19116, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 19116, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Evaluating Hospitals Near 19116

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed choices. This review assesses hospitals near the 19116 ZIP code, focusing on factors crucial for hypertension care, including quality metrics, specialized services, and accessibility. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help residents make informed decisions about their care.

**Defining the Scope:**

The geographic focus is primarily within a reasonable driving distance of the 19116 ZIP code, encompassing Northeast Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This review prioritizes hospitals with established reputations and readily available data. We will examine key metrics relevant to hypertension management, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, the availability of specialized centers (like cardiology and stroke centers), and the integration of telehealth services.

**Hospital Profiles and Hypertension Care:**

**1. Jefferson Health – Torresdale Hospital:** Located within the 19116 area, Jefferson Torresdale is a prominent option. While its CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally maintains a respectable score. The hospital has a dedicated cardiology department, crucial for hypertension management and related complications. They offer services such as echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterizations. Emergency room wait times can vary, but public data sources provide up-to-date information. Telehealth integration is present, offering virtual consultations for certain follow-up appointments, which can be beneficial for managing hypertension remotely. Jefferson Health has been expanding its telehealth offerings, making virtual visits more accessible.

**2. Jefferson Health – Frankford Hospital:** Another significant player in the region, Frankford Hospital, also falls within the Jefferson Health network. Frankford Hospital's CMS star rating and ER wait times are comparable to Torresdale, and it also features a robust cardiology program. Patients can expect access to similar diagnostic and treatment options. The hospital's commitment to telehealth is also similar to Torresdale, providing virtual access to specialists and follow-up care. Frankford Hospital has a well-established reputation for treating cardiovascular conditions.

**3. Aria Health – Frankford Hospital (Now part of Jefferson Health):** This hospital is now part of the Jefferson Health network, meaning its services and offerings are integrated with the broader system. The hospital is also an important option for residents of 19116.

**4. Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia:** Situated slightly further afield but within reasonable driving distance, Einstein Medical Center is a major teaching hospital with a strong reputation. Einstein typically receives a solid CMS star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality care. The hospital boasts a comprehensive cardiology department, including interventional cardiology and electrophysiology services. ER wait times can be longer than at some smaller facilities, but the hospital's capacity to handle complex cases is a significant advantage. Einstein has invested in telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options for hypertension management, allowing for easier access to healthcare.

**5. Nazareth Hospital:** Nazareth Hospital is a Catholic Health Services facility located in Northeast Philadelphia. Nazareth Hospital generally receives a good CMS star rating. The hospital has a cardiology department, providing comprehensive cardiac care. ER wait times are usually reasonable. Telehealth options are available, including virtual follow-up appointments.

**6. St. Christopher's Hospital for Children:** While primarily focused on pediatric care, St. Christopher's can be relevant for young adults with hypertension. The hospital's cardiology department offers specialized care for children and adolescents.

**Evaluating Key Metrics:**

**CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a valuable, albeit simplified, measure of hospital quality. These ratings consider factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. A higher star rating generally indicates better overall performance. However, it's essential to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical consideration, especially during a hypertensive crisis. Shorter wait times mean quicker access to potentially life-saving treatment. Publicly available data sources, such as the CMS Hospital Compare website and individual hospital websites, provide information on average ER wait times.

**Specialty Centers:** The presence of a dedicated cardiology department and a certified stroke center is crucial for hypertension management. These centers offer specialized expertise and resources to diagnose and treat hypertension-related complications, such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

**Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth services can significantly improve hypertension management by providing convenient access to follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring. Telehealth can be particularly helpful for patients with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited access to healthcare providers.

**Specific Considerations for Hypertension Patients:**

Patients with hypertension should prioritize hospitals with robust cardiology departments. Look for hospitals that offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment options, including:

* **Echocardiograms:** To assess heart structure and function.
* **Stress tests:** To evaluate heart health during physical exertion.
* **Cardiac catheterizations:** To diagnose and treat blocked arteries.
* **24-hour blood pressure monitoring:** To get a more accurate reading of blood pressure.

**Factors Beyond the Numbers:**

While data points like CMS star ratings and ER wait times are important, other factors should also be considered:

* **Physician-patient communication:** A strong doctor-patient relationship is essential for effective hypertension management.
* **Patient education:** Hospitals should provide patients with clear and concise information about their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications.
* **Medication management:** Hospitals should have systems in place to ensure patients receive the correct medications and understand how to take them.
* **Access to support services:** Hospitals should offer access to support groups, nutrition counseling, and other resources to help patients manage their condition.

**Telehealth's Role in Hypertension Management:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in hypertension management. Telehealth can be used for:

* **Virtual consultations:** Patients can connect with their doctors remotely for check-ups, medication adjustments, and other consultations.
* **Remote blood pressure monitoring:** Patients can use home blood pressure monitors and transmit their readings to their doctors electronically.
* **Medication management:** Doctors can use telehealth to review medication lists, refill prescriptions, and address any medication-related concerns.
* **Patient education:** Doctors can use telehealth to provide patients with educational materials and answer their questions about hypertension.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care requires a careful evaluation of multiple factors. Hospitals near the 19116 ZIP code offer a range of options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Jefferson Health – Torresdale and Frankford, Einstein Medical Center, Nazareth Hospital, and other area hospitals offer cardiology services. Patients should research these hospitals, considering CMS star ratings, ER wait times, the availability of specialized services, and the integration of telehealth. By considering these factors, residents of the 19116 area can make informed decisions about their care and improve their chances of effectively managing their hypertension. Patients should also consult with their primary care physicians to determine the best fit for their individual needs.