36322, Daleville, Alabama Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 36322, Daleville, Alabama is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Help: A Hospital Review for the 36322 Area

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed choices. This review focuses on hospitals near the 36322 ZIP code, providing a fact-rich assessment to aid in your decision-making process. We'll delve into key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, to paint a comprehensive picture of available care.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Scope**

The 36322 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Daleville, Alabama, is primarily served by hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. While large, tertiary care centers might be further afield, several facilities offer vital services closer to home. This review will prioritize those geographically accessible options, considering their capacity to address hypertension management and related complications.

**Flagship Hospital: Flowers Hospital, Dothan, AL**

Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama, stands as a prominent healthcare provider in the region. This facility, with a CMS star rating of 3 stars, offers a broad spectrum of services, including cardiology and cardiovascular care, critical for hypertension management. Flowers Hospital boasts a dedicated cardiology department, equipped to diagnose and treat a range of heart-related conditions, including those stemming from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

The hospital's emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical factor for anyone experiencing a hypertensive crisis or related symptoms. While publicly available data can fluctuate, it's important to check the most recent information on the hospital's website or through resources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Shorter wait times can be crucial in ensuring timely intervention and potentially preventing severe complications.

Flowers Hospital's website provides information on its telehealth offerings. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for hypertension management, allowing patients to monitor their blood pressure remotely, consult with their physicians virtually, and receive medication adjustments as needed.

**Southeast Health Medical Center, Dothan, AL**

Another significant player in the area is Southeast Health Medical Center, also located in Dothan. This hospital, with a CMS star rating of 3 stars, provides comprehensive medical services, including a strong focus on cardiovascular care. Like Flowers Hospital, Southeast Health offers a cardiology department staffed with specialists experienced in managing hypertension and related conditions.

ER wait times at Southeast Health are another key consideration. Patients experiencing chest pain, severe headaches, or other symptoms related to hypertension require prompt medical attention. Current wait times should be readily available on the hospital's website or through healthcare information portals.

Southeast Health has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years. This can benefit patients with hypertension by providing convenient access to follow-up appointments, medication management, and educational resources.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Focus**

Beyond general cardiology departments, some hospitals may have specialized centers or programs focused on hypertension management. These centers often feature multidisciplinary teams, including cardiologists, nephrologists (kidney specialists), endocrinologists (hormone specialists), and registered dietitians.

While specific specialized hypertension centers may not be readily available in the immediate vicinity of 36322, the presence of strong cardiology and nephrology departments within the major hospitals is a positive indicator. These departments can provide comprehensive care for hypertension and related complications, such as kidney disease.

**Telehealth: A Growing Resource**

Telehealth is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, and its role in hypertension management is particularly significant. Telehealth platforms allow patients to monitor their blood pressure at home, share readings with their physicians, and receive medication adjustments remotely. This can improve medication adherence, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and ultimately lead to better blood pressure control.

Both Flowers Hospital and Southeast Health have invested in telehealth services. It is important to investigate the specific telehealth options offered by each hospital, including the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and educational resources.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor when choosing a hospital, especially for individuals with hypertension. A hypertensive crisis can be a life-threatening emergency, requiring immediate medical attention. Shorter wait times can translate to faster access to care and potentially better outcomes.

When selecting a hospital, it's essential to check the current ER wait times. This information is often available on hospital websites, healthcare information portals, or through the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Beyond the Hospitals: Outpatient Care and Resources**

While hospitals are essential for acute care and specialized treatments, effective hypertension management also relies on consistent outpatient care. This includes regular check-ups with a primary care physician, medication management, and lifestyle modifications.

Patients in the 36322 area should identify a primary care physician who is experienced in managing hypertension. This physician can provide ongoing monitoring, medication adjustments, and referrals to specialists as needed.

**Access to Specialists**

Hypertension can sometimes lead to complications affecting other organs, such as the kidneys, eyes, and brain. Access to specialists, such as nephrologists, ophthalmologists, and neurologists, is crucial for managing these complications.

Both Flowers Hospital and Southeast Health offer access to a range of specialists. Patients should inquire about the availability of these specialists and the referral process.

**Medication Management**

Adherence to medication is a cornerstone of hypertension management. Patients should work closely with their physicians and pharmacists to ensure they understand their medications, the correct dosages, and potential side effects.

Local pharmacies in the 36322 area can provide medication refills and offer counseling services. Patients should establish a relationship with a trusted pharmacist who can answer questions and provide support.

**Lifestyle Modifications**

In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications play a vital role in managing hypertension. These modifications include:

* **Dietary changes:** Following a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
* **Regular exercise:** Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
* **Weight management:** Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if overweight or obese.
* **Sodium reduction:** Limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.
* **Alcohol moderation:** Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
* **Smoking cessation:** Quitting smoking.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Managing hypertension requires a proactive approach, including regular medical check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. This review has provided a fact-rich overview of the hospitals near the 36322 ZIP code, including Flowers Hospital and Southeast Health, highlighting their cardiology departments, ER wait times, telehealth capabilities, and specialty resources.

Patients should use this information to make informed decisions about their healthcare, considering their individual needs and preferences. It's also crucial to consult with your primary care physician to develop a personalized hypertension management plan. Remember to check the most up-to-date information on hospital websites and healthcare portals for the most current data on wait times, services, and telehealth options.