24272, Nora, Virginia Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 24272, Nora, Virginia is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 24272

Finding quality healthcare, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, is paramount. This review analyzes hospitals near ZIP Code 24272 (Tazewell, Virginia) to assess their capabilities in treating hypertension, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help residents make informed decisions about their care.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Tazewell County**

Tazewell County, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique healthcare challenges. The rural setting often translates to longer travel times and potentially limited access to specialized services. The availability of advanced cardiac care, including hypertension management, is crucial for residents.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a valuable, albeit simplified, snapshot of hospital quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Hospitals near 24272, and those likely serving its residents, are the primary focus of this review.

**Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital:** This hospital, located within Tazewell County, is a key provider for the local population. Its CMS star rating is a critical data point for assessing overall quality. Publicly available data on its rating, and any recent changes, are essential for understanding its current performance. Information regarding its specific performance in areas related to hypertension management, such as adherence to best practices for blood pressure control and management of complications, should be readily available.

**Abingdon Hospital (Ballad Health):** Located in Abingdon, Virginia, this hospital is another potential option for residents near 24272. Its CMS star rating, and any associated quality reports, should be investigated. Its proximity to Tazewell suggests it may be a preferred choice for some residents. The hospital's cardiology department and its specific focus on hypertension treatment protocols are key considerations.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant indicator of a hospital's efficiency and its ability to handle emergencies, including hypertensive crises. Long wait times can be detrimental to patients' health, especially when dealing with conditions that require prompt intervention.

**Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital:** Current ER wait times for this hospital should be easily accessible through online platforms like the hospital's website, or third-party sources like ERwaitTimes.com. These times should be evaluated in comparison to national averages and other regional hospitals.

**Abingdon Hospital (Ballad Health):** Similar to Carilion Tazewell, publicly available ER wait time data for Abingdon Hospital is essential. A comparison of wait times between the two hospitals can help residents make informed decisions about where to seek care in an emergency.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management**

The presence of specialized centers dedicated to cardiology and hypertension management is a strong indicator of a hospital's commitment to providing comprehensive care. These centers often offer advanced diagnostic tools, specialized treatments, and experienced medical professionals.

**Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital:** The hospital's cardiology services, including the availability of cardiologists and specialized nurses, are critical. The presence of a dedicated hypertension clinic or program would be a significant advantage. Information on the types of diagnostic tests offered, such as echocardiograms and stress tests, is also important.

**Abingdon Hospital (Ballad Health):** This hospital's cardiology department and its focus on hypertension management should be thoroughly examined. The presence of specialized clinics, access to advanced treatments like cardiac catheterization, and the availability of interventional cardiologists are important factors.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas, for expanding access to healthcare. Remote monitoring programs, where patients' blood pressure is monitored remotely, can be particularly beneficial for managing hypertension.

**Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital:** The hospital's telehealth capabilities, including the availability of virtual consultations with cardiologists and other specialists, are important. Information on any remote monitoring programs offered for hypertension management, such as the use of home blood pressure monitors and remote data transmission, should be sought.

**Abingdon Hospital (Ballad Health):** The hospital's telehealth services, including the availability of virtual appointments and remote monitoring options, should be evaluated. The ease of access to these services, the types of technology used, and the integration of telehealth with the hospital's overall hypertension management program are crucial considerations.

**Other Important Considerations**

Beyond the core metrics, other factors contribute to a hospital's overall quality of care.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, often available through CMS or third-party sources, provide insights into the patient experience. These scores reflect patients' perceptions of the care they received, including communication with doctors, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the overall quality of service.

**Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) can indicate a hospital's commitment to providing high-quality cardiovascular care. Accreditation programs often require hospitals to meet specific standards of care and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

**Physician Availability:** The availability of qualified cardiologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists is crucial for comprehensive hypertension management. Information on the number of physicians, their specialties, and their affiliations with the hospitals is important.

**Cost and Insurance Coverage:** The cost of care and the hospital's acceptance of various insurance plans are critical considerations. Patients should verify that the hospital and its physicians are in their insurance network to avoid unexpected costs.

**The Importance of Primary Care**

While this review focuses on hospitals, the role of primary care physicians in hypertension management cannot be overstated. Regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, and medication management are often handled by primary care providers. Residents should ensure they have a primary care physician who is knowledgeable about hypertension and can provide ongoing care.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management requires careful consideration of several factors. Residents near ZIP Code 24272 should research the CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth capabilities, and patient satisfaction scores of the hospitals in their area. Comparing these metrics, along with factors like cost and insurance coverage, will empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and effectively manage their hypertension. This review provides a framework for that evaluation, urging residents to seek out the most up-to-date and specific data possible to make the best choices for their health.