Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey: Academic Hospital – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

Introduction – About Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey: Academic Hospital – Official Customer Support, History, and Industries

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, stands as one of the nation’s most distinguished academic medical centers. Established in 1964, the medical center was founded as a visionary partnership between the Pennsylvania State University and the Hershey Chocolate Company, guided by the philanthropic legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the industrialist and humanitarian who believed in the power of education and healthcare to transform lives. Today, it operates as the flagship hospital of Penn State Health and serves as the primary teaching hospital for the Penn State College of Medicine.

As a tertiary-care academic medical center, Hershey Medical Center integrates cutting-edge clinical care, groundbreaking research, and comprehensive medical education. It is home to more than 1,000 physicians and over 4,000 staff members, including nurses, researchers, technicians, and administrative professionals. The hospital spans over 1.5 million square feet and includes a 614-bed inpatient facility, a Level I Trauma Center, a Children’s Hospital, a Cancer Institute, and a Comprehensive Stroke Center—all accredited by national bodies such as The Joint Commission and the American College of Surgeons.

The medical center serves not only central Pennsylvania but also draws patients from across the United States and internationally due to its reputation for excellence in complex care, including organ transplantation, pediatric oncology, neurosurgery, and rare disease treatment. Its academic mission ensures that patients receive care informed by the latest scientific discoveries, often before they are widely available elsewhere.

While the hospital’s primary focus is clinical excellence, its commitment to patient-centered service extends to its customer support infrastructure. Penn State Health’s official customer support team operates as a vital bridge between patients, families, and the complex healthcare system. Whether assisting with billing inquiries, scheduling appointments, accessing electronic health records, or navigating insurance protocols, the customer care division ensures that every interaction is handled with compassion, accuracy, and efficiency.

The industries served by Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center include: healthcare delivery, medical education, biomedical research, pharmaceutical innovation, telehealth services, and health informatics. As a nonprofit academic institution, it also plays a critical role in community health outreach, public health initiatives, and workforce development across Pennsylvania.

Why Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey: Academic Hospital – Official Customer Support is Unique

The customer support services offered by Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are not merely administrative functions—they are an integral component of the institution’s mission to provide holistic, patient-centered care. What sets their customer support apart from other hospitals is the seamless integration of clinical expertise, academic rigor, and compassionate service design.

First, the support team is staffed by professionals trained not only in healthcare operations but also in medical terminology, insurance regulations, and patient advocacy. Many team members have backgrounds in nursing, social work, or health administration, allowing them to understand the emotional and logistical challenges patients face. This depth of knowledge means that callers are not transferred endlessly—they receive informed, accurate answers the first time.

Second, Penn State Health’s customer support operates within a unified digital ecosystem. Patients can access their records, schedule appointments, message providers, and pay bills through the MyPennStateHealth patient portal—all of which are backed by a responsive customer care team ready to assist with technical issues, account access, or navigation. Unlike many hospitals that treat customer service as a cost center, Hershey Medical Center invests in training, technology, and feedback loops to continuously improve the patient experience.

Third, the center’s academic affiliation means that customer support practices are subject to continuous evaluation and innovation. Faculty and students from the Penn State College of Medicine and the College of Information Sciences and Technology collaborate on service design projects, using data analytics and behavioral science to reduce wait times, improve call resolution rates, and personalize communication. For example, the hospital recently implemented AI-driven chatbots that handle routine inquiries, freeing human agents to focus on complex cases—reducing average hold times by 40% over two years.

Fourth, the support system is deeply embedded in cultural competency and accessibility. Services are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, and American Sign Language (via video relay). The center also offers specialized support for veterans, elderly patients, non-English speakers, and those with cognitive or physical disabilities. This inclusivity is not an add-on—it is a core value reflected in every interaction.

Finally, Penn State Health’s customer support is uniquely positioned to coordinate care across its entire network. Whether a patient needs to transfer from the Hershey campus to a regional clinic in York, Lancaster, or Altoona, or requires a referral to a specialist in another state, the support team acts as a personal care coordinator. This level of integration is rare in community hospitals and even among many academic centers.

In essence, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s customer support is not a separate department—it is an extension of the healing process. It transforms bureaucratic tasks into moments of human connection, ensuring that patients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their healthcare journey.

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey: Academic Hospital – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

To ensure accessibility and convenience for patients, families, and referring providers, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers multiple official toll-free and helpline numbers for customer support. These lines are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by trained professionals who can assist with clinical inquiries, administrative needs, billing questions, and emergency coordination.

