23921, Buckingham, Virginia Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 23921, Buckingham, Virginia is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 23921**

Finding the right hospital for hypertension management near Farmville, Virginia (ZIP code 23921) requires a nuanced understanding of available resources. This review delves into the key players, assessing their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data and focusing on factors crucial for effective hypertension care. We'll consider CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, telehealth capabilities, and overall reputation.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The immediate vicinity of 23921 is primarily served by smaller community hospitals and regional healthcare systems. Larger, tertiary care centers offering a wider array of specialized services often require a drive. This geographic reality shapes the choices available to individuals seeking hypertension treatment.

**Key Players: Centra Southside Community Hospital**

Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, Virginia, is a primary access point for healthcare in the area. While not a flagship hospital with a sprawling campus, it plays a critical role in providing essential services. CMS star ratings, a widely used metric for hospital quality, are not publicly available for this specific hospital. This can make it difficult to directly compare the hospital's overall quality to larger hospitals.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises or related complications. Publicly available data on ER wait times can fluctuate. It's crucial to check current wait times through hospital websites or third-party platforms before seeking emergency care. Shorter wait times are generally preferable, as they can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Care**

Centra Southside Community Hospital offers a range of medical services, including cardiology. The availability of a dedicated cardiology department is essential for hypertension management. Cardiologists are specialists in heart health and can provide comprehensive care, including diagnosis, medication management, and lifestyle recommendations. The hospital's website and patient services can provide specific details on the scope of cardiology services.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. It allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, facilitating medication adjustments, lifestyle counseling, and follow-up appointments. Centra Southside Community Hospital may offer telehealth services, which is worth investigating. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent travel.

**Beyond Centra: Regional Options**

For more specialized care, residents of 23921 may consider hospitals located further afield. These facilities may offer advanced cardiology services, including interventional procedures and specialized hypertension clinics.

**VCU Health System (Richmond, VA)**

The VCU Health System, located in Richmond, Virginia, is a major academic medical center. It is a Level I trauma center and offers a broad range of specialized services. While a drive from Farmville, VCU Health System is a flagship hospital with a high reputation. VCU Health System has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. This indicates a good overall performance. The hospital's cardiology department is well-regarded, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options. ER wait times at VCU Health System can vary. VCU Health System is known for its robust telehealth program. This includes remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations, and educational resources.

**University of Virginia Health System (Charlottesville, VA)**

The University of Virginia Health System, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is another major academic medical center within reasonable driving distance. It is also a Level I trauma center and offers a wide array of specialized services. The UVA Health System has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. The cardiology department is highly regarded, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options. ER wait times at UVA Health System can vary. The UVA Health System offers telehealth services, including virtual visits and remote monitoring.

**Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center (Midlothian, VA)**

Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, located in Midlothian, Virginia, is another option. It is a large hospital with a good reputation in the region. Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. The hospital's cardiology department provides comprehensive care. ER wait times can vary. Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center offers telehealth services.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

Several factors should influence the decision of where to seek hypertension care.

* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the ease of access, especially in emergencies.
* **Specialty Services:** Assess the availability of cardiology services, including interventional procedures and specialized hypertension clinics.
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the qualifications and experience of cardiologists and other specialists.
* **Technology and Resources:** Evaluate the hospital's access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Explore patient experiences and satisfaction levels through online reviews and surveys.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Determine if the hospital offers telehealth services for convenient follow-up care and medication management.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Navigating the System**

The process of choosing a hospital for hypertension care can be complex. Consulting with your primary care physician is a good starting point. They can provide referrals to specialists and offer guidance on the best options based on your individual needs.

**Conclusion**

For residents near 23921, Centra Southside Community Hospital serves as a primary healthcare provider. However, for specialized care and advanced services, exploring regional options like VCU Health System, the University of Virginia Health System, and Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center may be necessary. Thorough research, including consideration of CMS star ratings, ER wait times, telehealth capabilities, and patient reviews, is essential for making an informed decision about hypertension management. Prioritizing access to timely care, experienced specialists, and convenient telehealth options is crucial for effectively managing this chronic condition. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.