20619, California, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 20619, California, Maryland is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 20619

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 20619, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specific services. We'll delve into key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings to offer a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" perspective.

**Defining the Scope:**

ZIP code 20619 primarily encompasses the town of California, Maryland, located in St. Mary's County. The healthcare options available to residents of this area are largely concentrated within St. Mary's County and the surrounding regions, including Calvert County and potentially access to facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

A crucial indicator of hospital quality is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system. This system provides a publicly available, easily understandable score reflecting a hospital's overall performance across various quality measures.

**MedStar St. Mary's Hospital (Leonardtown, MD):** This is the most prominent hospital serving the 20619 area. As of the latest available data, MedStar St. Mary's Hospital holds a CMS star rating. The specific rating can fluctuate, so it's essential to check the CMS website for the most up-to-date information. The hospital is a major employer in the county and a key provider of both inpatient and outpatient services. Its performance in areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience is a critical factor for local residents.

**Other Hospital Considerations:**

While MedStar St. Mary's is the closest, residents may also consider hospitals slightly further afield, depending on their specific needs and preferences. These might include facilities within the MedStar Health network or other hospitals in the region.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a significant concern for anyone requiring immediate medical attention. Long wait times can be stressful and potentially detrimental to patient outcomes.

**MedStar St. Mary's Hospital:** ER wait times at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital are a crucial data point. While precise real-time wait times can vary significantly based on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume, the hospital typically strives to maintain efficient operations. Patients should be aware that wait times are often reported on hospital websites or through online resources, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their care.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general medical care, the availability of specialized services is a key factor in evaluating a hospital's overall health score.

**MedStar St. Mary's Hospital:** This hospital typically offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The presence of a dedicated cancer center, cardiac catheterization lab, and advanced surgical capabilities are all indicators of a hospital's ability to handle complex medical cases. The hospital's commitment to these specialized areas is crucial for the local community.

**Other Specialty Considerations:**

Depending on the specific needs, residents may need to travel to access certain specialized services. For example, a tertiary care center with advanced neurosurgery or transplant capabilities might be located further away, potentially in the Washington, D.C. area.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years. It offers convenient access to healthcare services, especially for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health support.

**MedStar St. Mary's Hospital:** The hospital likely offers telehealth services, including virtual visits with physicians and specialists. The availability of telehealth options can significantly improve access to care for residents in the 20619 area, particularly those who may have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

**Other Telehealth Considerations:**

The telehealth landscape is constantly evolving. Residents should inquire about the specific telehealth platforms and services offered by their preferred providers. This includes the availability of virtual mental health counseling, remote patient monitoring programs, and access to specialists via video consultations.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience:**

Accessibility encompasses factors like location, transportation options, and ease of scheduling appointments. Patient experience is measured through patient satisfaction surveys, which provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the overall hospital environment.

**MedStar St. Mary's Hospital:** The hospital is located in Leonardtown, making it relatively accessible for residents of California (20619) and the surrounding areas. The hospital's commitment to patient satisfaction is reflected in patient experience surveys. These surveys often assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, cleanliness of the facilities, and the overall comfort of the patient experience.

**Other Accessibility Considerations:**

Transportation options are a key factor for some residents. The availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and the hospital's own shuttle services can impact accessibility. The hospital's efforts to improve patient experience, such as providing clear communication and a comfortable environment, are crucial for fostering positive patient outcomes.

**Specific Medical Needs and Considerations:**

The healthcare needs of residents in 20619 can vary widely. Factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and specific medical requirements should be considered when evaluating hospital options.

**Pediatric Care:** Families with children will prioritize hospitals with dedicated pediatric units and experienced pediatricians. The availability of specialized pediatric services, such as a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or a children's emergency room, can be a significant factor.

**Geriatric Care:** For older adults, hospitals with specialized geriatric services, such as geriatricians, geriatric rehabilitation programs, and age-friendly facilities, are often preferred.

**Mental Health Services:** Access to mental health services is crucial for overall well-being. Hospitals with dedicated mental health units, outpatient counseling services, and partnerships with mental health providers are essential.

**Maternity Care:** Expectant mothers will want to choose hospitals with comprehensive maternity services, including labor and delivery units, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and access to obstetricians and midwives.

**Financial Considerations:**

The cost of healthcare is a significant factor for many individuals. Patients should understand their insurance coverage, the hospital's billing practices, and the availability of financial assistance programs.

**Insurance Coverage:** Residents should verify that the hospitals they are considering accept their insurance plans.

**Cost Transparency:** Hospitals are increasingly required to provide information about the cost of their services. Patients should inquire about the estimated costs of procedures and treatments.

**Financial Assistance:** Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs to help patients who are unable to afford their medical bills.

**Community Health Initiatives:**

Hospitals often play a vital role in community health initiatives, such as health education programs, disease prevention campaigns, and support groups.

**MedStar St. Mary's Hospital:** The hospital likely participates in community health initiatives, such as health screenings, health fairs, and educational programs.

**Other Community Health Considerations:**

The hospital's involvement in community health initiatives reflects its commitment to the overall well-being of the community. Residents should consider the hospital's role in addressing local health needs.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP code 20619 is a complex evaluation, considering factors beyond a single metric. MedStar St. Mary's Hospital serves as the primary healthcare provider for the area. Its CMS star rating, ER wait times, and range of specialty services are all critical factors. Residents should research the hospital's specific offerings, including telehealth capabilities, accessibility, and patient experience. Individuals with specific healthcare needs should also consider the availability of specialized services. Ongoing research and staying informed about the latest updates on hospital performance, including CMS ratings, are crucial for making informed healthcare decisions.