21556, Pinto, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 21556, Pinto, Maryland is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 21556

Finding the right hospital can be a crucial decision, especially when faced with a medical emergency or the need for specialized care. This review provides an overview of hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 21556, focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. This information aims to help residents make informed choices about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The area surrounding ZIP code 21556, which encompasses the city of Frederick, Maryland, is served by a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Access to quality healthcare is a significant factor for residents. This review analyzes the hospitals that are geographically closest and most frequently accessed by individuals in this area.

**Flagship Hospital: Frederick Health Hospital**

Frederick Health Hospital (FHH) is the primary healthcare provider for the city of Frederick and surrounding areas. It is a large, full-service hospital offering a wide range of medical and surgical services. FHH is a non-profit hospital and is often the first choice for residents in the 21556 area.

**CMS Star Ratings and Quality Metrics**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a standardized way to assess quality. Frederick Health Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific metrics to understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

**Emergency Room Performance**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical factor for patients seeking immediate medical attention. FHH's ER wait times fluctuate, but the hospital generally aims to provide timely care. Data on average wait times can be found on the hospital's website and through resources like the Maryland Health Care Commission. These resources provide real-time and historical data on ER wait times, allowing patients to make informed decisions about where to seek care. The hospital's website also provides information on the number of patients seen daily and the current wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

Frederick Health Hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers and services. These include:

* **The Heart & Vascular Institute:** This institute offers advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac surgery.
* **The Cancer Institute:** The Cancer Institute provides comprehensive cancer treatment, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.
* **The Women's Center:** This center offers a range of services for women's health, including obstetrics, gynecology, and breast health.
* **Orthopedic Services:** FHH provides orthopedic care, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and rehabilitation services.
* **Behavioral Health Services:** The hospital offers inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

**Telehealth Capabilities**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Frederick Health Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities to improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote areas or those with mobility issues. Telehealth services include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The hospital offers telehealth appointments for various specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and certain specialist consultations. The telehealth platform allows patients to connect with providers through video conferencing, phone calls, and secure messaging.

**Other Hospitals in the Area**

While Frederick Health Hospital is the primary hospital serving the 21556 area, other hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance and may be considered for specific needs. These include:

* **Meritus Medical Center (Hagerstown, MD):** Located approximately 30 miles west of Frederick, Meritus Medical Center is a regional hospital offering a range of services. It has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Shady Grove Medical Center (Rockville, MD):** Located approximately 30 miles southeast of Frederick, Shady Grove Medical Center is a large hospital affiliated with Adventist HealthCare. It has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD):** Located approximately 50 miles southeast of Frederick, Suburban Hospital is part of Johns Hopkins Medicine. It has a 4-star rating from CMS.

**Meritus Medical Center: A Closer Look**

Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown offers a range of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive cancer center, and specialized cardiac care. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. ER wait times at Meritus Medical Center can vary, and it is advisable to check current wait times through the hospital's website or other online resources. The hospital also has a growing telehealth program, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring services.

**Shady Grove Medical Center: Key Features**

Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, with its 4-star CMS rating, provides a wide array of services, including a comprehensive stroke center, a high-risk obstetrics unit, and a Level II Trauma Center. Shady Grove Medical Center is known for its advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment programs, and specialized women's health services. ER wait times can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. The hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring.

**Suburban Hospital: Johns Hopkins Connection**

Suburban Hospital, part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, offers a high level of care and access to specialists. With a 4-star CMS rating, the hospital provides advanced medical and surgical services, including specialized programs in cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Suburban Hospital is known for its expertise in complex medical cases and its commitment to research and innovation. ER wait times can fluctuate. The hospital has a growing telehealth program, providing virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring.

**Comparing and Contrasting**

Choosing the best hospital involves considering various factors, including proximity, specific medical needs, and personal preferences. Frederick Health Hospital is the closest full-service hospital for residents of the 21556 area. Meritus Medical Center, Shady Grove Medical Center, and Suburban Hospital offer alternative options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Meritus Medical Center is the closest of the three, while Shady Grove and Suburban offer more specialized services and higher CMS ratings.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

When making a decision about which hospital to use, consider the following:

* **Your specific medical needs:** Do you need specialized care for a particular condition?
* **Proximity:** How far are you willing to travel for care?
* **ER wait times:** How quickly do you need to be seen in an emergency?
* **Hospital ratings:** What do CMS star ratings and other quality metrics indicate about the hospital's performance?
* **Telehealth options:** Do you prefer virtual consultations or remote monitoring?
* **Insurance coverage:** Does the hospital accept your insurance plan?
* **Patient reviews:** What do other patients say about their experiences at the hospital?

**Access to Care and Community Health**

The availability of quality healthcare is a critical component of community well-being. The hospitals serving the 21556 area contribute to the overall health of the community by providing essential medical services, promoting preventative care, and offering educational programs. These hospitals also provide economic benefits by employing local residents and supporting related businesses.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. This review provides information on the hospitals serving the 21556 area, including Frederick Health Hospital, Meritus Medical Center, Shady Grove Medical Center, and Suburban Hospital. By considering the factors discussed above, residents can make informed choices about their healthcare needs and select the hospital that best meets their individual requirements. It is recommended to research each hospital's website for the most up-to-date information on services, wait times, and telehealth options. Consulting with your primary care physician is always a good idea when deciding where to seek medical care.