20764, Shady Side, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 20764, Shady Side, Maryland is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 20764

This review provides an in-depth assessment of healthcare options near the 20764 ZIP code, focusing on hospital performance, accessibility, and specialized services. We will analyze key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, and telehealth offerings, to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for each facility. This information is crucial for residents seeking quality healthcare and making informed decisions about their medical needs.

**Defining the Scope:**

The 20764 ZIP code primarily encompasses the city of Bowie, Maryland, and its surrounding areas. Our review will concentrate on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like patient access and emergency response times. We will focus on the most prominent healthcare providers serving this region.

**Key Metrics & Methodology:**

Our "Overall Health Score" will be based on a weighted average of several critical factors. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, offer a standardized measure of hospital quality based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** This metric reflects the average time a patient spends in the ER before being seen by a healthcare professional. Shorter wait times are generally indicative of better efficiency and patient access.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability and quality of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology, are crucial for addressing diverse medical needs.
* **Telehealth Services:** The adoption and accessibility of telehealth options are increasingly important, offering convenient access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Patient Satisfaction Scores:** Patient feedback provides valuable insights into the overall patient experience, including communication, responsiveness, and the hospital environment.
* **Accreditation & Certifications:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission and certifications in specific areas (e.g., stroke care) demonstrate a commitment to quality and adherence to established standards.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**1. University of Maryland Capital Region Health (UM Capital Region Health):**

UM Capital Region Health, located in Largo, Maryland, is a major healthcare provider for the 20764 area. It is a teaching hospital and a part of the University of Maryland Medical System. As of the latest available data, UM Capital Region Health has a CMS star rating of 2 stars. This rating reflects areas needing improvement in patient outcomes and patient experience. The hospital's emergency room wait times are a critical factor to consider. While specific, real-time data fluctuates, historical averages suggest wait times can be longer than the national average, potentially impacting patient access.

UM Capital Region Health offers a broad range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and women's health. It has a designated stroke center and a comprehensive cancer center. Telehealth services are available, with options for virtual appointments and remote monitoring. Patient satisfaction scores, as reported by CMS, are generally mixed, with some areas scoring below the national average. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**2. Doctors Community Hospital:**

Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, Maryland, is another significant hospital serving the 20764 area. The hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating indicates an average performance compared to other hospitals. Emergency room wait times at Doctors Community Hospital are typically shorter than at UM Capital Region Health, providing potentially quicker access to care.

Doctors Community Hospital provides a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and behavioral health. The hospital has a well-regarded maternity program. Telehealth services are available, offering options for virtual consultations and follow-up care. Patient satisfaction scores are generally in line with the national average. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**3. MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center:**

Located in Clinton, Maryland, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is also accessible to residents of the 20764 area. It is part of the MedStar Health network. The hospital currently has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating indicates average performance. Emergency room wait times are variable, and it is important to check current conditions before visiting.

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, gastroenterology, and surgical services. The hospital has a dedicated stroke center. Telehealth services are available, providing options for virtual appointments. Patient satisfaction scores are generally average. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**4. Holy Cross Hospital:**

Holy Cross Hospital, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a bit further from the 20764 ZIP code but still a viable option for some residents. It has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. This rating indicates a higher level of quality. Emergency room wait times are generally competitive.

Holy Cross Hospital offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and a well-regarded maternity program. Telehealth services are available. Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Detailed Analysis of Key Metrics:**

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical factor in evaluating hospital accessibility. Real-time data fluctuates, but generally, UM Capital Region Health tends to have longer wait times compared to Doctors Community Hospital and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. Holy Cross Hospital is another option.

**Specialty Centers:** The availability of specialized services is crucial. UM Capital Region Health has a comprehensive cancer center and stroke center. Doctors Community Hospital has a strong maternity program. MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center has a stroke center. Holy Cross Hospital has a comprehensive range of services.

**Telehealth Services:** All hospitals offer telehealth services, but the extent of their adoption and the range of services offered vary. UM Capital Region Health, Doctors Community Hospital, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, and Holy Cross Hospital all provide telehealth options for virtual appointments and follow-up care.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores provide valuable insights into the patient experience. UM Capital Region Health, Doctors Community Hospital, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, and Holy Cross Hospital all have patient satisfaction scores.

**Accreditation and Certifications:** All hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission, demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility is a critical factor. Public transportation options vary depending on the location of the hospital. Driving is often the most convenient option, especially for emergency situations. Consider traffic patterns and travel times when choosing a hospital.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care:**

The use of telehealth has increased significantly in recent years. All the hospitals offer telehealth options, but the types of services and the ease of access may vary. Patients should check the hospital websites for details on telehealth offerings, including virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online portals.

**Specific Considerations for 20764 Residents:**

Residents of the 20764 ZIP code have several hospital options within a reasonable driving distance. UM Capital Region Health is closest, while Doctors Community Hospital and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center are also easily accessible. Holy Cross Hospital is a longer drive but offers higher quality. Factors to consider include emergency room wait times, the availability of specialized services, and patient satisfaction scores.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the analysis of key metrics, the following is a general assessment:

* **UM Capital Region Health:** 2 stars.
* **Doctors Community Hospital:** 3 stars.
* **MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center:** 3 stars.
* **Holy Cross Hospital:** 4 stars.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare options near the 20764 ZIP code. Residents should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each hospital. Reviewing the most recent data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and patient satisfaction scores, is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare. It is recommended to consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.