02186, Milton, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 02186, Milton, Massachusetts is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Weymouth, MA (ZIP Code 02186)

Finding the right hospital for hypertension management near Weymouth, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02186) requires a careful assessment of various factors. This review delves into the landscape of local healthcare providers, focusing on their capabilities in treating hypertension, as well as providing insights into emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about your health.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The cornerstone of healthcare in the region is the presence of several major hospitals. These institutions often serve as referral centers and offer a wider range of services than smaller facilities. Understanding their performance is key.

**South Shore Hospital (Weymouth, MA):** Located within the 02186 ZIP code, South Shore Hospital is a vital resource. It is a large community hospital and a major employer in the area. The hospital is part of the South Shore Health system. As of late 2023, South Shore Hospital 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, and patient experience. Patients should understand that CMS ratings are a snapshot in time, and individual experiences may vary.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth (Plymouth, MA):** Located a short drive south, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth is another significant player. While not directly within the 02186 ZIP code, its proximity makes it a viable option for residents of Weymouth. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA):** For more complex cases or access to specialized expertise, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston is a leading option. MGH is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation and has a 5-star CMS rating. The hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Accessing MGH may involve a longer travel time and potential referral requirements.

**Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA):** Another world-renowned hospital in Boston, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is also a strong contender. Like MGH, BWH offers a comprehensive range of services and is known for its research and innovation. BWH also holds a 5-star CMS rating.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, particularly when dealing with potential hypertensive crises. Long wait times can exacerbate health risks. Publicly available data on ER wait times is often limited, but some resources provide insights.

**South Shore Hospital:** As a local hospital, South Shore Hospital's ER wait times are of particular interest to Weymouth residents. Data from third-party sources, such as ProPublica’s Hospital Compare, can offer a general idea of wait times. However, it is important to note that these are averages and can fluctuate significantly based on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth:** Similar to South Shore Hospital, wait times at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth are worth investigating. Online resources and hospital websites may provide some information, though it is often limited.

**Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital:** Due to their high volume of patients and specialized care, ER wait times at MGH and BWH can be longer. Patients should be prepared for potentially extended wait times, especially if their condition is not considered life-threatening.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management**

Effective hypertension management often requires access to specialized care. This includes cardiology departments, nephrology units (for kidney-related hypertension), and endocrinology clinics (for hormone-related hypertension).

**South Shore Hospital:** South Shore Hospital has a cardiology department that provides comprehensive cardiac care, including the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. They also offer access to nephrology services.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth:** Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth also has a cardiology department and nephrology services.

**Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital:** MGH and BWH have world-class cardiology and nephrology departments, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options. They also have specialized hypertension clinics.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Remote monitoring allows healthcare providers to track patients' blood pressure and other vital signs remotely, enabling proactive intervention and improved management.

**South Shore Hospital:** South Shore Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years. They offer virtual visits for certain follow-up appointments and consultations. Patients should inquire about specific telehealth options for hypertension management.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth:** Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth also offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs.

**Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital:** MGH and BWH have robust telehealth programs, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools. These hospitals are often at the forefront of telehealth innovation.

**Key Considerations for Choosing a Hospital**

Several factors should guide your decision-making process:

* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to the hospital, especially in an emergency.
* **Specialty Expertise:** Assess the hospital's cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology departments.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Use the CMS star rating as a general indicator of quality, but understand its limitations.
* **ER Wait Times:** Investigate available data on ER wait times.
* **Telehealth Options:** Explore telehealth services for convenience and remote monitoring.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital and its specialists are within your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Research patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the hospital's reputation and patient satisfaction.

**Additional Information**

**Physician Availability:** Access to a primary care physician who can manage your hypertension and refer you to specialists is crucial. Check physician directories and insurance websites for providers accepting new patients.

**Medication Access:** Ensure easy access to pharmacies that can fill your hypertension prescriptions. Consider pharmacies located near your chosen hospital or primary care physician.

**Lifestyle Support:** Look for hospitals that offer programs for lifestyle modifications, such as nutrition counseling and exercise programs.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape near Weymouth, MA (ZIP code 02186) requires careful research and consideration. South Shore Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brigham and Women's Hospital all offer options for hypertension management. By assessing CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities, patients can make informed decisions to ensure they receive the best possible care. Remember to prioritize proximity, specialty expertise, and access to a primary care physician. Regular monitoring and proactive management are essential for controlling hypertension and improving overall health.