20240, Washington, District of Columbia Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 20240, Washington, District of Columbia is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Washington, D.C. (ZIP Code 20240)

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires careful consideration. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near the 20240 ZIP code, home to the U.S. Department of State, focusing on factors crucial for hypertension patients: quality of care, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Defining the Scope:**

The 20240 ZIP code is centrally located in Washington, D.C., and this analysis will primarily focus on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering the potential for emergency situations and the need for regular follow-up appointments. We will examine hospitals known for cardiovascular care, their performance metrics, and the availability of services relevant to hypertension management.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

A key indicator of hospital quality is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating. These ratings, based on a five-star scale, provide a general overview of a hospital's performance across various quality measures.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital:** Located at 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Georgetown University Hospital is a prominent facility serving the area. While CMS star ratings can fluctuate, it's crucial to check the most recent data on the CMS website. Georgetown is known for its robust cardiology department and is a teaching hospital, often attracting highly specialized physicians.

**MedStar Washington Hospital Center:** Situated at 110 Irving Street NW, the Washington Hospital Center is another major player in the region. Like Georgetown, its CMS star rating is subject to change, but it's a significant healthcare provider with a large cardiovascular program. The hospital has a comprehensive cardiac care center and is a major trauma center.

**Sibley Memorial Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine):** Located at 5255 Loughboro Road NW, Sibley Memorial Hospital, part of the Johns Hopkins Medicine network, is another option. While its CMS star rating should be verified, its affiliation with Johns Hopkins often signifies access to advanced treatments and research.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital:** Although technically outside of the immediate D.C. area, Inova Fairfax Hospital, located in Falls Church, Virginia (approximately a 20-minute drive), is a major regional hospital. Inova Fairfax often has a high CMS star rating and is known for its advanced cardiac care and comprehensive services.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

Emergency room wait times are critical, especially for patients experiencing hypertensive crises or related complications. Data on ER wait times is publicly available through sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website and individual hospital websites. However, these are averages and can vary based on the time of day and the severity of the case.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital:** Typically, Georgetown's ER wait times can fluctuate, but patients should be prepared for potential delays. The hospital's location in a busy area contributes to this.

**MedStar Washington Hospital Center:** As a major trauma center, the Washington Hospital Center's ER often experiences high patient volumes. It's essential to check real-time wait times if possible.

**Sibley Memorial Hospital:** Sibley's ER wait times may be shorter than those of larger hospitals, but this can vary.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital:** Inova Fairfax, due to its size and efficiency, often has relatively shorter ER wait times compared to hospitals in the immediate D.C. area.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension-Specific Services:**

Beyond general cardiology, hospitals should offer specialized services for hypertension management. These include:

* **Cardiology Clinics:** Regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling are vital.
* **Vascular Centers:** Addressing potential complications like peripheral artery disease.
* **Nephrology Departments:** Hypertension often impacts kidney function.
* **Endocrinology Departments:** Investigating underlying hormonal causes of hypertension.
* **Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs:** These programs aid in recovery after cardiac events and promote cardiovascular health.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital:** Georgetown's cardiology department is well-regarded. They offer comprehensive cardiac care, including specialized clinics for hypertension management and access to advanced imaging and interventional procedures.

**MedStar Washington Hospital Center:** The Washington Hospital Center's cardiac care center provides a full spectrum of services, including specialized hypertension clinics, vascular services, and cardiac rehabilitation.

**Sibley Memorial Hospital:** Sibley, as part of the Johns Hopkins network, offers access to advanced cardiology expertise. They likely have specialized clinics and resources for hypertension management.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital:** Inova Fairfax has a strong cardiovascular program with a focus on advanced treatments. They offer specialized clinics and resources for hypertension management.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) allows healthcare providers to track blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and other vital signs remotely.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital:** Georgetown likely offers telehealth services for cardiology patients, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs.

**MedStar Washington Hospital Center:** The Washington Hospital Center likely offers telehealth options for cardiology patients, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs.

**Sibley Memorial Hospital:** Sibley, with its Johns Hopkins affiliation, likely offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital:** Inova Fairfax has been a leader in telehealth adoption. They likely offer extensive telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs.

**Data on Telehealth Usage:**

Specific data on telehealth usage rates, such as the number of virtual appointments or the percentage of patients enrolled in RPM programs, is often proprietary. However, patients should inquire about the availability of these services during their initial consultations.

**Hospital-Specific Considerations:**

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital:**

* **Strengths:** Strong cardiology department, teaching hospital, access to cutting-edge treatments.
* **Weaknesses:** Potential for longer ER wait times.

**MedStar Washington Hospital Center:**

* **Strengths:** Comprehensive cardiac care center, major trauma center.
* **Weaknesses:** High patient volume, potential for longer ER wait times.

**Sibley Memorial Hospital:**

* **Strengths:** Johns Hopkins affiliation, potentially shorter ER wait times.
* **Weaknesses:** May have fewer specialized services than larger hospitals.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital:**

* **Strengths:** Strong CMS rating, advanced cardiac care, potentially shorter ER wait times.
* **Weaknesses:** Located outside the immediate D.C. area, requiring travel.

**Additional Factors:**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Physician Availability:** Ensure that cardiologists and other specialists are accepting new patients.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews to gauge patient experiences.
* **Hospital Accreditation:** Verify that the hospital is accredited by a recognized organization, such as The Joint Commission.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management requires careful research and consideration of individual needs. Hospitals near the 20240 ZIP code offer a range of options, from flagship institutions like Georgetown and Washington Hospital Center to the potentially more accessible Inova Fairfax. Patients should prioritize hospitals with strong cardiology departments, specialized services, and convenient access, including telehealth options. Regularly checking CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and confirming insurance coverage are essential steps in making an informed decision. Consulting with a primary care physician or cardiologist is crucial to determine the best fit for individual healthcare needs. This review provides a starting point for navigating the healthcare landscape and making informed choices for hypertension management.