21690, Chestertown, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 21690, Chestertown, Maryland is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Overall Health Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 21690**

The Eastern Shore of Maryland, anchored by the town of Trappe (ZIP code 21690), presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents have access to a mix of community hospitals, regional medical centers, and the occasional reach of larger, more specialized facilities. Evaluating the "best" hospitals requires a nuanced approach, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, specialized services, and patient experience. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment, incorporating readily available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and publicly reported metrics.

**Defining the Scope:**

Given the rural nature of the area, "near" is defined as facilities within a reasonable driving distance – roughly within a 60-mile radius of Trappe. This encompasses hospitals primarily in Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne's, and Caroline counties, as well as potential access to facilities in Delaware and the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

**The Flagship: University of Maryland Shore Regional Health System**

The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) system is the dominant healthcare provider in the immediate vicinity of 21690. It operates several hospitals, with the most significant being University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton (UM SMC at Easton). This facility is a crucial component of the health ecosystem.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UM SMC at Easton currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects a composite of quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates an average level of performance.

* **Specialty Services:** UM SMC at Easton provides a broad range of services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. It has a dedicated cancer center and offers advanced surgical procedures.

* **ER Wait Times:** Publicly available data on ER wait times can fluctuate. It is important to check the hospital's website or a reputable source like the CMS Hospital Compare tool for the most current figures.

* **Telehealth:** UM SRH has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas who may face challenges accessing in-person appointments.

* **Overall Health Score:** UM SMC at Easton receives a solid "B" grade. It is the cornerstone of local healthcare, offering a comprehensive range of services. The CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, and ER wait times should be a key consideration for patients.

**Other UM SRH Facilities:**

UM SRH also operates other facilities in the region, including UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown and UM Shore Medical Pavilion at Queenstown. These facilities generally provide more limited services, often focusing on outpatient care, primary care, and some specialized clinics. Their availability enhances access to care, particularly for those living in more remote areas.

**Beyond UM SRH: Exploring Regional Options**

While UM SRH dominates the local landscape, residents near 21690 have access to other healthcare options.

* **TidalHealth Peninsula Regional:** Located in Salisbury, Maryland (approximately 60 miles from Trappe), TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is a larger regional medical center. It boasts a 3-star CMS rating, reflecting similar performance to UM SMC at Easton. TidalHealth Peninsula Regional offers a wider array of specialized services, including a Level III Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and advanced cardiac care. ER wait times should be checked.

* **Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus:** Located in Dover, Delaware (approximately 50 miles from Trappe), Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus is a large regional medical center. The CMS star rating is 3 stars. This hospital provides a broad spectrum of services, including a robust cardiovascular program, cancer care, and a Level III Trauma Center. ER wait times should be checked.

**Specialized Care and Considerations:**

For highly specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield.

* **Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore):** Approximately 80 miles from Trappe, Johns Hopkins Hospital is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare. It offers world-class care in virtually every specialty. Access to Johns Hopkins often involves referrals and may require navigating significant travel.

* **University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore):** Also located in Baltimore, the University of Maryland Medical Center is another major academic medical center with a wide range of specialized services.

* **Telehealth for Specialty Care:** Telehealth can be a valuable tool for accessing specialized care, even when the physical location is distant. Many specialists offer virtual consultations, allowing patients to receive expert advice and guidance without extensive travel.

**Patient Experience and Access:**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. Factors like communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of facilities significantly impact overall satisfaction. The CMS Hospital Compare website provides patient experience scores based on surveys.

Access to care is another crucial consideration. This includes the availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and the ability to schedule appointments in a timely manner. Rural areas often face challenges in this regard, and telehealth can help bridge some of the gaps.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric:**

ER wait times are a significant indicator of hospital efficiency and patient access. Long wait times can lead to delays in treatment and increased patient anxiety. Patients should check the hospital's website or a reliable source for the most current wait time information before seeking emergency care.

**Financial Considerations:**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many individuals. Patients should understand their insurance coverage, the potential costs of services, and the availability of financial assistance programs. Hospitals are required to provide price transparency information, which can help patients make informed decisions.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The healthcare landscape near 21690 offers a mix of options, with UM SRH serving as the primary provider. The following is a summary of the "Overall Health Score" for the key facilities, based on the factors discussed:

* **University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton:** B
* **TidalHealth Peninsula Regional:** B-
* **Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus:** B-
* **Johns Hopkins Hospital:** A+ (Highly Specialized, Requires Referral)
* **University of Maryland Medical Center:** A (Highly Specialized, Requires Referral)

**Conclusion:**

Residents near 21690 have access to a reasonable level of healthcare. UM SRH provides a crucial foundation, and regional hospitals like TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus offer additional options. For highly specialized care, travel to Baltimore or utilize telehealth services may be necessary. Patients should carefully consider factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, patient experience scores, and their individual healthcare needs when choosing a hospital. Proactive engagement with the healthcare system, including regular check-ups, preventative care, and informed decision-making, is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.