42223, Fort Campbell, Kentucky Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 42223, Fort Campbell, Kentucky is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Help: A Look at Hospitals Near Hopkinsville, KY (ZIP Code 42223)

Navigating hypertension, or high blood pressure, requires consistent care. Choosing the right hospital for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management is crucial. This review focuses on hospitals accessible to residents of Hopkinsville, Kentucky (ZIP code 42223), providing a factual overview of their capabilities and performance metrics related to hypertension care. This information is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your physician for personalized recommendations.

**Regional Overview and Considerations**

Hopkinsville, Kentucky, is located in Christian County, a rural area with access to both local and regional healthcare providers. The proximity to larger cities like Nashville, Tennessee, expands the potential options for specialized care. When evaluating hospitals, consider factors like accessibility, insurance coverage, and the availability of specific specialists and programs.

**Local Hospital: Jennie Stuart Medical Center**

Jennie Stuart Medical Center (JSMC), a member of the Pennyrile Allied Community Services (PACS) healthcare system, serves as the primary hospital for Hopkinsville residents. JSMC is a 274-bed facility offering a range of services, including cardiology and internal medicine, essential for hypertension management. While specific CMS star ratings are not publicly available for JSMC, it's essential to assess the hospital's commitment to quality through other means.

JSMC's cardiology department provides services for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Patients can expect to receive services such as EKGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests. The hospital also offers a cardiac rehabilitation program to help patients recover and manage their condition.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, especially during a hypertensive crisis. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, resources like the "ER Wait Times" website or the hospital's website may provide estimated wait times. It's crucial to note that these are estimates and can vary based on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

When evaluating a hospital for hypertension care, look for dedicated specialty centers or programs. These programs often provide a multidisciplinary approach, involving cardiologists, primary care physicians, nurses, and other specialists. JSMC offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, which is crucial for hypertension management.

**Telehealth Capabilities**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Telehealth allows patients to remotely consult with physicians, monitor their blood pressure, and receive medication management. While specific telehealth statistics for JSMC are not readily available, it's worth inquiring about the hospital's telehealth offerings, including virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring programs.

**Regional Options: Expanding the Scope**

Residents of Hopkinsville may also consider hospitals in nearby cities, particularly Nashville, Tennessee, which offers a broader range of specialized services.

**Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN)**

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is a major academic medical center in Nashville, approximately a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Hopkinsville. VUMC is a highly-rated hospital with a strong reputation for cardiology and cardiovascular care. VUMC has consistently achieved high ratings from U.S. News & World Report.

VUMC's cardiology department is nationally recognized and offers comprehensive services for hypertension management, including advanced diagnostic procedures, interventional cardiology, and cardiac surgery. The hospital has a dedicated hypertension clinic and offers specialized programs for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.

**CMS Star Ratings:** VUMC has a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

**ER Wait Times:** VUMC's ER wait times can vary. Real-time information can be found on their website.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** VUMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and other telehealth services. This can be beneficial for patients managing hypertension, allowing for convenient follow-up appointments and medication management.

**Specialty Centers:** VUMC boasts numerous specialty centers, including a dedicated cardiology center with a focus on hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

**Saint Thomas Hospital (Nashville, TN)**

Saint Thomas Hospital, part of Ascension, is another option in Nashville, offering a comprehensive range of medical services. It is approximately a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Hopkinsville.

**CMS Star Ratings:** Saint Thomas Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times vary; check their website for real-time updates.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Saint Thomas Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring.

**Specialty Centers:** Saint Thomas Hospital has a cardiology department providing hypertension care.

**Other Considerations for Hypertension Care**

Beyond the hospital, consider the following:

* **Primary Care Physician:** Your primary care physician is your first point of contact for hypertension management. They can monitor your blood pressure, prescribe medications, and refer you to specialists if needed.
* **Cardiologist:** A cardiologist specializes in heart and blood vessel health. They can provide specialized care for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
* **Lifestyle Modifications:** Lifestyle changes are critical in managing hypertension. These include a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and stress reduction.
* **Medication Adherence:** Taking your prescribed medications as directed is crucial. Work with your doctor to manage any side effects and ensure you're taking the right medication at the right dose.
* **Patient Education:** Understanding your condition and treatment plan is essential. Ask your doctor questions and seek reliable information about hypertension.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care is a personal decision. For residents of Hopkinsville, Kentucky (ZIP code 42223), Jennie Stuart Medical Center provides local access to essential services. However, the proximity to Nashville, Tennessee, expands the options to include highly-rated hospitals like Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Saint Thomas Hospital, offering specialized cardiology services and advanced treatment options. Evaluating the hospital's cardiology department, telehealth capabilities, ER wait times, and overall reputation is crucial. Remember to consult with your physician to determine the best course of action for your individual needs and preferences. This review provides a factual overview of the hospitals near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and is intended to be used for informational purposes only.