**

Beyond clinical care, hospitals play a role in community health. WellSpan Health actively engages in community outreach programs, providing health education, screenings, and support services to the local population. They also partner with community organizations to address health disparities and improve access to care.

UPMC also participates in community health initiatives, including health education programs, screenings, and partnerships with local organizations. These efforts aim to improve the overall health and well-being of the community.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance:**

Understanding insurance coverage and hospital costs is crucial. Both WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Harrisburg accept a wide range of insurance plans. However, it's essential to verify coverage with your specific insurance provider before receiving care.

Hospital pricing can vary depending on the services provided and the patient's insurance plan. Patients should inquire about the cost of care and explore financial assistance options if needed.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Evaluating hospitals near 17402 reveals a landscape dominated by WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Harrisburg. Both hospitals currently hold 3-star CMS ratings, indicating average overall performance.

WellSpan York Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including strong cardiac, oncology, and orthopedic programs. UPMC Harrisburg provides a similar breadth of specialties, with robust cardiology and cancer care. Both hospitals have invested in telehealth to improve access to care.

ER wait times are generally within the national average, but can fluctuate. Patient experience scores are in line with or slightly below national averages. Both hospitals prioritize safety and infection control. Community health outreach programs are present at both institutions.

**Considerations for Choosing a Hospital:**

When selecting a hospital, consider the following factors:

* **Specific Needs:** Evaluate which hospital offers the specialized services you require.
* **Proximity:** Consider the convenience of location and ease of access.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews:** Research patient experiences and satisfaction levels.
* **Physician Recommendations:** Consult with your primary care physician for recommendations.
* **Telehealth Options:** If virtual care is important, explore the hospital's telehealth offerings.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. This review provides a starting point for evaluating hospitals near 17402. Further research, including personal consultations with healthcare providers and consideration of individual needs, is recommended to make an informed decision about your healthcare. The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals in this area is currently average, emphasizing the importance of individual research and careful consideration of all factors when selecting a healthcare provider.