19086, Wallingford, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 19086, Wallingford, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 19086

Finding the right hospital for hypertension management, especially in an emergency, requires careful consideration. This review focuses on hospitals near the 19086 ZIP code (Swarthmore, PA), providing a fact-rich analysis to help patients make informed decisions. We'll examine factors critical to hypertension care, including hospital quality ratings, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities.

**Understanding the Importance of Hospital Quality**

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious condition, and effective management is crucial to prevent complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. The quality of care at a hospital can significantly impact patient outcomes. Therefore, we'll prioritize hospitals with strong performance metrics and a demonstrated commitment to patient safety.

**Hospital Performance Metrics: A Deep Dive**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a valuable resource for evaluating hospital quality: the Hospital Compare website. CMS assigns star ratings, from one to five stars, based on various quality measures, including patient experience, mortality rates, and readmission rates. While these ratings are not the sole indicator of quality, they offer a valuable starting point for comparison.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Hypertension Care**

Several major hospitals are within a reasonable distance of 19086, offering varying levels of hypertension care.

**Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (Philadelphia, PA):** Located approximately 8 miles from 19086, Penn Presbyterian is a major teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania Health System. As of the latest reporting, Penn Presbyterian holds a **four-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects strong performance in several areas, including patient experience and effective treatment of common conditions. Penn Presbyterian boasts a comprehensive cardiology department, offering specialized services for hypertension management, including advanced diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures. They also have a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations for follow-up care and medication management, crucial for ongoing hypertension control. ER wait times are a critical factor. Recent data indicates that the average ER wait time at Penn Presbyterian is around 30-45 minutes, which is a relatively good performance compared to other hospitals in the region.

**Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA):** Also part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and situated about 9 miles from 19086, HUP is a renowned academic medical center. HUP has a **four-star rating** from CMS, indicating a high level of overall quality. HUP's cardiology department is nationally recognized, providing cutting-edge treatments for hypertension and related cardiovascular conditions. They have specialized clinics dedicated to hypertension management and offer access to clinical trials for innovative therapies. HUP also has a well-established telehealth program, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for medication adjustments, lifestyle counseling, and monitoring. ER wait times at HUP typically range from 45-60 minutes, depending on the time of day and patient volume.

**Crozer-Chester Medical Center (Chester, PA):** Located approximately 5 miles from 19086, Crozer-Chester is a large community hospital. Crozer-Chester holds a **three-star rating** from CMS. Crozer-Chester offers a cardiology department that provides care for hypertension. While it may not have the same level of specialized resources as the flagship hospitals, it provides essential services for hypertension management. ER wait times at Crozer-Chester tend to be longer, often exceeding 60 minutes, which is an important consideration for patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

**Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital (Darby, PA):** Situated about 3 miles from 19086, Mercy Fitzgerald is a community hospital affiliated with Trinity Health. Mercy Fitzgerald has a **three-star rating** from CMS. The hospital provides basic cardiology services, including hypertension management. ER wait times at Mercy Fitzgerald can vary, but patients should anticipate wait times of approximately 45-75 minutes.

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

When dealing with a hypertensive crisis, rapid access to care is paramount. Emergency room wait times are a key indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to provide timely treatment. The hospitals listed above have varying ER wait times. While these figures can fluctuate, they provide a general idea of what patients can expect. Shorter wait times are generally preferable, especially in emergency situations.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management**

Beyond general cardiology departments, some hospitals offer specialized centers that focus specifically on hypertension and related conditions. These centers often have dedicated teams of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are experts in managing complex hypertension cases. These centers may also offer access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options.

**Telehealth: Enhancing Hypertension Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. This can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. The flagship hospitals mentioned earlier, Penn Presbyterian and HUP, have robust telehealth programs that offer various virtual services.

**Considerations for Patients Near 19086**

Patients residing in or near the 19086 ZIP code have several hospital options for hypertension care. Penn Presbyterian and HUP offer high-quality care, specialized services, and strong telehealth programs. However, patients should also consider ER wait times and proximity when making their decision. Crozer-Chester and Mercy Fitzgerald offer more accessible options, but patients should be aware of potential longer wait times.

**Beyond Hospital Ratings: Other Factors to Consider**

While CMS star ratings and ER wait times are important, other factors can influence the quality of care. These include the experience and expertise of the physicians, the availability of specialized equipment, and the hospital's commitment to patient safety. Patients should also consider their insurance coverage and the cost of care.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care is a personal decision. Patients should research the hospitals in their area, consider their individual needs and preferences, and consult with their primary care physician to determine the best option. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near the 19086 ZIP code, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**Disclaimer:** *This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Hospital ratings and performance metrics can change. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.*