36374, Skipperville, Alabama Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 36374, Skipperville, Alabama is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36374)**

Navigating healthcare, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed choices. This review analyzes hospitals near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36374), focusing on factors crucial for hypertension patients: quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, providing a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment.

**Southeast Alabama Medical Center (Dothan, AL): The Flagship Contender**

Southeast Alabama Medical Center (SAMC), located in Dothan, approximately 30 miles from Enterprise, emerges as a primary contender. SAMC is a large, regional hospital, boasting a 3-star CMS rating. While not a top-tier rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of quality. The hospital's cardiology department is a crucial consideration for hypertension patients. They offer a range of services, including diagnostic testing, interventional cardiology, and cardiac rehabilitation. SAMC's commitment to heart health is evident in its accredited chest pain center.

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor. SAMC's ER wait times are generally in line with national averages, but can fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. SAMC also provides a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. This can be particularly beneficial for hypertension management, allowing for convenient follow-up appointments and medication adjustments. The hospital's website and patient portal provide details on telehealth services.

**Flowers Hospital (Dothan, AL): A Strong Alternative**

Also located in Dothan, Flowers Hospital presents another strong option. Flowers Hospital holds a 4-star CMS rating, suggesting a higher overall quality of care compared to SAMC. This higher rating may be a significant factor for patients. Flowers Hospital has a well-regarded cardiology department. They offer comprehensive cardiac care, including advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures. The hospital is also known for its stroke center. This is relevant to hypertension patients, who are at increased risk of stroke.

Emergency room wait times at Flowers Hospital are typically comparable to SAMC, though again, these can vary. Telehealth services are available, providing remote access to specialists and follow-up care. The hospital’s website offers details on telehealth options.

**Medical Center Enterprise (Enterprise, AL): Local Accessibility**

Medical Center Enterprise (MCE), located directly within ZIP Code 36374, offers the convenience of local access. MCE has a 3-star CMS rating. While the hospital has a cardiology department, the scope of services may be more limited than those offered at SAMC or Flowers Hospital. It's essential to inquire about the specific expertise and resources available for hypertension management.

Emergency room wait times at MCE are generally shorter than those at the larger hospitals in Dothan. This can be a significant advantage in urgent situations. MCE is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring. The hospital's website and patient services department can provide information on available telehealth services.

**Specialty Centers and Cardiac Care Considerations**

For hypertension patients, access to specialized cardiac care is paramount. Both SAMC and Flowers Hospital in Dothan have well-developed cardiology departments. They offer a wider range of services, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac rehabilitation. MCE's cardiology services are more limited, so patients may need to travel to Dothan for specialized procedures.

**Telehealth: A Modern Solution for Hypertension Management**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery, and it is particularly relevant for hypertension patients. It offers the convenience of remote consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of blood pressure. SAMC, Flowers Hospital, and MCE all offer telehealth services. Patients should inquire about the specific telehealth options available, including the availability of virtual appointments with cardiologists, access to remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and the ability to communicate with their care team through a patient portal.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times can be a significant concern, especially for patients experiencing hypertensive crises. While all three hospitals strive to provide timely care, wait times can fluctuate depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions. Patients should be prepared for potential delays and should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, such as severe headache, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Quick Guide to Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a general indicator of hospital quality. A 5-star rating represents the highest quality, while a 1-star rating indicates the lowest. SAMC and MCE have 3-star ratings, while Flowers Hospital has a 4-star rating. These ratings should be considered alongside other factors, such as the hospital's cardiology services, emergency room wait times, and telehealth capabilities.

**Comparing the Options: A Hypertension Score Framework**

To provide a more concrete assessment, we can create a simplified "Hypertension Score" framework, considering key factors:

* **CMS Star Rating:** (Weight: 25%) Higher rating = Higher score.
* **Cardiology Services:** (Weight: 30%) Breadth and depth of cardiology services, including interventional cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and specialized clinics.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** (Weight: 20%) Availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient portal access.
* **ER Wait Times:** (Weight: 15%) Shorter wait times = Higher score.
* **Accessibility:** (Weight: 10%) Proximity to Enterprise (36374) and ease of access.

**Applying the Score:**

* **Flowers Hospital (Dothan):** High score due to 4-star rating, strong cardiology services, and robust telehealth. Accessibility is slightly lower due to location.
* **Southeast Alabama Medical Center (Dothan):** Good score due to 3-star rating, strong cardiology services, and telehealth options. Accessibility is slightly lower due to location.
* **Medical Center Enterprise (Enterprise):** Moderate score. Accessibility is high, but cardiology services are more limited. Telehealth is developing.

**Conclusion: Making the Right Choice**

For hypertension patients near Enterprise, Alabama, the best hospital choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Flowers Hospital in Dothan appears to offer the highest overall quality of care, based on its 4-star rating and robust cardiology services. SAMC in Dothan is also a strong contender. Medical Center Enterprise offers the convenience of local access, but its cardiology services are more limited. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, consult with their primary care physician, and research the specific services offered by each hospital before making a decision. Telehealth is an increasingly important tool for managing hypertension, and patients should prioritize hospitals with well-developed telehealth programs. Finally, always be prepared for potential ER wait times, especially during peak hours.