01337, Bernardston, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 01337, Bernardston, Massachusetts is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Havens: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 01337

Finding the right hospital for hypertension management can be crucial, especially in a region with diverse healthcare options. This review focuses on hospitals in close proximity to ZIP code 01337 (Greenfield, Massachusetts) and provides a fact-rich overview of their capabilities, focusing on metrics relevant to hypertension care.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Choice**

Greenfield, Massachusetts, sits in a region with a mix of community hospitals and larger, regional medical centers. Residents of 01337 have several options, but the quality of hypertension care can vary significantly. This review will help navigate the landscape, highlighting key strengths and weaknesses of each institution.

**Baystate Franklin Medical Center (Greenfield, MA)**

Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC) is the closest hospital to 01337, making it a primary choice for many Greenfield residents. As a community hospital, it provides a range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, and internal medicine, all crucial for hypertension management.

* **CMS Star Rating:** BFMC currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Department:** The emergency department at BFMC is a critical access point for patients experiencing hypertensive crises or related complications. Data on wait times is crucial. Unfortunately, publicly available data on specific ER wait times at BFMC can fluctuate. However, local reports often reflect wait times that align with the regional average for similar facilities.
* **Cardiology Services:** BFMC has a cardiology department that handles hypertension cases. It provides diagnostic testing, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiograms, to assess heart health.
* **Telehealth:** BFMC has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, which can be particularly helpful for follow-up appointments and medication management for hypertension patients. Specific data on the utilization rates of telehealth services for hypertension management at BFMC is not readily available, but the hospital is actively promoting these services.

**Cooley Dickinson Hospital (Northampton, MA)**

Located approximately 30 minutes south of Greenfield, Cooley Dickinson Hospital is another option for residents of 01337. This hospital is part of the Mass General Brigham network, which can provide access to a wider range of specialists and resources.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Cooley Dickinson Hospital currently has a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher overall quality of care compared to BFMC.
* **Emergency Department:** Cooley Dickinson's emergency department is a vital resource. Publicly available data on ER wait times at Cooley Dickinson Hospital varies, but it generally aligns with regional averages.
* **Cardiology Services:** Cooley Dickinson has a robust cardiology department, offering comprehensive services for hypertension patients. This includes advanced imaging and interventional procedures.
* **Specialty Centers:** Cooley Dickinson's affiliation with Mass General Brigham opens access to specialists and specialized care. This can be particularly advantageous for patients with complex hypertension cases or co-existing conditions.
* **Telehealth:** Cooley Dickinson, as part of Mass General Brigham, has a well-established telehealth program. It provides virtual appointments and remote monitoring options for hypertension patients, contributing to better medication adherence and improved outcomes. Specific data on the utilization of telehealth for hypertension management is available through the Mass General Brigham network.

**UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital (Southbridge, MA)**

While a bit further away, UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital is another option for residents of 01337, especially for those seeking specialized care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Department:** The emergency department is available for urgent care. Data on ER wait times is available through public sources.
* **Cardiology Services:** Harrington Hospital has a cardiology department that provides diagnostic and treatment services for hypertension and related conditions.
* **Specialty Centers:** Harrington Hospital offers specialized services, which may be beneficial for patients with complex hypertension or co-existing conditions.
* **Telehealth:** Harrington Hospital has expanded its telehealth services, which can be used for follow-up appointments and medication management. Data on the utilization of telehealth for hypertension management is available.

**Key Considerations for Hypertension Patients**

When selecting a hospital for hypertension management, several factors are crucial:

* **Cardiology Expertise:** The availability of experienced cardiologists and access to advanced diagnostic tools are essential.
* **Emergency Department Access:** Rapid access to emergency care is vital for managing hypertensive crises.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth can improve medication adherence and provide convenient follow-up care.
* **Specialty Care:** For patients with complex cases or co-existing conditions, access to specialists is critical.
* **Patient Experience:** Consider patient satisfaction scores and reviews to gauge the overall quality of care.

**Comparing the Options: A Quick Glance**

* **Baystate Franklin Medical Center:** Convenient location, but a lower CMS star rating compared to Cooley Dickinson. Focus on community care.
* **Cooley Dickinson Hospital:** Higher CMS star rating, access to Mass General Brigham resources, potentially longer travel time.
* **UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital:** Another option for specialized care, but further away.

**Data Limitations and Future Trends**

It's important to note that publicly available data on specific metrics like ER wait times and telehealth utilization can fluctuate and may not always be fully comprehensive. However, hospitals are increasingly transparent about their performance, and data is constantly evolving.

Telehealth is rapidly changing healthcare. Hospitals are investing heavily in virtual care platforms, remote monitoring technologies, and digital health tools. This trend is expected to continue, providing more convenient and accessible care for hypertension patients.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

For residents of 01337, the choice of hospital for hypertension management depends on individual needs and preferences. Baystate Franklin Medical Center offers the convenience of proximity. Cooley Dickinson Hospital provides access to a broader network and a higher CMS star rating. UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital is another option. Patients should consider their individual circumstances, consult with their primary care physicians, and research the available resources at each hospital to make the best decision for their health.