21719, Cascade, Maryland Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 21719, Cascade, Maryland is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Havens: A Review of Hospitals Near 21719

The fight against hypertension, often called the "silent killer," requires access to high-quality medical care. Residents of the 21719 ZIP code, encompassing the city of Frederick, Maryland, have several hospital options within a reasonable radius. This review delves into the key players, assessing their strengths and weaknesses in managing hypertension, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Frederick Health Hospital: The Local Anchor**

Frederick Health Hospital (FHH), formerly Frederick Memorial Hospital, serves as the primary healthcare provider for the city. It's a critical access hospital, meaning it receives federal funding to support rural communities. FHH holds a respectable four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality and performance, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not a perfect score, it indicates a commitment to quality care.

FHH's cardiology department is crucial for hypertension management. They offer a range of services, including diagnostic testing like echocardiograms and stress tests, along with interventional cardiology procedures. The hospital has a dedicated cardiac catheterization lab. While specific hypertension-focused clinics aren't explicitly advertised, the cardiology team routinely manages patients with hypertension as part of their broader cardiovascular care.

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a significant concern for anyone experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Data suggests that FHH's ER wait times can fluctuate. While the hospital strives to provide timely care, patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. Real-time wait time information is often available on the hospital's website or through third-party platforms.

Telehealth is increasingly important. FHH has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual visits with specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and medication management for hypertension, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely. The availability and specific details of telehealth options should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse (and a Drive)**

While not immediately adjacent to 21719, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is a regional powerhouse and a significant option. It's a nationally renowned institution consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the United States. This prestige comes with a significant drive, approximately an hour and fifteen minutes from Frederick.

Johns Hopkins boasts a five-star CMS rating, a testament to its superior performance across various metrics. Its cardiology department is world-class, offering cutting-edge treatments and research. The hospital's specialized hypertension center provides comprehensive care, including advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and access to clinical trials. Patients with complex or resistant hypertension often seek care at institutions like Johns Hopkins.

ER wait times at Johns Hopkins can be longer than at community hospitals, reflecting the high volume of patients. However, the hospital's ER is equipped to handle critical cases, including hypertensive emergencies. The hospital's website provides real-time wait time information.

Johns Hopkins has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources. This is particularly valuable for patients living outside of Baltimore, allowing them to receive expert care without frequent travel. The availability of specific telehealth services for hypertension management should be confirmed with the hospital.

**University of Maryland Medical Center: Another Option in the Region**

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) in Baltimore, another major medical center in the region, also offers comprehensive cardiovascular care. Located approximately an hour from Frederick, UMMC provides another option for residents seeking specialized treatment.

UMMC holds a four-star CMS rating, indicating a good level of quality and patient care. Its cardiology department offers a range of services, including advanced imaging, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. While specific hypertension-focused clinics may not be explicitly advertised, the cardiology team is well-equipped to manage patients with hypertension.

ER wait times at UMMC can vary. The hospital's website provides real-time wait time information. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

UMMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring. This can be beneficial for managing hypertension, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments. The availability and specific details of telehealth options should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Other Considerations: Urgent Care and Primary Care**

Beyond hospitals, residents of 21719 have access to urgent care centers and primary care physicians. These facilities play a crucial role in hypertension management, providing routine check-ups, medication refills, and initial assessments.

Several urgent care centers are located in the Frederick area. These centers can be helpful for non-emergency situations, such as medication adjustments or minor complications related to hypertension. However, they are not equipped to handle hypertensive emergencies.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of hypertension management. They provide ongoing monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. Choosing a PCP who is experienced in managing hypertension is essential.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond general cardiology departments, some hospitals may have specialized centers or programs that focus on specific aspects of cardiovascular care. These could include:

* **Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs:** These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and counseling to help patients recover from heart-related conditions, including hypertension.
* **Vascular Centers:** These centers specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases, which can be related to hypertension.
* **Electrophysiology Labs:** These labs focus on the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, which can sometimes be associated with hypertension.

**Telehealth's Growing Role**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in hypertension management. It offers several benefits, including:

* **Convenience:** Patients can attend appointments from the comfort of their homes.
* **Accessibility:** Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telehealth allows physicians to monitor patients' blood pressure readings and medication adherence remotely.
* **Education and Support:** Telehealth platforms often provide educational resources and support groups for patients with hypertension.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

Residents of the 21719 ZIP code have a range of options for hypertension care, from the local anchor, Frederick Health Hospital, to the regional powerhouses of Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical Center. Choosing the right hospital depends on individual needs and preferences.

For routine care and medication management, a primary care physician is essential. For more complex cases or specialized treatment, a visit to a cardiologist or a specialized hypertension center may be necessary. The availability of telehealth options can enhance convenience and accessibility.

When selecting a healthcare provider, consider the following factors:

* **CMS Star Rating:** Provides a general indication of quality.
* **Cardiology Department:** Assess the services offered, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and specialized clinics.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider the potential for delays, especially during hypertensive emergencies.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Determine the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources.
* **Proximity and Travel Time:** Factor in the distance and travel time to each hospital.

By carefully considering these factors, residents of 21719 can make informed decisions about their hypertension care and work towards achieving optimal health outcomes. Remember to always consult with your physician to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.