02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 02764**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires careful consideration of available resources. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 02764 (Seekonk, Massachusetts), evaluating their suitability for hypertension care based on factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings. The goal is to provide a factual overview to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Proximity and Options**

The area surrounding Seekonk, MA, offers a range of hospital options, primarily concentrated in nearby cities like Providence, Rhode Island, and Taunton, Massachusetts. These hospitals vary in size, specialty focus, and overall performance. Residents have a choice, and the best option depends on individual needs and preferences.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

A crucial indicator of hospital quality is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system. This system evaluates hospitals based on various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. Hospitals with higher star ratings generally demonstrate a higher level of overall quality.

One prominent hospital option is **Rhode Island Hospital** in Providence, RI. This is a large, tertiary care center and a major teaching hospital. Its CMS star rating is a good starting point for evaluation. Rhode Island Hospital boasts specialized cardiology services, which are crucial for hypertension management. The hospital's cardiology department provides comprehensive care, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and interventional procedures.

Another significant player in the region is **Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island**, also in Providence. While its primary focus is on women's health, it also offers specialized cardiology services. The hospital's affiliation with Brown University provides access to leading-edge research and treatment options.

In Taunton, Massachusetts, **Morton Hospital** is a community hospital that provides a range of services. Its CMS star rating is a key factor to consider. Morton Hospital offers cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and treatment for hypertension and related conditions.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, especially in a hypertensive crisis. Shorter wait times can mean quicker access to potentially life-saving treatment. While specific wait times fluctuate, resources like ProPublica's ER wait time tracker and hospital websites can provide valuable data. Checking these resources regularly is recommended.

Rhode Island Hospital, being a major trauma center, often experiences higher ER volumes, which can impact wait times. Morton Hospital, being a smaller facility, might offer shorter wait times, but this can vary.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Care**

Beyond general cardiology departments, specialized centers can significantly enhance hypertension care. These centers often have dedicated teams of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with expertise in managing complex cases.

Rhode Island Hospital's cardiology department is well-equipped to handle complex hypertension cases. They have specialists in various subfields of cardiology, including hypertension management.

Morton Hospital's cardiology services, while smaller, still provide essential care for hypertension.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, facilitating medication adjustments, monitoring blood pressure, and providing education.

Rhode Island Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring programs. These programs can be especially beneficial for patients with hypertension, allowing them to track their blood pressure at home and receive timely feedback from their healthcare providers.

Morton Hospital is also expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring.

**Hospital-Specific Considerations**

Beyond the general factors, each hospital has unique strengths and weaknesses.

Rhode Island Hospital, as a major teaching hospital, often has access to the latest research and treatment protocols. However, its large size can sometimes lead to longer wait times and a less personalized experience.

Morton Hospital, as a community hospital, offers a more intimate setting and potentially shorter wait times. However, its resources may be more limited compared to larger facilities.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences**

Patient reviews and experiences provide valuable insights into the quality of care at each hospital. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews offer a platform for patients to share their experiences, including their satisfaction with the care they received, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall quality of the facilities.

**Access to Medications and Support**

The availability of medications and support services is crucial for managing hypertension. Hospitals should have well-stocked pharmacies and provide access to patient education resources.

Rhode Island Hospital has a comprehensive pharmacy and provides educational materials on hypertension management.

Morton Hospital also has pharmacy services and offers patient education programs.

**Physician Availability and Expertise**

The expertise of the physicians treating hypertension is paramount. Patients should research the qualifications and experience of the cardiologists and other healthcare providers at each hospital.

Rhode Island Hospital has a large team of cardiologists with diverse specializations.

Morton Hospital has a team of cardiologists, and their experience can be evaluated through online resources.

**Cost and Insurance Coverage**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are important considerations. Patients should check with their insurance providers to determine which hospitals are in their network and what their out-of-pocket expenses will be.

Rhode Island Hospital and Morton Hospital accept most major insurance plans.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care near ZIP code 02764 requires a careful evaluation of several factors. Rhode Island Hospital offers comprehensive cardiology services and access to cutting-edge research. Morton Hospital provides a more community-focused environment. Residents should consider their individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when making their decision. By researching CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth options, and patient reviews, residents can make an informed choice and receive the best possible care for their hypertension.