02790, Westport, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 02790, Westport, Massachusetts is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare for High Blood Pressure Near Westport, MA (ZIP Code 02790)

Living with hypertension requires proactive healthcare, and choosing the right hospital can significantly impact your management and overall well-being. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near Westport, MA (ZIP Code 02790), focusing on key factors relevant to hypertension patients, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Proximity and Flagship Institutions:**

The immediate vicinity of Westport, MA, offers a range of healthcare options. However, for specialized care, residents often look towards larger, flagship hospitals located a bit further afield. These institutions typically boast more comprehensive resources and a wider array of specialists. While smaller community hospitals may offer basic services, the following hospitals are considered flagship institutions in the region and are often preferred for complex conditions like hypertension:

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI):** Located approximately 20 miles west of Westport, Rhode Island Hospital is a major teaching hospital and a Level I Trauma Center. It is part of the Lifespan health system. As of the latest CMS data, Rhode Island Hospital holds a 3-star rating. This rating reflects overall quality of care, patient experience, and safety. For hypertension patients, Rhode Island Hospital offers a comprehensive cardiology department, including specialized clinics for heart failure and arrhythmia management, which are often associated with hypertension.

**Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA):** Approximately 50 miles north of Westport, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is a renowned academic medical center and a flagship hospital of Mass General Brigham. MGH consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation. While CMS doesn't provide star ratings for all hospitals, MGH's reputation for excellence is widely recognized. MGH boasts a world-class cardiovascular center, offering cutting-edge treatments for hypertension-related complications, including advanced imaging, interventional cardiology, and surgical options.

**St. Anne's Hospital (Fall River, MA):** Situated about 10 miles from Westport, St. Anne's Hospital is a community hospital within the Steward Health Care System. It has a 3-star rating from CMS. St. Anne's provides a more accessible option for residents seeking local care. It offers a cardiology department and is equipped to manage common hypertension-related issues.

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

In a hypertensive crisis, timely access to emergency care is crucial. ER wait times can vary significantly between hospitals. While real-time data fluctuates, understanding typical wait times is important.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Due to its high patient volume and status as a Level I Trauma Center, Rhode Island Hospital often experiences longer ER wait times. Patients should anticipate potential delays, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before arriving.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH's ER also sees a high volume of patients. Wait times can be substantial, particularly for non-life-threatening conditions. Like Rhode Island Hospital, checking real-time wait times is recommended.

**St. Anne's Hospital:** As a community hospital, St. Anne's generally has shorter ER wait times compared to the larger flagship hospitals. This can make it a more convenient option for less critical situations.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management:**

Effective hypertension management often requires access to specialized services. Here’s a look at the specialty centers and resources available at the flagship hospitals:

**Rhode Island Hospital:** The hospital’s cardiology department offers comprehensive services, including:
* **Heart Failure Clinic:** Provides specialized care for patients with heart failure, a common complication of uncontrolled hypertension.
* **Arrhythmia Clinic:** Manages irregular heart rhythms, another potential consequence of high blood pressure.
* **Interventional Cardiology:** Offers procedures like angioplasty and stenting to address blockages in blood vessels.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH’s cardiovascular center is a national leader, with resources including:
* **Center for Cardiac Fitness:** Provides cardiac rehabilitation programs to help patients recover and manage their condition.
* **Vascular Medicine:** Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases, including those related to hypertension.
* **Advanced Imaging:** Utilizes state-of-the-art imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.

**St. Anne's Hospital:** St. Anne's cardiology department provides:
* **Cardiac Catheterization Lab:** Offers diagnostic and interventional procedures.
* **Cardiac Rehabilitation:** Provides programs to improve cardiovascular health.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in hypertension management, allowing for remote monitoring, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Rhode Island Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments with cardiologists and other specialists. The hospital also provides remote patient monitoring programs, allowing for regular blood pressure checks and medication adjustments.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH has a robust telehealth program, including virtual visits, remote monitoring, and access to patient portals for communication and information sharing.

**St. Anne's Hospital:** St. Anne's is expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and potentially remote monitoring programs.

**Access to Specialists:**

Access to specialists, such as cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, is crucial for managing hypertension.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Has a broad range of specialists, making it easier to coordinate care.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH's vast network of specialists ensures access to expertise in all areas of cardiovascular health.

**St. Anne's Hospital:** Offers access to cardiologists and other specialists, though the range may be more limited compared to the larger hospitals.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a key indicator of quality care. While CMS star ratings offer insights, patient reviews and feedback are also valuable.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Patient reviews often highlight the hospital's expertise and advanced technology, but some patients report longer wait times and communication challenges.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH consistently receives high marks for its medical expertise and research contributions. However, some patients may find the size and complexity of the hospital overwhelming.

**St. Anne's Hospital:** Patient reviews often emphasize the hospital's accessibility and personalized care, although some patients may express concerns about the availability of specialized services.

**Cost and Insurance Considerations:**

Healthcare costs vary depending on the hospital, services provided, and insurance coverage. It's essential to understand your insurance plan's network and coverage for specific procedures.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** As a large teaching hospital, Rhode Island Hospital may have higher costs compared to community hospitals.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH is known for its high-quality care but can also be expensive.

**St. Anne's Hospital:** St. Anne's may offer more affordable options, especially for routine care.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management near Westport, MA (02790) involves considering factors like proximity, CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. Rhode Island Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital offer comprehensive cardiology departments and advanced treatments, while St. Anne's Hospital provides a more accessible local option. Patients should carefully evaluate their individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when making their decision. Regularly consult with your primary care physician and cardiologist to develop a personalized hypertension management plan.