27110, Winston Salem, North Carolina Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 27110, Winston Salem, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: Evaluating Hospitals Near Winston-Salem, NC (ZIP Code 27110)**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed decisions. This review focuses on hospitals near Winston-Salem, NC (ZIP code 27110), evaluating their capabilities in managing hypertension, considering factors crucial for patient care: quality ratings, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth options. This analysis aims to provide a factual overview to aid in choosing the most suitable healthcare provider.

**Understanding the Importance of Hospital Selection for Hypertension**

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, demands consistent monitoring and management. The choice of hospital significantly impacts the quality of care received. Factors like access to specialized cardiology units, timely emergency services, and the availability of telehealth options are critical for patients with hypertension. This review prioritizes these elements to provide a comprehensive assessment.

**Hospital Profiles: A Comparative Analysis**

**Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Flagship Hospital)**

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, located at 300 S Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, is a major regional referral center. It is a large teaching hospital and a flagship institution.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, considering factors like patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room Performance:** The hospital's emergency room (ER) is a critical access point for patients experiencing hypertensive crises or related complications. ER wait times are a key indicator of efficiency. Data on specific wait times can fluctuate, but it's important to check current wait times on the hospital's website or through resources like the CMS Hospital Compare tool.
* **Cardiology Services:** Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center boasts a comprehensive cardiology program. The hospital's cardiology department is equipped to handle complex cases, including interventional cardiology procedures, electrophysiology, and cardiac surgery. This specialized focus is crucial for managing hypertension-related complications like heart failure and arrhythmias.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital has a range of specialty centers that may be relevant to hypertension management. These include nephrology (for kidney-related complications), endocrinology (for hormonal imbalances that can affect blood pressure), and a stroke center.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center offers telehealth services, including remote monitoring and virtual consultations. These services can help patients manage their condition more effectively and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Data on the specific utilization rates and types of telehealth services is available on the hospital's website.

**Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center**

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, located at 3333 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, is another major hospital in the area.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Room Performance:** Like Wake Forest Baptist, ER wait times are a key metric. Checking real-time wait times is essential.
* **Cardiology Services:** Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center also has a cardiology program, providing services for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospital offers various specialty centers that can be beneficial for hypertension patients, including nephrology, endocrinology, and a stroke center.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual visits and remote monitoring programs.

**Other Hospitals and Considerations**

While Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center are the primary hospitals serving the 27110 ZIP code, other facilities should be considered:

* **Davie Medical Center (Mocksville, NC):** Located a short distance from Winston-Salem, Davie Medical Center, part of the Wake Forest Baptist Health system, may offer a more convenient option for some residents. It is important to check its current CMS ratings and cardiology services.
* **Smaller Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:** These facilities can provide initial assessments and follow-up care for hypertension. However, they may not have the same level of specialized services as the larger hospitals.
* **Rehabilitation Centers:** For patients who have experienced complications from hypertension, such as stroke, rehabilitation centers can provide specialized care.

**Assessing Key Factors for Hypertension Care**

Several factors are critical when evaluating hospitals for hypertension care:

* **Cardiology Expertise:** A robust cardiology department is essential. Look for hospitals with board-certified cardiologists, interventional cardiology capabilities, and cardiac surgery services.
* **Emergency Room Efficiency:** Timely access to emergency care is crucial, especially during hypertensive crises. Research average ER wait times and the availability of rapid assessment protocols.
* **Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth can improve access to care and help patients manage their condition more effectively. Look for hospitals that offer remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and patient education programs.
* **Specialty Centers:** Access to nephrology, endocrinology, and stroke centers is important for managing complications related to hypertension.
* **Patient Experience:** Reviews and feedback from other patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
* **Hospital Ratings:** CMS star ratings and other quality metrics offer a general overview of hospital performance.

**Data Sources and Verification**

The information presented in this review is based on publicly available data from sources such as:

* **Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):** Hospital Compare website for star ratings, wait times, and other quality metrics.
* **Hospital Websites:** For information on services, telehealth offerings, and physician directories.
* **Healthgrades and other patient review websites:** For patient feedback and satisfaction scores.

It is important to verify the information on these websites, as data can change frequently.

**Telehealth Statistics and Trends**

Telehealth utilization has surged in recent years, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Hospitals are increasingly offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education programs. Specific statistics on telehealth usage vary by hospital. Check the hospital's website for the latest information.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management requires careful consideration of several factors. This review provides a factual overview of the hospitals near the 27110 ZIP code, highlighting key services, quality ratings, and telehealth capabilities. Patients should use this information to research their options, consult with their primary care physicians, and make an informed decision that best meets their individual needs. Always check the most current data, as hospital performance and services can change.