21723, Cooksville, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 21723, Cooksville, Maryland is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Frederick, MD (ZIP Code 21723)

The health landscape surrounding Frederick, Maryland (ZIP code 21723) offers a diverse range of healthcare options, from large, flagship hospitals to specialized clinics and urgent care facilities. Evaluating these options requires a comprehensive approach, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, specialized services, and patient experience. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, drawing on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources to offer a clear picture for residents seeking healthcare in the area.

**The Flagship: Frederick Health Hospital**

Frederick Health Hospital, formerly Frederick Memorial Hospital, stands as the primary acute care facility serving the Frederick area. This hospital is a major player, boasting a 4-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While a 4-star rating is respectable, it indicates areas for potential improvement compared to hospitals achieving higher scores.

Frederick Health Hospital features a robust emergency department (ED), a crucial consideration for any community. While specific, real-time ED wait times fluctuate, potential patients should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during peak hours. The hospital's website and local sources often provide estimated wait times, allowing patients to make informed decisions.

The hospital's specialty centers are a key draw. Frederick Health Hospital offers comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. Its cancer center provides a full spectrum of oncology services, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Furthermore, the hospital has a well-regarded maternity ward and a dedicated behavioral health unit. Telehealth services are also increasingly available, providing convenient access to consultations and follow-up care. However, specific telehealth utilization rates for this hospital are not publicly available, but like many hospitals, it has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years.

**Other Key Players: Considerations and Alternatives**

While Frederick Health Hospital is the dominant presence, several other facilities offer alternative care options.

**Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center:** Located outside of the immediate Frederick area, but within reasonable driving distance, Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, MD, is a major regional hospital. Shady Grove consistently receives high ratings from CMS, often exceeding 4 stars, indicating strong performance across quality metrics. This hospital is known for its advanced surgical capabilities, including robotic surgery, and its comprehensive stroke center. Patients considering specialized procedures or seeking a hospital with a higher CMS rating may find Shady Grove a viable option. However, travel time and distance are factors to consider.

**Urgent Care Centers and Outpatient Clinics:** Numerous urgent care centers and outpatient clinics supplement the hospital network. These facilities offer convenient access to care for less serious conditions, reducing the burden on hospital emergency departments. These clinics often provide services such as vaccinations, minor injury treatment, and routine check-ups. Many accept walk-in patients, making them a practical choice for immediate medical needs. The availability of these clinics helps to improve the overall health score by providing accessible care and reducing the strain on the hospitals.

**Specialized Care and Centers of Excellence**

Beyond general acute care, the availability of specialized centers significantly impacts the overall health score. Frederick Health Hospital's cancer center is a vital resource for the community. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center means patients can access advanced treatments and support services close to home.

Cardiac care is another critical area. The availability of interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery at Frederick Health Hospital ensures that patients with heart conditions can receive prompt and effective treatment.

The presence of a dedicated behavioral health unit at Frederick Health Hospital is also noteworthy. Mental health services are often in high demand, and having a specialized unit within the hospital provides essential care for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience**

Accessibility encompasses factors like location, transportation options, and wait times. Frederick Health Hospital is centrally located, making it accessible to most residents of the 21723 ZIP code. Public transportation options may be limited, so personal vehicles are often the primary mode of transport. ED wait times, as mentioned earlier, are a significant consideration.

Patient experience is a crucial component of the overall health score. CMS star ratings include patient satisfaction scores based on surveys. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and the overall hospital environment. Reviewing these patient satisfaction scores provides valuable insight into the patient experience.

**Telehealth: A Growing Component**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years. Frederick Health Hospital and other providers offer telehealth services, allowing patients to access consultations and follow-up care remotely. This is especially beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. While specific telehealth utilization rates for Frederick Health Hospital are not readily available, the availability of these services contributes positively to the overall health score.

**Areas for Improvement**

While the healthcare landscape around Frederick is generally robust, there are areas for potential improvement.

* **ED Wait Times:** Reducing ED wait times remains a priority. Long wait times can lead to patient dissatisfaction and potentially compromise care. Hospitals continually work to improve efficiency in their emergency departments.
* **Specialty Access:** While specialized services are available, ensuring timely access to these services is essential. This includes minimizing wait times for appointments with specialists and ensuring adequate staffing in specialized units.
* **Mental Health Resources:** While Frederick Health Hospital has a behavioral health unit, expanding mental health services and access to mental healthcare providers remains a critical need in many communities.
* **Data Transparency:** Increased transparency regarding hospital performance metrics, including specific wait times and telehealth utilization rates, would empower patients to make more informed decisions.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Considering all factors, the overall health score for the area surrounding ZIP code 21723 is **Good**. Frederick Health Hospital serves as a strong anchor, providing comprehensive acute care and a range of specialized services. The presence of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics offers additional options and improves accessibility. The hospital's 4-star rating from CMS reflects a good level of quality. However, the ED wait times and the need for continued improvement in areas such as mental health resources, limit the score from being higher.

**Recommendations for Patients**

* **Research Your Options:** Before seeking care, research the available hospitals and clinics, considering factors like specialty services, patient reviews, and insurance coverage.
* **Understand Wait Times:** Be aware of potential ED wait times and consider alternative options for non-emergency situations.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for consultations and follow-up care, especially if convenient.
* **Communicate with Your Providers:** Actively participate in your care by communicating with your doctors and nurses and asking questions.
* **Consider Out-of-Area Options:** Don't hesitate to consider hospitals outside of the immediate area, particularly for specialized care or if you are seeking a hospital with a higher CMS rating.
* **Check for Updates:** Healthcare landscapes change. Regularly check hospital websites and other reliable sources for the latest information on services, wait times, and other relevant data.

This review provides a snapshot of the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 21723. Patients should use this information as a starting point and conduct their own research to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.