39175, Utica, Mississippi Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 39175, Utica, Mississippi is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near Raymond, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39175)**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires careful consideration. Proximity is a factor, but quality of care, specialized services, and accessibility are paramount. This review examines the hospitals serving the area near Raymond, Mississippi (ZIP code 39175), focusing on factors relevant to hypertension management, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The immediate vicinity of Raymond, Mississippi, is relatively rural, and the healthcare options are concentrated in the broader Jackson metropolitan area. Residents primarily rely on hospitals located in Jackson, Flowood, and Brandon for comprehensive medical care. This review will focus on those facilities, providing a detailed look at their strengths and weaknesses in the context of hypertension management.

**Methodology: Data and Sources**

This review relies on publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Hospital Compare, Healthgrades, and other reputable sources. Emergency room wait times are based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and individual hospital websites. Telehealth information is sourced from hospital websites and press releases. Data is current as of October 26, 2023.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

**University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Jackson, MS:** UMMC is the flagship hospital of the University of Mississippi and a major regional referral center. It is a Level I trauma center and offers a comprehensive range of services. UMMC’s CMS star rating fluctuates, but it generally hovers around three stars. This rating reflects a mixed performance, with strengths in certain areas and areas needing improvement.

For hypertension management, UMMC offers a cardiology department with specialized clinics and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. They have a dedicated hypertension clinic offering comprehensive care, including medication management, lifestyle counseling, and monitoring. UMMC is a teaching hospital, which means patients may be seen by residents and fellows under the supervision of attending physicians.

Emergency room wait times at UMMC can vary significantly. Data indicates that wait times can be longer than the national average, particularly during peak hours. Patients should be prepared for potential delays. UMMC has invested in telehealth services, offering virtual visits for follow-up appointments and consultations. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

**St. Dominic Hospital, Jackson, MS:** St. Dominic Hospital is a large, private hospital in Jackson. It consistently receives high ratings from CMS, often earning four or five stars. This indicates a strong overall performance in quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience.

St. Dominic has a well-regarded cardiology program with a focus on heart health. They offer a full spectrum of services for hypertension management, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and cardiac rehabilitation. The hospital emphasizes patient education and provides resources for lifestyle modifications, which are critical for managing hypertension.

Emergency room wait times at St. Dominic are generally shorter than at UMMC. They have implemented strategies to improve efficiency and reduce wait times. St. Dominic has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring options for patients with hypertension. This can improve access to care and help patients stay connected with their healthcare providers.

**Other Hospitals to Consider**

**Baptist Medical Center, Jackson, MS:** Baptist Medical Center is another major hospital in the Jackson area. It offers a wide range of services, including a cardiology department. Baptist Medical Center’s CMS star rating varies, but it generally falls within the three-to-four-star range.

Baptist Medical Center provides comprehensive care for hypertension, including medication management and lifestyle counseling. Emergency room wait times are generally moderate. The hospital has a growing telehealth program that includes virtual visits for certain specialties.

**Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS:** While primarily focused on rehabilitation, Methodist Rehabilitation Center provides specialized care for patients recovering from cardiovascular events. They offer cardiac rehabilitation programs that are essential for patients with hypertension and other heart conditions.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

Beyond the general cardiology departments, several specialized centers and services are relevant to hypertension management. These include:

* **Cardiac Catheterization Labs:** All major hospitals in the area have cardiac catheterization labs for diagnostic procedures and interventions.
* **Electrophysiology Labs:** These labs are essential for diagnosing and treating arrhythmias, which can be associated with hypertension.
* **Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs:** These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and support for patients recovering from heart-related events or managing chronic conditions like hypertension.
* **Diabetes Centers:** Managing diabetes is crucial for hypertension patients. Hospitals often have diabetes centers offering education and support.
* **Weight Management Programs:** Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension. Some hospitals offer weight management programs.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant consideration for patients with hypertension, especially during hypertensive crises. UMMC tends to have longer wait times compared to St. Dominic Hospital. Baptist Medical Center’s wait times fall somewhere in between. Patients should be aware of potential delays and consider their options accordingly.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. All the major hospitals in the area offer telehealth services, including virtual visits for follow-up appointments, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and enhance patient convenience.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Websites like Healthgrades and CMS's Hospital Compare offer patient satisfaction data. Patients should review these sources to get a sense of the experiences of other patients.

**Considerations for Hypertension Patients**

Patients with hypertension should consider several factors when choosing a hospital:

* **Cardiology Program:** The strength and expertise of the cardiology department are paramount.
* **Hypertension Clinic:** A dedicated hypertension clinic can provide specialized care.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are crucial during emergencies.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth can improve access to care and convenience.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews provide insights into the patient experience.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital is in your insurance network.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management is a personal decision. UMMC, St. Dominic Hospital, and Baptist Medical Center are the primary options near Raymond, Mississippi. UMMC offers a comprehensive range of services and is a teaching hospital. St. Dominic Hospital consistently receives high ratings and has shorter ER wait times. Baptist Medical Center provides another option with moderate wait times. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when making their choice. Telehealth is a valuable tool, and all the hospitals are expanding their virtual offerings. Ultimately, the best hospital is the one that provides the highest quality of care, meets your individual needs, and offers the best possible patient experience.