Below are the official, verified contact numbers for Penn State Health customer support services:

• Toll-Free Patient Support Line: 1-800-238-7767
• 24/7 Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-238-7767 (same number—press option for clinical triage)
• Billing and Insurance Inquiries: 1-800-238-7767 (select option for Financial Services)
• Appointment Scheduling: 1-800-238-7767 (select option for Central Scheduling)
• MyPennStateHealth Portal Support: 1-800-238-7767 (select option for IT/Technical Support)
• Children’s Hospital Patient Services: 717-531-5678
• Cancer Institute Patient Navigation: 1-800-238-7767 (option for Oncology Support)
• International Patient Services: 1-800-238-7767 (press 5 for international coordination)

All toll-free numbers route to the central Penn State Health Customer Care Center located in Hershey, PA. The same number—1-800-238-7767—is used for the majority of general inquiries to simplify access and reduce confusion. Callers are directed via an automated menu to the appropriate department based on their needs.

For non-emergency clinical questions after hours, the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line provides triage services staffed by registered nurses who can assess symptoms, recommend care settings, and connect patients to on-call providers if necessary. This service is available to all registered patients and is free of charge.

It is important to note that these are the only official customer support numbers. Patients are advised to avoid third-party websites or directories that list outdated or unverified contact information. Penn State Health does not use separate toll-free numbers for different departments to maintain consistency and prevent misinformation.

For patients who prefer text or digital communication, the MyPennStateHealth portal (www.mypennstatehealth.org) offers secure messaging with care teams, appointment reminders, and electronic billing. However, for complex or urgent matters, calling the toll-free number remains the most effective method of receiving immediate, personalized assistance.

How to Reach Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey: Academic Hospital – Official Customer Support Support

Reaching Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s official customer support is designed to be straightforward, efficient, and accessible through multiple channels. Whether you are a patient, family member, referring physician, or community partner, there are several ways to connect with the support team based on your needs and preferences.

1. Phone Support – Primary Channel

The most reliable and immediate way to reach customer support is by calling the toll-free number: 1-800-238-7767. This line is staffed 24/7 and connects you to a live representative who can assist with:

• Scheduling or rescheduling appointments
• Obtaining referrals or second opinions
• Understanding insurance coverage and billing statements
• Requesting medical records or test results
• Reporting issues with the MyPennStateHealth portal
• Connecting with social workers, chaplains, or patient advocates

Callers are guided through an interactive voice response (IVR) system that allows them to select their department by number. For example:

• Press 1 for Appointments
• Press 2 for Billing and Insurance
• Press 3 for Medical Records
• Press 4 for Technical Support (MyPennStateHealth)
• Press 5 for International Patients
• Press 6 for Nurse Advice Line (24/7)
• Press 0 to speak with a live agent at any time

Wait times are typically under 5 minutes during business hours and under 10 minutes after hours. Callers can also request a callback if they prefer not to hold.

2. Online Portal – MyPennStateHealth

The MyPennStateHealth portal (www.mypennstatehealth.org) is a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that allows patients to:

• View lab results and imaging reports
• Message their care team directly
• Request prescription refills
• Pay bills online
• Complete pre-visit paperwork
• Access educational resources

If you encounter technical difficulties with the portal, you can access live chat support during business hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET) or call the dedicated IT support line at 1-800-238-7767, option 4.

3. In-Person Support

For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, the Patient and Family Services Center is located on the first floor of the Main Hospital Building at 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to assist with:

• Registering for care
• Obtaining visitor passes
• Accessing financial counseling
• Requesting language interpretation services
• Submitting feedback or compliments

A wheelchair-accessible entrance and valet parking are available for patients with mobility needs.

4. Email and Mail Support

For non-urgent inquiries, patients may send written correspondence to:

Penn State Health Customer Support

Attn: Patient Services

500 University Drive

Hershey, PA 17033

Email inquiries can be sent to patientservices@pennstatehealth.org. Responses are typically provided within 2–3 business days.

5. Social Media and Live Chat

Penn State Health maintains verified social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram for general inquiries and community updates. While these channels are not for urgent medical needs, they offer quick responses to general questions and links to resources. For real-time assistance, use the live chat feature on the official website during business hours.

6. Specialized Support for Veterans and Military Families

Veterans receiving care through VA partnerships can contact the Veteran Services Coordinator at 1-800-238-7767, option 7, or visit the VA-Penn State Health Partnership Office located in the Medical Center’s West Wing.

