04259, Monmouth, Maine Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 04259, Monmouth, Maine is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near Lisbon, Maine (ZIP Code 04259)**

Navigating healthcare can be daunting, especially when dealing with a chronic condition like hypertension. This review provides a fact-based overview of hospitals near Lisbon, Maine (ZIP Code 04259), focusing on factors relevant to hypertension care, including quality ratings, wait times, and specialized services. The information is current as of late October 2024, but it's crucial to verify details directly with the hospitals, as data can change.

**Proximity and Key Players**

The closest hospitals to Lisbon, Maine, offer varying levels of care. Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston is a major player, along with St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, also in Lewiston. These are the primary choices for residents of the area, providing a range of services.

**Central Maine Medical Center (Lewiston)**

CMMC is a large, regional hospital, and a significant healthcare provider for the area. CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings are a key indicator of quality. As of the latest data, CMMC has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. It's worth noting that CMS ratings can fluctuate, so checking the most recent data on the CMS Hospital Compare website is essential.

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, particularly for hypertensive crises. CMMC's ER wait times fluctuate. Recent data suggests an average wait time of around 45 minutes to be seen by a provider. However, this is an average, and individual wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of other patients' conditions. CMMC has invested in its ER and has implemented strategies to improve wait times, but it remains an area to monitor.

For hypertension management, CMMC offers a cardiology department with specialized services. This includes diagnostic testing, such as echocardiograms and stress tests, and interventional cardiology procedures. The hospital also has a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program. The hospital is also affiliated with a network of primary care physicians, which is crucial for ongoing hypertension management and medication management.

Telehealth services are increasingly important. CMMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual visits with specialists and remote monitoring programs. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients with hypertension, allowing for more frequent check-ins and medication adjustments without requiring in-person visits. The availability and specific services offered through telehealth should be confirmed directly with CMMC.

**St. Mary's Regional Medical Center (Lewiston)**

St. Mary's is another major hospital in the Lewiston-Auburn area. It also has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating is a benchmark of quality, and it's important to compare these ratings when choosing a hospital.

ER wait times at St. Mary's also vary. Recent data indicates an average wait time of approximately 50 minutes to be seen by a provider. Like CMMC, wait times can fluctuate, and checking real-time data is recommended.

St. Mary's has a strong cardiology department, offering a range of services for hypertension management. This includes a dedicated cardiology clinic and access to specialized cardiologists. The hospital provides diagnostic services, such as cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology studies. St. Mary's also emphasizes patient education and support services for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

Telehealth is a growing area for St. Mary's. They offer a range of telehealth services, including virtual appointments with specialists. The availability of these services and their specific applications for hypertension patients should be confirmed with the hospital.

**Other Considerations**

While CMMC and St. Mary's are the primary choices, other hospitals might be considered depending on specific needs. For example, some residents might consider traveling to Portland for specialized care at Maine Medical Center, a larger facility with a higher CMS star rating. However, this would involve a longer travel time.

**Maine Medical Center (Portland)**

Maine Medical Center (MMC) is the largest hospital in Maine and offers a comprehensive range of services. MMC typically has a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher level of quality compared to the local hospitals.

ER wait times at MMC can be longer than at the local hospitals. The average wait time to be seen by a provider is around 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, this can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

MMC has a highly regarded cardiology department, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options. This includes specialized procedures, such as cardiac surgery and complex interventions. MMC also has a strong focus on research and innovation in cardiovascular care.

Telehealth services are extensive at MMC. They offer a wide array of virtual visits, remote monitoring programs, and other telehealth options. These services can be particularly useful for patients with hypertension, providing convenient access to specialists and ongoing care.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Both CMMC and St. Mary's have specialized programs that may be relevant to hypertension management. These include cardiac rehabilitation programs, which are crucial for patients recovering from heart-related events. These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their cardiovascular health.

**Telehealth Statistics and Trends**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery. Both CMMC and St. Mary's have increased their telehealth offerings. These services can be particularly beneficial for hypertension patients, allowing for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure, medication management, and access to specialist consultations. The specific telehealth services available, such as remote blood pressure monitoring programs, should be confirmed directly with each hospital.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare. CMS collects data on patient satisfaction through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. This survey assesses various aspects of the patient experience, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment. Reviewing HCAHPS scores for each hospital can provide insights into patient satisfaction levels.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a hospital for hypertension care involves considering several factors. CMS star ratings provide a general indication of quality, but it's essential to look at specific services, wait times, and the availability of specialized programs. For residents of the 04259 ZIP code, CMMC and St. Mary's are the primary choices. However, Maine Medical Center in Portland provides a higher level of care, but with longer wait times. Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, offering convenient access to care. Patients should research the specific telehealth options available at each hospital. Consulting with a primary care physician is also crucial for ongoing hypertension management and medication adjustments. By considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the best possible care for their hypertension. The information provided here is a starting point; verifying details directly with the hospitals is always recommended.