21718, Burkittsville, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 21718, Burkittsville, Maryland is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Frederick, MD (ZIP Code 21718)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Frederick, Maryland (ZIP code 21718) area, providing a snapshot of their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data. This is not a substitute for medical advice; always consult with your physician.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Considerations**

Frederick, Maryland, is primarily served by Frederick Health Hospital, the dominant local provider. Proximity to major metropolitan areas like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., expands options, but also introduces complexities in terms of access, cost, and specialization. When evaluating hospitals, consider factors beyond just the closest facility. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings (1-5 stars) based on quality of care, patient experience, and other metrics. This is a widely used, albeit imperfect, benchmark.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** A crucial factor, especially in urgent situations. Shorter wait times often indicate better efficiency and potentially faster access to treatment.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability of specialized services (cardiology, oncology, neurology, etc.) is vital for complex medical needs.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth offers increased access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews can provide insights into patient experiences, although they should be viewed with caution.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission signifies adherence to quality and safety standards.

**Frederick Health Hospital: The Local Hub**

Frederick Health Hospital (FHH), located at 400 W 7th St, Frederick, MD 21701, is the primary healthcare provider for the Frederick area. As of late 2023, FHH holds a **3-star rating from CMS**. This rating reflects a mixed performance, with strengths and areas needing improvement.

**Emergency Department:** FHH's ER is a critical access point. Publicly available data on ER wait times can fluctuate. It's essential to check the latest data on their website or through sources like the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). Average wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Services:** FHH offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology (through the James A. & Faith Knight Cancer Institute), orthopedics, and women's health. They have a well-regarded cardiac program.

**Telehealth:** FHH has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly for follow-up appointments and certain specialty consultations. The availability and scope of these services are constantly evolving, so check their website for the most up-to-date information.

**Strengths:** FHH's primary advantage is its proximity and familiarity with the local community. It serves as a comprehensive hospital, providing a wide array of services.

**Weaknesses:** The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement in quality of care and patient experience. ER wait times can be a concern, especially during peak hours.

**Other Considerations:** FHH is accredited by The Joint Commission, demonstrating its commitment to quality and safety.

**Proximity to Other Hospitals**

While FHH is the closest, residents of 21718 can consider hospitals in nearby areas.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):** Located approximately 50 miles east, Johns Hopkins Hospital is a world-renowned academic medical center. It consistently receives high ratings and is a leader in numerous specialties.

* **CMS Rating:** Johns Hopkins Hospital has a 5-star rating from CMS.
* **Specialty Centers:** Johns Hopkins is a powerhouse in virtually every specialty, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and transplantation.
* **ER Wait Times:** Due to its high volume, ER wait times can be longer than at local hospitals. It is essential to check current wait times.
* **Telehealth:** Johns Hopkins has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and follow-up care.
* **Considerations:** Johns Hopkins offers a higher level of specialized care, but travel time and potential wait times can be significant. It also tends to be more expensive.

**University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore, MD):** Approximately 45 miles east, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is another major academic medical center.

* **CMS Rating:** UMMC has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Specialty Centers:** UMMC has strong programs in trauma, cardiology, and oncology.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary.
* **Telehealth:** UMMC has a growing telehealth program.
* **Considerations:** Similar to Johns Hopkins, UMMC offers advanced care, but travel is a factor.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital (Fairfax, VA):** Located approximately 60 miles south, Inova Fairfax Hospital is a large regional hospital.

* **CMS Rating:** Inova Fairfax Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **Specialty Centers:** Inova Fairfax has strong programs in cardiology, oncology, and neurosciences.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times should be checked before travel.
* **Telehealth:** Inova Fairfax has a well-developed telehealth program.
* **Considerations:** Inova Fairfax provides a high level of care, but travel is a factor.

**Other Hospitals in the Area**

* **Meritus Medical Center (Hagerstown, MD):** Located approximately 30 miles west, Meritus Medical Center is another regional hospital. It is a good option for those living west of Frederick.
* **Carroll Hospital (Westminster, MD):** Located approximately 30 miles east, Carroll Hospital is another regional hospital.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

Calculating a precise "Overall Health Score" is complex. It requires weighting various factors, which is subjective. However, we can offer a general assessment based on the available data.

* **Frederick Health Hospital:** A solid local option with a 3-star CMS rating. Its strengths are its proximity and comprehensive services. However, ER wait times and areas for improvement in quality of care are factors.
* **Johns Hopkins Hospital:** A top-tier hospital with a 5-star CMS rating. It offers unparalleled specialty care but requires significant travel and may have longer wait times.
* **University of Maryland Medical Center:** Offers advanced care but has a 3-star CMS rating and requires travel.
* **Inova Fairfax Hospital:** A good option with a 4-star CMS rating, but requires travel.
* **Meritus Medical Center and Carroll Hospital:** Good regional options, but may have limited specialty services compared to the larger academic centers.

**Telehealth's Role**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important. It can bridge the gap between patients and specialists, reducing the need for travel and providing convenient access to care. When choosing a hospital, consider its telehealth capabilities, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Patient Reviews**

Online reviews can provide valuable insights into patient experiences. However, it's important to consider the source and potential biases. Look for patterns in the reviews and consider the overall sentiment.

**Conclusion**

For residents of 21718, the best hospital choice depends on individual needs and circumstances. Frederick Health Hospital is the most convenient option, providing comprehensive local care. For complex medical needs or specialized care, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Inova Fairfax Hospital, or UMMC may be preferable, despite the longer travel times. Researching ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities is crucial. Always consult with your primary care physician to determine the best course of action.