01515, East Brookfield, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 01515, East Brookfield, Massachusetts is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare for High Blood Pressure Near 01515

Finding the right healthcare for managing hypertension is crucial, and proximity to quality care is a significant factor. This review assesses hospitals near the ZIP code 01515 (Grafton, MA) focusing on their capabilities in treating high blood pressure, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings. This information aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help residents make informed decisions about their cardiovascular health.

**Proximity and Key Players:**

The 01515 ZIP code is strategically located within a region with access to several prominent healthcare institutions. While no hospitals are *directly* within the 01515 ZIP code, residents have convenient access to facilities in surrounding towns. The primary players in this area include UMass Memorial Health – University Campus in Worcester, and Milford Regional Medical Center.

**UMass Memorial Health – University Campus (Worcester): A Flagship Institution**

UMass Memorial Health – University Campus, located approximately 15-20 minutes from Grafton, is a major teaching hospital and a significant healthcare provider for the region. As a flagship hospital, it offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive cardiology and cardiovascular care, essential for hypertension management.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UMass Memorial Health – University Campus currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a hospital's overall quality of care, based on various metrics including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's essential to delve deeper into specific departments and services to understand their performance in treating hypertension.

* **Cardiology Department:** The cardiology department at UMass Memorial is well-regarded, offering a full spectrum of services, including diagnostic testing (echocardiograms, stress tests), interventional cardiology (angioplasty, stenting), and electrophysiology (for arrhythmias). Their focus on comprehensive cardiovascular care makes them a strong option for hypertension patients who may have related complications.

* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times are a crucial consideration, especially in a cardiovascular emergency. While specific wait times fluctuate, UMass Memorial Health – University Campus generally experiences moderate ER wait times. Checking real-time wait times through the hospital's website or third-party apps like Google Maps is advisable before heading to the ER.

* **Telehealth Capabilities:** UMass Memorial Health has expanded its telehealth services, including virtual visits for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring of blood pressure. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for hypertension patients, providing convenient access to healthcare professionals for regular check-ins and medication adjustments. The availability of these services can be verified on their website.

**Milford Regional Medical Center: A Community-Focused Option**

Milford Regional Medical Center, located approximately 15-20 minutes from Grafton, is another significant healthcare provider in the region. It offers a more community-focused approach while still providing comprehensive services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Milford Regional Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS. This higher rating suggests a better overall quality of care compared to UMass Memorial – University Campus. This is a significant factor when considering hospital options.

* **Cardiology Services:** Milford Regional offers cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and treatment for various heart conditions. While not as extensive as UMass Memorial's offerings, they provide essential care for hypertension patients, including medication management and monitoring.

* **Emergency Room:** Milford Regional generally has shorter ER wait times compared to larger hospitals like UMass Memorial. This can be a significant advantage in emergency situations. Checking real-time wait times is always recommended.

* **Telehealth:** Milford Regional has also invested in telehealth services, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring options. These services can be valuable for managing hypertension and providing convenient access to healthcare professionals. Information on specific telehealth offerings can be found on their website.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

Both UMass Memorial and Milford Regional offer specialized programs that may be relevant to hypertension patients.

* **UMass Memorial:** Has specialized heart and vascular centers, which provide comprehensive care for various cardiovascular conditions. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams of cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and other specialists.

* **Milford Regional:** While not having a dedicated "heart center" in the same vein, Milford Regional provides comprehensive cardiology services with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Physician Availability:** The availability of cardiologists and primary care physicians accepting new patients is crucial. Researching physician networks and insurance coverage before choosing a hospital is essential.

* **Patient Reviews:** Reading patient reviews on websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital.

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its physicians accept your insurance plan.

* **Medication Management:** Both hospitals offer medication management services, including medication reconciliation and education on proper medication usage.

**Comparative Analysis and Recommendations:**

* **For Comprehensive Care:** UMass Memorial Health – University Campus, with its flagship status and extensive cardiology department, is a strong choice for patients with complex hypertension or related cardiovascular conditions.

* **For Shorter Wait Times and Community Focus:** Milford Regional Medical Center, with its higher CMS star rating and generally shorter ER wait times, is an excellent option for patients seeking a more community-focused healthcare experience.

* **Telehealth Integration:** Both hospitals offer telehealth services, which can enhance hypertension management through convenient access to healthcare professionals.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of the 01515 ZIP code have access to quality healthcare options for managing hypertension. UMass Memorial Health – University Campus and Milford Regional Medical Center are the primary hospitals serving this area, each offering unique strengths. Careful consideration of factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, telehealth capabilities, and personal preferences will help residents make informed decisions about their cardiovascular health. It's recommended to consult with a primary care physician or cardiologist to determine the best healthcare plan for individual needs. Regular blood pressure monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are critical components of effective hypertension management, regardless of the chosen healthcare provider.