21737, Glenelg, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 21737, Glenelg, Maryland is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Frederick, MD (ZIP Code 21737)

Frederick, Maryland, nestled in the heart of the state, presents residents with a range of healthcare options. Determining the "best" hospital requires a nuanced look at various factors, from overall quality and patient safety to accessibility and specialized services. This review will analyze the key players in the area, focusing on data-driven metrics and providing a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment.

**The Landscape: Flagship Hospitals and Key Players**

The primary hospital serving the 21737 ZIP code is **Frederick Health Hospital**, formerly Frederick Memorial Hospital. It is the dominant provider in the immediate area. Other options include hospitals in neighboring counties and the District of Columbia, offering specialized care and alternative choices.

**Frederick Health Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Frederick Health Hospital (FHH) is the cornerstone of healthcare in Frederick County. It’s a large, full-service hospital with a wide range of medical specialties. Understanding its performance is crucial to assessing the overall health landscape.

**CMS Star Rating:** FHH currently holds a **3-star rating** from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on a composite score considering patient experience, mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, and timeliness of care. A 3-star rating indicates average performance, with room for improvement.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** ER wait times are a critical factor for many patients. FHH’s ED wait times fluctuate, but publicly available data indicates an average wait time that can vary. It's essential for patients to check current wait times on the hospital's website or through local healthcare resources. The ED sees a high volume of patients, reflecting its role as a primary access point for urgent care.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** FHH offers a comprehensive array of specialized services. The hospital boasts a robust cardiology program, including cardiac catheterization labs and open-heart surgery capabilities. Their cancer center provides radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services. FHH also has a dedicated women's health center, offering obstetrics, gynecology, and specialized women's health services. Orthopedic services, including joint replacements and sports medicine, are also available.

**Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for accessing healthcare. FHH has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services, particularly for chronic disease management and follow-up appointments. This is a positive development, expanding access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

**Other Hospitals to Consider: Expanding the Scope**

While FHH is the primary provider, residents in the 21737 ZIP code have access to other hospitals, particularly those located in nearby counties and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. These hospitals may offer specialized services or be preferred by some patients.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital (Fairfax, VA):** Located approximately an hour's drive from Frederick, Inova Fairfax Hospital is a nationally recognized facility. It is a Level 1 trauma center and offers a wide range of specialized services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and transplant programs. Inova Fairfax consistently receives high ratings and has a strong reputation for quality of care. However, travel time and potential traffic congestion are factors to consider.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):** Johns Hopkins Hospital, a world-renowned institution, is located approximately an hour and a half from Frederick. It is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation and offers cutting-edge treatments and research. Accessing care at Johns Hopkins requires careful consideration, as it often involves navigating complex referral processes and longer travel times.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Washington, D.C.):** Approximately an hour's drive from Frederick, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital provides a broad range of medical services, including specialized care in areas such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. It is affiliated with Georgetown University's School of Medicine and is known for its research and teaching programs.

**Assessing the Metrics: Key Performance Indicators**

Evaluating hospitals requires a look at various performance indicators. These metrics provide a more objective assessment of quality and safety.

**Patient Experience:** Patient experience is a crucial factor in overall satisfaction. CMS uses the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey to measure patient satisfaction. This survey assesses communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, pain management, and the hospital environment.

**Mortality Rates:** Mortality rates are a critical indicator of hospital performance. Hospitals with lower-than-average mortality rates for specific conditions generally demonstrate better quality of care. Publicly available data from CMS and other sources provides information on mortality rates for various conditions.

**Readmission Rates:** High readmission rates can indicate issues with the quality of care provided during the initial hospitalization or inadequate post-discharge support. Hospitals with lower readmission rates often demonstrate better patient outcomes.

**Safety of Care:** Patient safety is paramount. Hospitals are evaluated on factors such as infection rates, medication errors, and surgical complications. CMS and other organizations track these measures to assess hospital safety performance.

**Timeliness of Care:** Timeliness of care, including ED wait times and the time it takes to receive certain treatments, is a key factor in patient satisfaction and outcomes.

**Telehealth Utilization:** The adoption and utilization of telehealth services are becoming increasingly important. Hospitals that effectively integrate telehealth into their care delivery models can improve access to care and patient convenience.

**Overall Health Score: A Comparative Analysis**

Creating an "Overall Health Score" is a complex process, but it can be done by weighing the available data.

**Frederick Health Hospital:** As the primary provider, FHH's 3-star CMS rating suggests average performance. The hospital's strengths lie in its comprehensive services and local accessibility. However, potential challenges include fluctuating ED wait times and areas for improvement in patient experience, as reflected in the CMS ratings.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital:** Inova Fairfax Hospital consistently receives high ratings and offers a wide range of specialized services. Its Level 1 trauma center status and strong reputation make it an excellent option for complex medical needs. The primary drawback is the travel time.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital:** Johns Hopkins Hospital offers world-class care and is a top-ranked institution. Its specialized expertise and research capabilities are unmatched. However, the referral process and travel time can be significant barriers.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital:** MedStar Georgetown University Hospital provides a broad range of services and is affiliated with a well-regarded medical school. Its location, closer than Johns Hopkins, makes it a viable option for residents in the area.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion**

For residents of the 21737 ZIP code, the "best" hospital depends on individual needs and preferences.

**For routine care and general medical needs, Frederick Health Hospital is the most convenient and accessible option.** Patients should be aware of the hospital's CMS rating and consider checking current ED wait times.

**For specialized care or complex medical conditions, Inova Fairfax Hospital and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital offer high-quality options.** The travel time is a factor to consider.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital is a top choice for highly specialized care and research-based treatments.** The referral process and travel time are significant considerations.

**Ultimately, the best approach is to research the specific needs and seek recommendations from primary care physicians or specialists.** Patients should also consider their insurance coverage and any travel limitations. By carefully evaluating the available options and considering the factors discussed in this review, residents of the 21737 ZIP code can make informed decisions about their healthcare.