41774, Viper, Kentucky Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 41774, Viper, Kentucky is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 41774

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires access to reliable, high-quality medical facilities. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 41774, providing a fact-rich overview to help individuals make informed decisions regarding their hypertension care. We'll examine key factors, including hospital ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, all critical elements in assessing the quality and accessibility of care.

**Proximity and Scope:**

ZIP code 41774, encompassing the city of Whitesburg, Kentucky, is situated in a geographically challenging area. This impacts the availability of healthcare, requiring residents to often travel to access specialized services. The hospitals reviewed here are those that are reasonably accessible, considering travel time and the presence of essential services for hypertension management.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a valuable, albeit simplified, metric of overall quality. While no single hospital near 41774 boasts a five-star rating, understanding the ratings of nearby facilities is crucial.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** Located directly within the 41774 ZIP code, Whitesburg ARH Hospital is a primary care facility. Its CMS star rating is a key indicator of its overall performance. The hospital provides essential services, including emergency care and basic medical management. The hospital is a critical access point for the community.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** Located in Hazard, Kentucky, this facility is a larger regional hospital. It offers a broader range of services than the Whitesburg ARH Hospital. The CMS star rating for Hazard ARH reflects its overall performance. The hospital is a vital referral center for more complex cases.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management:**

Effective hypertension management often requires access to specialized care. This includes cardiology services, nephrology (renal care), and endocrinology (hormone-related conditions). Assessing the availability of these specialties is crucial.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** This facility has limited specialist availability. Patients with complex hypertension cases may need to be referred to other facilities.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** This hospital provides a more extensive range of specialist services. It has a cardiology department that is central to hypertension management. The hospital also has nephrology and endocrinology services. This makes it a more comprehensive resource for hypertension patients.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises or related complications. Shorter wait times can significantly impact patient outcomes.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** ER wait times at Whitesburg ARH Hospital are a critical factor for the community. They can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** Hazard ARH has a larger ER, but wait times can still be significant. The hospital's website often provides real-time or estimated wait times.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources remotely. This is particularly important for managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** Telehealth options are available, offering virtual consultations with physicians and specialists. The availability of telehealth can reduce the need for in-person visits.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** Hazard ARH has expanded its telehealth offerings. This includes virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs. The hospital is making efforts to integrate telehealth into its hypertension management protocols.

**Hospital Infrastructure and Resources:**

Beyond specific services, the overall infrastructure of a hospital is a key factor. This includes the availability of diagnostic equipment, laboratory services, and pharmacy support.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** The hospital has essential diagnostic tools, including imaging and laboratory services. The pharmacy provides necessary medications.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** This hospital has a more comprehensive infrastructure, including advanced imaging technology and a full-service laboratory. It has a larger pharmacy, providing a wider range of medications.

**Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs:**

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are essential for patients recovering from heart-related events, including those related to uncontrolled hypertension. These programs help patients improve their cardiovascular health.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** This facility may have limited cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients might need to seek these services elsewhere.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** This hospital offers cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support.

**Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores offer valuable insights into the patient experience. These reviews often highlight aspects of care that are not captured in objective metrics.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** Patient reviews can be found on various online platforms. Reviews highlight the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** Patient reviews are available online, providing feedback on the quality of care, wait times, and the overall patient experience.

**Medication Management and Pharmacy Services:**

Effective hypertension management requires careful medication management. This includes access to a pharmacy, medication education, and adherence support.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** The hospital has a pharmacy that dispenses medications. The hospital staff provides medication education.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** The hospital has a larger pharmacy with a broader range of medications. The hospital's pharmacy staff provides medication counseling and adherence support.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility is a key factor, especially in a rural area. This includes the availability of transportation options.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** The hospital is easily accessible to residents of Whitesburg. Transportation options may be limited for those living outside the immediate area.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** The hospital is accessible, but transportation can be a challenge for some patients. The hospital may offer transportation assistance programs.

**Community Health Initiatives and Outreach:**

Hospitals often engage in community health initiatives. These initiatives can include hypertension screening programs, educational workshops, and outreach events.

**Southeast Kentucky Health System - Whitesburg ARH Hospital:** The hospital may participate in community health initiatives. This may include health screenings and educational programs.

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:** The hospital is involved in community health initiatives. This includes hypertension awareness campaigns and health screenings.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care near ZIP code 41774 requires careful consideration of multiple factors. While Whitesburg ARH Hospital provides essential services within the immediate area, Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center offers a more comprehensive range of specialized services, particularly in cardiology and related areas. The availability of telehealth options is also a crucial factor. Residents should weigh these factors against their individual needs, considering travel time, specialist availability, and the overall patient experience. Thorough research and consultation with a primary care physician are essential steps in making an informed decision about hypertension care. The information provided here serves as a starting point for that process.