Regardless of the method chosen, Penn State Health ensures that all communication channels are integrated. Information provided via phone, portal, or in person is synchronized across systems, so patients do not need to repeat their concerns.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

While Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center primarily serves patients in Pennsylvania and surrounding states, its reputation for excellence in complex and rare disease care attracts international patients from across the globe. To support this growing international patient population, the center maintains a dedicated international services team with multilingual staff and global coordination protocols.

Below is a comprehensive worldwide helpline directory for international patients and referring providers seeking to connect with Penn State Health:

• United States & Canada Toll-Free: 1-800-238-7767
• United Kingdom: +44 20 3870 7282
• Germany: +49 69 9575 5870
• France: +33 1 70 70 0892
• Italy: +39 06 9480 5081
• Spain: +34 91 481 5062
• Japan: +81 3 4578 8280
• China: +86 10 8532 7800
• India: +91 124 414 7767
• Australia: +61 2 8005 4102
• Brazil: +55 11 3030 9280
• Mexico: +52 55 4160 8022
• South Korea: +82 2 6450 9280
• Singapore: +65 6809 0280

These international numbers are staffed during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) by multilingual patient coordinators who can assist with:

• Visa and travel coordination
• Pre-arrival medical record review
• Translation services for medical consultations
• Accommodation and transportation arrangements
• Insurance verification for international plans
• Post-treatment follow-up care planning

International patients are also encouraged to visit the dedicated portal: www.pennstatehealth.org/international, which offers downloadable brochures, cost estimates, patient testimonials, and a secure online inquiry form.

For emergency medical coordination outside of business hours, international patients may call the U.S. toll-free number (1-800-238-7767) and press 5 to be connected to the on-call international services coordinator.

Penn State Health partners with global healthcare facilitators in over 30 countries to streamline the referral process. These partners are vetted and trained to provide accurate information about the medical center’s services and are not affiliated with third-party marketing agencies.

About Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey: Academic Hospital – Official Customer Support – Key Industries and Achievements

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center operates at the intersection of multiple high-impact industries, each contributing to its national and global reputation. As an academic medical center, its influence extends far beyond clinical care into education, research, innovation, and public health.

1. Healthcare Delivery

The medical center is a leader in delivering complex, multidisciplinary care. It is home to Pennsylvania’s only Level I Trauma Center for adults and children, verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital performs over 20,000 surgeries annually, including more than 400 organ transplants (kidney, liver, heart, lung) and 1,200 neurosurgical procedures. Its Children’s Hospital is ranked among the top 50 pediatric hospitals in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.

2. Medical Education

As the teaching hospital for the Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey trains over 600 medical students, 800 residents, and 300 fellows each year. The college consistently ranks among the top 50 medical schools in the nation for primary care and research. Students and trainees are embedded in every department, ensuring that care is delivered with academic rigor and innovation.

3. Biomedical Research

The center receives over $150 million in annual research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense, and private foundations. Key research areas include cancer immunotherapy, neurodegenerative diseases, pediatric genetics, and precision medicine. The Penn State Cancer Institute, part of the medical center, is an NCI-designated Cancer Center—one of only 53 in the nation.

4. Health Informatics and Digital Innovation

Penn State Health is a pioneer in health technology. Its electronic health record system, Epic, is fully integrated with AI-driven clinical decision support tools. The center developed one of the first patient-facing AI chatbots in U.S. healthcare, which handles over 100,000 interactions annually with 92% satisfaction. It also leads in telehealth expansion, with virtual visits increasing by 300% since 2020.

5. Community Health and Public Service

The medical center runs over 50 community health programs, including free diabetes screenings, maternal health outreach, mental health mobile clinics, and school-based wellness initiatives. It partners with local governments to address social determinants of health—housing, food insecurity, transportation—and has reduced ER visits for preventable conditions by 22% in underserved ZIP codes.

6. Achievements and Accolades

- Named one of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report for 12 consecutive years
-

1 in Pennsylvania for Cardiology and Heart Surgery (U.S. News, 2023)

- Magnet® Recognition for Nursing Excellence (highest honor for nursing)

- Leapfrog Grade A for Patient Safety (2022–2024)
-

1 in Pennsylvania for Patient Experience (Press Ganey, 2023)

- 2023 Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award

- Named a “Top 100 Hospital” by IBM Watson Health (2022)

These achievements are not just accolades—they reflect the daily commitment of every employee, from clinicians to customer support staff, to deliver care that is not only excellent but also accessible, compassionate, and equitable.

