02791, Westport Point, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 02791, Westport Point, Massachusetts is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Help: A Review of Hospitals Near Westport, MA (02791)

Living in Westport, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02791) means access to a mix of community hospitals and larger medical centers. When managing a condition like hypertension, choosing the right hospital is crucial. This review examines the hospitals closest to Westport, focusing on factors relevant to hypertension care, including quality ratings, specialty services, and access to care.

**Defining the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The immediate area surrounding Westport offers several choices. Fall River, just north, and New Bedford, to the east, are the primary hubs for hospital care. Providence, Rhode Island, is also within reasonable driving distance, expanding the options significantly. This review considers hospitals within a 30-mile radius, recognizing that travel time is a key factor for individuals managing chronic conditions.

**Key Players: Flagship Hospitals and Their Ratings**

**1. Saint Anne's Hospital (Fall River, MA):** Located in Fall River, Saint Anne's is a vital resource for the Westport community. It's a member of Steward Health Care. Saint Anne's has a three-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not the highest rating, this indicates a generally acceptable level of quality. The hospital’s cardiology department is a key consideration for hypertension patients. They offer a range of services, including diagnostic testing and interventional cardiology.

**2. Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River, MA):** Also in Fall River, Charlton Memorial is another important option. It is part of the Southcoast Health system. Charlton Memorial has a four-star CMS rating, a step up from Saint Anne's. This suggests better overall performance in areas like patient safety and outcomes. Its cardiology services, like Saint Anne's, are crucial for hypertension patients.

**3. Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI):** Rhode Island Hospital, part of Lifespan, is a major tertiary care center in Providence. It boasts a five-star CMS rating, indicating excellent performance across a broad spectrum of quality measures. Rhode Island Hospital’s cardiology department is nationally recognized. This hospital likely has some of the best resources for managing complex hypertension cases. It is a Level I trauma center, offering advanced emergency services.

**4. The Miriam Hospital (Providence, RI):** Another Lifespan hospital in Providence, The Miriam Hospital, has a four-star CMS rating. While not as highly rated as Rhode Island Hospital, it still represents a strong option. The Miriam Hospital has a strong focus on cardiac care and research.

**5. St. Luke's Hospital (New Bedford, MA):** Part of the Southcoast Health system, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford provides another option. St. Luke's has a four-star CMS rating. Its cardiology services are essential for hypertension patients.

**Emergency Room Considerations: Wait Times and Access**

Emergency room wait times are critical, especially when dealing with potential hypertensive crises. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, data provides a general picture.

* **Saint Anne's Hospital:** ER wait times are often reported on hospital websites or through third-party sources. Expect average wait times to be in line with other community hospitals.
* **Charlton Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times can vary. Check online resources for the most current data.
* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Being a Level I trauma center, Rhode Island Hospital's ER can experience higher volumes and longer wait times, particularly during peak hours.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** ER wait times are generally comparable to Rhode Island Hospital.
* **St. Luke's Hospital:** ER wait times are available online.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension-Specific Care**

Beyond general cardiology departments, some hospitals offer specialized programs that can benefit hypertension patients.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Its cardiac center is a major strength. They offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including electrophysiology and interventional cardiology.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** The Miriam Hospital has a strong cardiac focus, including specialized clinics for heart failure and other related conditions.
* **Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Offers comprehensive cardiac care.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. It allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, for follow-up appointments, medication management, and education.

* **Saint Anne's Hospital:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual visits.
* **Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Provides telehealth options, expanding access to care.
* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Telehealth services are available, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** Telehealth services are offered.
* **St. Luke's Hospital:** Telehealth services are available.

**Factors Beyond Ratings: Access, Convenience, and Personal Preferences**

While CMS star ratings and specialty services are important, other factors matter.

* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Physician Relationships:** Consider your existing relationships with cardiologists or primary care physicians.
* **Proximity and Travel Time:** Shorter travel times can significantly improve convenience and reduce stress.
* **Personal Preferences:** Some patients prefer smaller community hospitals, while others seek the advanced resources of larger medical centers.

**Specific Considerations for Hypertension Management**

When choosing a hospital for hypertension care, consider the following:

* **Cardiology Department Expertise:** Look for a strong cardiology department with experienced physicians.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Ensure the hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic testing, including echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterization.
* **Interventional Cardiology:** Access to interventional cardiology services is crucial for managing complications like heart attacks or blocked arteries.
* **Follow-up Care:** Assess the hospital's ability to provide ongoing follow-up care, including medication management and lifestyle counseling.
* **Patient Education:** Look for hospitals that offer patient education programs on hypertension management.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

For residents of Westport, MA (02791), several hospitals offer options for hypertension care. Rhode Island Hospital, with its five-star rating and nationally recognized cardiology department, represents a strong choice, particularly for complex cases. Charlton Memorial and St. Luke's, both with four-star ratings, are also excellent options, especially for those seeking a closer location. Saint Anne's provides a community hospital setting. Consider your individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when making your decision. Contact the hospitals directly to inquire about specific services and to get the most up-to-date information on wait times and telehealth options.