23161, Stevensville, Virginia Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 23161, Stevensville, Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Havens: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 23161

Navigating the healthcare landscape, particularly when managing a condition like hypertension, requires careful consideration. This review examines hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 23161 (Midlothian, Virginia), focusing on their capabilities in treating hypertension and providing a comprehensive overview of their services, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. This is not medical advice; consult your physician for personalized recommendations.

**The Landscape: Central Virginia's Healthcare Ecosystem**

The Richmond metropolitan area, where 23161 is situated, boasts a diverse healthcare ecosystem. Several major hospital systems compete for patients, offering a range of services and levels of specialization. Understanding these options is crucial for individuals seeking optimal hypertension management.

**Flagship Facilities: A Deep Dive**

**Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center:** Located in Midlothian, this hospital is a prominent choice for residents of 23161. While specific CMS star ratings can fluctuate, it generally maintains a solid reputation. St. Francis is known for its comprehensive cardiovascular services, including a dedicated cardiology department and specialized programs for heart failure management, which often intersect with hypertension treatment. The hospital's emergency room wait times are a crucial factor. While specific real-time data varies, patients should anticipate potential wait times, especially during peak hours. Telehealth offerings at St. Francis are expanding, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be particularly beneficial for managing hypertension remotely. The hospital also features a robust pharmacy.

**Chippenham Hospital (HCA Healthcare):** Situated in Richmond, Chippenham is another major player, often serving patients from the 23161 area. Chippenham’s CMS star rating is a key indicator of overall quality, and it's worth checking the latest ratings on the CMS website. The hospital is recognized for its comprehensive cardiovascular care, including advanced cardiac imaging and interventional cardiology. Emergency room wait times are a concern, and patients should be prepared for potential delays. Chippenham has invested in telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs, which are increasingly vital for hypertension management. The hospital's specialized cardiac rehabilitation programs are beneficial for patients recovering from cardiovascular events and managing their blood pressure.

**Henrico Doctors' Hospital (HCA Healthcare):** Also located in Richmond, Henrico Doctors' Hospital offers a broad range of services, including cardiology. Its CMS star rating is a critical factor to consider. The hospital’s emergency room wait times are variable and can be significant, so patients should be aware of this. Henrico Doctors' has expanded its telehealth services, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. The hospital's proximity to specialists and its advanced diagnostic capabilities make it a viable option for hypertension patients needing comprehensive care.

**VCU Health System (MCV Campus):** The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, located in downtown Richmond, offers a high level of specialized care. Its CMS star rating is a key indicator of quality. VCU Health's cardiology department is renowned for its expertise and research, providing access to cutting-edge treatments. The hospital's emergency room wait times can be lengthy due to its high patient volume and the complexity of cases. VCU Health has a well-developed telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources for patients managing hypertension. The system's academic focus often translates to access to clinical trials and advanced therapies.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Facilities and Outpatient Clinics**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several smaller facilities and outpatient clinics offer hypertension management services. These can be valuable for routine check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.

**Johnston-Willis Hospital (HCA Healthcare):** Situated in Richmond, Johnston-Willis offers a range of services, including cardiology. Its CMS star rating should be assessed. The hospital's emergency room wait times are a factor to consider. Johnston-Willis has telehealth options for some services.

**Outpatient Clinics:** Numerous outpatient clinics and physician practices within the 23161 area and surrounding regions provide primary care and specialized cardiology services. These clinics are often more accessible for routine appointments and medication management. The availability of same-day appointments and the ease of access to specialists are essential considerations. Look for clinics with registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators, as lifestyle modifications are critical in hypertension management.

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

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor when selecting a hospital. These times can vary significantly depending on the day, time, and patient volume. Patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis require prompt medical attention. Checking real-time wait times via online resources or by calling the hospital is advisable.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: Tailored Care**

Hospitals with dedicated cardiology departments and specialized programs for heart failure and stroke management are particularly beneficial for hypertension patients. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams, including cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists, who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. Look for hospitals with accredited cardiac rehabilitation programs.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of frequent in-person visits. Hospitals with robust telehealth programs offer greater convenience and flexibility for patients.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Valuable Metric**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a valuable overview of hospital quality. These ratings are based on various factors, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While not the only factor to consider, CMS star ratings offer a useful benchmark for comparing hospitals.

**Patient Reviews and Word-of-Mouth**

Patient reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can provide valuable insights into a hospital's quality of care. Online review platforms and discussions with friends and family can help you assess a hospital's reputation and patient satisfaction.

**Factors Beyond the Hospital: Insurance and Access**

The choice of hospital is also influenced by insurance coverage and ease of access. Ensure that the hospital accepts your insurance plan and that you can easily access the facility, considering traffic and parking.

**Medication Management and Pharmacy Services**

Access to a reliable pharmacy and medication management services is crucial for hypertension patients. Hospitals with on-site pharmacies or partnerships with local pharmacies can streamline the process of obtaining medications.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management requires careful consideration of various factors, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, telehealth offerings, and patient reviews. Residents of the 23161 area have several excellent options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. By researching these factors and consulting with your physician, you can make an informed decision that supports your health and well-being. Remember, this review provides general information; consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.