23708, Portsmouth, Virginia Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 23708, Portsmouth, Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 23708**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires careful consideration of hospital quality and accessibility. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 23708 (Portsmouth, Virginia), evaluating their suitability for hypertension care based on factors like overall quality, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities.

**Defining the Scope: Portsmouth and Beyond**

ZIP code 23708 primarily encompasses Portsmouth, Virginia, a city with a population of around 95,000. The review will extend to hospitals within a 20-30 mile radius, including those in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, to provide a comprehensive overview of available options. This area offers a diverse range of healthcare providers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses in the treatment of hypertension.

**Flagship Hospitals: Sentara and Bon Secours**

The two major healthcare systems dominating the region are Sentara Healthcare and Bon Secours Mercy Health. Both operate multiple hospitals, each with varying levels of specialization and resources.

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, is a flagship facility within the Sentara system. It holds a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a comprehensive assessment of quality, patient safety, and patient experience. Sentara Norfolk General is a Level I trauma center, indicating its capacity to handle complex medical emergencies, including those potentially related to hypertensive crises. The hospital boasts a dedicated cardiology department with specialized expertise in managing cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension. While specific data on ER wait times fluctuates, Sentara Norfolk General generally experiences moderate wait times, often ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day and patient volume.

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, also in Portsmouth, is another significant hospital in the area. It has a three-star CMS rating. Maryview offers a full range of services, including cardiology and internal medicine departments. The hospital is known for its community-focused approach and commitment to providing accessible healthcare. ER wait times at Maryview can vary, but they typically fall within the range of those at Sentara Norfolk General.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, specialized centers and programs can significantly impact the quality of hypertension care. The availability of such centers is a crucial factor in the evaluation.

Sentara Heart Hospital, located within Sentara Norfolk General, is a dedicated facility focused on cardiovascular care. It offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options for various heart conditions, including hypertension-related complications. The hospital’s specialists are well-versed in the latest hypertension management guidelines and treatment protocols.

The cardiology departments at both Sentara Norfolk General and Bon Secours Maryview offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic testing like echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterizations. These services are essential for assessing the impact of hypertension on the heart and identifying potential complications.

**Emergency Room Efficiency: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration, particularly for individuals with hypertension, as a sudden spike in blood pressure can necessitate immediate medical attention.

While specific ER wait times fluctuate, real-time data is often available through hospital websites or third-party platforms. It is crucial to check these resources before seeking emergency care. Shorter wait times are generally preferable, but the quality of care should never be compromised for speed.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

Both Sentara and Bon Secours offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations with cardiologists and primary care physicians. These services can be especially beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require regular monitoring of their blood pressure.

Sentara's telehealth platform allows patients to connect with providers via video or phone, enabling remote monitoring and medication management. Bon Secours also provides telehealth options, including virtual visits for follow-up appointments and medication refills.

**Specific Hospital Profiles and Considerations**

Several other hospitals in the area warrant mention:

* **Sentara Leigh Hospital (Norfolk):** A community hospital within the Sentara system, Sentara Leigh provides a range of services, including cardiology. Its CMS rating is three stars.
* **Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center (Norfolk):** This hospital offers cardiology services and is part of the Bon Secours system. It has a two-star CMS rating.
* **Riverside Regional Medical Center (Newport News):** While slightly outside the immediate radius, Riverside Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive cardiac care and is a viable option for some residents.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

When selecting a hospital for hypertension care, several factors should be carefully considered:

* **CMS Star Rating:** While not the sole indicator of quality, the CMS star rating provides a valuable overview of hospital performance. Higher ratings generally indicate better patient outcomes and a higher standard of care.
* **Cardiology Department Expertise:** Assess the qualifications and experience of the cardiologists and other healthcare professionals. Look for hospitals with specialized hypertension programs or clinics.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider the typical ER wait times and the hospital's ability to handle emergencies efficiently.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Evaluate the availability and accessibility of telehealth services for remote monitoring and follow-up appointments.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital accepts your insurance plan and that the services you need are covered.
* **Patient Reviews and Feedback:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the hospital's reputation and the quality of care provided.

**Conclusion: A Regional Overview**

The area surrounding ZIP code 23708 offers a range of healthcare options for individuals managing hypertension. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital stands out as a flagship facility with a strong CMS rating and comprehensive cardiology services. Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center provides another significant option with a community-focused approach. The availability of specialized centers, efficient ERs, and telehealth services further enhances the quality of care. Careful consideration of the factors outlined above, including CMS ratings, cardiology expertise, ER wait times, and telehealth capabilities, will help individuals make informed decisions about their hypertension care. Regular communication with your primary care physician and cardiologist is essential to ensure optimal management of your condition.