23704, Portsmouth, Virginia Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 23704, Portsmouth, Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: Decoding Hospital Care Near ZIP Code 23704**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed decisions. This review provides a fact-rich analysis of hospitals near ZIP code 23704 (Portsmouth, Virginia), focusing on key metrics relevant to hypertension care. We'll delve into hospital quality ratings, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, offering a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment to aid patients in their healthcare choices.

**Understanding the Landscape: Portsmouth and Surrounding Areas**

ZIP code 23704 is situated in Portsmouth, a city in southeastern Virginia. Healthcare options are diverse, encompassing both large, flagship hospitals and smaller community facilities. Proximity to Norfolk and Chesapeake further expands the available resources. Our analysis considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, prioritizing those most likely to serve residents of 23704.

**Flagship Hospital Spotlight: Sentara Norfolk General Hospital**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, is a major player in the region. It's a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital, indicating a high level of expertise and resources. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Sentara Norfolk General Hospital holds a 3-star rating. This rating, while not the highest, reflects overall performance based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. For hypertension patients, this means the hospital is working to provide quality care.

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital's emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial consideration. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, data from sources like ProPublica and individual hospital websites should be checked to get the most up-to-date information. Shorter wait times are generally desirable, as they can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment for hypertensive crises.

**Specialized Hypertension Care at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital offers specialized services that are beneficial for hypertension management. Patients can access cardiology services, including consultations with cardiologists, diagnostic testing (such as echocardiograms and stress tests), and interventional procedures. These services are essential for evaluating and treating hypertension-related complications, such as heart disease. The hospital also has a vascular surgery department, which is important for addressing issues related to blood vessel health, a key aspect of hypertension management.

**Sentara Obici Hospital: A Community Focus**

Sentara Obici Hospital, located in Suffolk, is another Sentara Healthcare facility. While it may not be as large as Sentara Norfolk General, it provides vital healthcare services to the community. The CMS rating for Sentara Obici is 4 stars, a higher rating than Sentara Norfolk General. This could indicate superior performance in certain areas of quality and patient experience.

**Emergency Room Efficiency at Sentara Obici Hospital**

ER wait times at Sentara Obici Hospital are another critical factor. Patients should check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through third-party sources. Shorter wait times can lead to faster access to treatment for hypertensive emergencies.

**Specialized Services at Sentara Obici Hospital**

Sentara Obici Hospital offers cardiology services, which are vital for hypertension patients. Patients can access diagnostic testing, consultations, and treatment for hypertension-related complications.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center: Local Care**

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, located in Portsmouth, is a local hospital that offers a range of services. Bon Secours Maryview has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Emergency Room Considerations at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center**

ER wait times at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center are a key consideration. Patients should check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through third-party sources.

**Specialized Services at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center**

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center offers cardiology services, which are vital for hypertension patients. Patients can access diagnostic testing, consultations, and treatment for hypertension-related complications.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. Hospitals in the 23704 area are expanding their telehealth offerings. Sentara Healthcare, for example, provides telehealth services, including virtual appointments with primary care physicians and specialists. These services can be particularly useful for routine check-ups, medication management, and patient education. Bon Secours Mercy Health also offers telehealth options.

Telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual visits and patient satisfaction rates, are valuable indicators of the quality and accessibility of these services. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services and the experience of other patients.

**Comparing Hospitals: A Hypertension Score Framework**

To provide a comparative assessment, we can create a simplified "Hypertension Score" framework. This score considers several factors:

* **CMS Star Rating:** Higher ratings (4 or 5 stars) indicate better overall quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are more desirable.
* **Specialty Services:** Availability of cardiology, vascular surgery, and nephrology services is crucial.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The presence of telehealth services enhances access to care.

**Applying the Framework: A Hypothetical Example**

Let's create a hypothetical example. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital might receive a score based on its 3-star CMS rating, the availability of cardiology and vascular services, and its telehealth offerings. Sentara Obici Hospital, with its 4-star CMS rating, could potentially score higher, especially if its ER wait times are shorter. Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, with its local presence, would be evaluated based on its CMS rating, ER wait times, and service offerings.

**Caveats and Considerations**

This review is based on publicly available information and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Hospital ratings and wait times can change, so it's essential to verify the latest data. Patients should also consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a hospital. Location, insurance coverage, and personal experiences are all relevant factors.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care is a crucial decision. By evaluating factors like CMS ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities, patients in the 23704 area can make informed choices. This review provides a starting point for that process, empowering individuals to advocate for their health and seek the best possible care for their hypertension management. Remember to consult with your physician and consider your individual needs when making healthcare decisions.