41825, Jackhorn, Kentucky Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 41825, Jackhorn, Kentucky is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Hazard, KY (41825)

Finding the right healthcare, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, is crucial. This review provides an in-depth look at hospitals near Hazard, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41825), focusing on their capabilities in hypertension management, accessibility, and overall quality of care. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options, providing a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" perspective for residents in the area.

**Proximity and Accessibility: The Initial Hurdle**

The primary challenge for residents in and around Hazard, KY, is often geographical. The region is characterized by mountainous terrain, which can limit access to healthcare facilities. Therefore, the distance to a hospital and the ease of travel are critical factors in the overall "Hypertension Score."

**Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center: A Local Hub**

Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center serves as a primary healthcare provider for the community. While it’s a vital resource, its CMS star rating is unavailable. This lack of rating makes a direct comparison to other hospitals challenging. However, the hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology, which is essential for hypertension management. The availability of cardiologists and access to diagnostic tools like echocardiograms and stress tests are key considerations for patients. Emergency room wait times, a crucial factor in the "Hypertension Score," should be monitored. Long wait times can exacerbate existing health conditions. Information on average wait times is crucial for patients.

**Specialized Cardiac Care: The Need for Expertise**

For individuals with complex hypertension or related cardiovascular issues, access to specialized cardiac care is paramount. This includes access to interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and cardiac rehabilitation programs. The availability of these specialists and programs directly impacts the "Hypertension Score."

**Telehealth: Bridging the Gap**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. They offer a way to access specialist consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring. The availability and accessibility of telehealth options significantly enhance the "Hypertension Score." The ability to have virtual appointments with cardiologists, receive remote blood pressure monitoring, and get medication refills electronically can greatly improve patient outcomes and convenience. Assessing the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered, and the ease of use for patients is essential.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's efficiency and its ability to handle acute medical situations. For individuals experiencing a hypertensive crisis or other cardiovascular emergencies, prompt medical attention is critical. Long wait times can lead to adverse outcomes. Data on average ER wait times at Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center and other nearby hospitals should be readily available.

**Beyond the Hospital Walls: Ancillary Services**

The "Hypertension Score" extends beyond the hospital itself. Access to outpatient clinics, pharmacies, and support groups is also important. The availability of these ancillary services contributes to a more comprehensive approach to hypertension management.

**Comparing Options: Beyond Hazard**

While Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center is the local hub, it's important to explore other options, even if they are further away. This requires considering travel time, transportation options, and the specific services offered by each hospital.

**University of Kentucky Healthcare: A Regional Powerhouse**

The University of Kentucky Healthcare system, located in Lexington, KY, is a major regional healthcare provider. While the distance from Hazard is significant (approximately 100 miles), it offers a comprehensive range of services, including specialized cardiac care. The University of Kentucky Hospital, the flagship hospital of the system, has a CMS star rating, which can be used for comparison. The hospital's cardiology department is known for its advanced treatments and research. However, the longer travel time and potential for higher costs need to be considered. Telehealth services offered by UK Healthcare could be a viable option for some patients, mitigating the need for frequent in-person visits. Information on average ER wait times at UK Healthcare facilities is also crucial.

**St. Joseph Hospital: A Lexington Alternative**

St. Joseph Hospital, also in Lexington, KY, is another option. It's part of the CHI Saint Joseph Health system. St. Joseph also has a CMS star rating, which is a helpful indicator of quality. The hospital offers a range of cardiac services, and the distance from Hazard is similar to that of the University of Kentucky Healthcare system. Comparing the services offered, the CMS star ratings, and ER wait times between UK Healthcare and St. Joseph Hospital is critical for making an informed decision.

**Baptist Health Lexington: Another Lexington Choice**

Baptist Health Lexington is another major hospital in Lexington, KY. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology. Like the other Lexington hospitals, Baptist Health Lexington is approximately 100 miles from Hazard. The hospital has a CMS star rating. Comparing the services offered, the CMS star ratings, and ER wait times between UK Healthcare, St. Joseph, and Baptist Health Lexington is critical for making an informed decision.

**Factors in the "Hypertension Score" Calculation**

The "Hypertension Score" for each hospital should consider the following factors:

* **CMS Star Rating:** A general indicator of overall quality.
* **Cardiology Services:** Availability of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and cardiac rehabilitation programs.
* **ER Wait Times:** Average wait times for emergency room visits.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Availability of telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management.
* **Accessibility:** Distance from Hazard, transportation options, and ease of access.
* **Ancillary Services:** Access to outpatient clinics, pharmacies, and support groups.
* **Cost of Care:** Insurance acceptance and out-of-pocket expenses.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management requires careful consideration of these factors. Residents of Hazard, KY, should weigh the convenience of local options like Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center against the potential benefits of specialized care and comprehensive services offered by hospitals in Lexington, KY. Consulting with a primary care physician and a cardiologist is crucial in making an informed decision. Gathering data on ER wait times, telehealth options, and the specific services offered by each hospital is essential.

**Conclusion: A Personalized Approach**

The "Hypertension Score" is not a single number but a framework for evaluating healthcare options. It emphasizes the importance of access, specialized care, and patient convenience. Residents of Hazard, KY, should use this information to make informed decisions about their healthcare, prioritizing their individual needs and preferences. The best hospital is the one that provides the highest quality of care, is accessible, and meets the specific needs of the individual patient. The evaluation of each hospital should be ongoing, as healthcare services and quality can change.