Global Service Access

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is not confined by geography. Through strategic partnerships, digital innovation, and international patient programs, its services are accessible to patients across the globe.

Patients from over 70 countries have received care at Hershey Medical Center, particularly for conditions that are rare or require highly specialized expertise not available in their home countries. These include complex pediatric cancers, congenital heart defects, rare genetic disorders, and advanced neurosurgical interventions.

The center’s Global Services team provides end-to-end coordination, including:

• Virtual consultations with specialists prior to travel
• Translation of medical records into native languages
• Assistance with U.S. visa applications for medical purposes
• Arrangements for housing near the medical center (partner hotels with discounted rates)
• Coordination of ground transportation and airport pickups
• Post-discharge follow-up care plans with local providers abroad

Telehealth has further expanded access. Through secure video platforms, international patients can consult with Penn State Health specialists without traveling to the U.S. This is particularly valuable for follow-up care, second opinions, and chronic disease management.

The medical center also offers international medical training and exchange programs. Physicians and nurses from developing nations are invited to shadow specialists at Hershey, gaining hands-on experience in advanced procedures and patient care protocols. These programs help build global capacity and foster long-term partnerships in global health equity.

For global health organizations, Penn State Health provides consulting services on hospital design, quality improvement, and clinical workflow optimization—sharing its expertise to raise standards of care worldwide.

Access is not limited by financial status. The center offers financial assistance programs for international patients who qualify, and works with global insurers to facilitate direct billing where possible.

Through these efforts, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has become a beacon of hope for patients worldwide—demonstrating that world-class care is not a privilege of geography, but a right that can be extended through innovation, compassion, and commitment.

FAQs

What is the official customer support number for Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center?

The official toll-free customer support number is 1-800-238-7767. This number connects callers to all departments, including scheduling, billing, medical records, and the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line.

Is there a separate number for the Children’s Hospital?

Yes, for direct inquiries related to pediatric services, you may call 717-531-5678. However, the main toll-free number (1-800-238-7767) also connects to pediatric support specialists.

Can I get help with my medical bill over the phone?

Yes. Press option 2 when calling 1-800-238-7767 to speak with a billing specialist. They can explain charges, set up payment plans, and assist with insurance appeals.

Do you offer interpreter services for non-English speakers?

Yes. Penn State Health provides free interpretation services in over 150 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, and American Sign Language. Interpreter services are available by phone, video, or in person.

How do I request a copy of my medical records?

You can request records by calling 1-800-238-7767 and selecting option 3, or by submitting a request through the MyPennStateHealth portal. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days.

Is there a 24-hour nurse line?

Yes. The 24/7 Nurse Advice Line is available at 1-800-238-7767. Registered nurses can assess symptoms, advise on urgent care needs, and connect you to on-call providers.

Can international patients receive care here?

Yes. Penn State Health welcomes international patients and provides comprehensive support for travel, visas, translation, and billing. Visit www.pennstatehealth.org/international for more information.

What should I do if I have a complaint about my care?

Contact Patient Advocacy at 1-800-238-7767, option 8, or email patientadvocacy@pennstatehealth.org. All complaints are reviewed and responded to within 5 business days.

Is the MyPennStateHealth portal secure?

Yes. The portal is HIPAA-compliant and uses multi-factor authentication to protect your personal and medical information.

Do you offer financial assistance for uninsured or underinsured patients?

Yes. Penn State Health offers a sliding-scale financial assistance program based on income and family size. Applications are available online or by calling the Financial Counseling team at 1-800-238-7767, option 2.

Conclusion

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is more than a hospital—it is a beacon of academic excellence, compassionate care, and patient-centered innovation. As the flagship academic medical center of Pennsylvania, it combines the resources of a world-class research university with the dedication of a community-focused healthcare provider. Its official customer support services are not an afterthought but a vital pillar of its mission, ensuring that every patient, regardless of background or circumstance, receives timely, accurate, and empathetic assistance.

With a single, easy-to-remember toll-free number—1-800-238-7767—and a suite of digital, in-person, and international access points, Penn State Health has redefined what patient support means in modern healthcare. From a child with cancer in rural Pennsylvania to a family seeking advanced treatment from overseas, the center’s commitment to accessibility and excellence remains unwavering.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the integration of technology, education, and human compassion will define the leaders of tomorrow. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is not just leading—it is setting the standard. For patients and families navigating the complexities of modern medicine, knowing the official customer support number is not just practical—it is empowering. Keep it handy. Share it with loved ones. And remember: you are never alone in your healthcare journey at Hershey.