21756, Keedysville, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 21756, Keedysville, Maryland is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Frederick, Maryland (ZIP Code 21756)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel daunting. For residents of Frederick, Maryland (ZIP code 21756), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering various factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, to offer a comprehensive picture of the healthcare options available.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Their Performance**

The primary players serving the 21756 area are Frederick Health Hospital (formerly Frederick Memorial Hospital) and, to a lesser extent, hospitals in neighboring counties and the Washington D.C. metro area. Assessing their performance requires a multi-faceted approach.

**Frederick Health Hospital: The Local Anchor**

Frederick Health Hospital (FHH) is the most immediate and frequently utilized hospital for residents of 21756. Its performance is paramount to the overall health score for the area. FHH holds a **four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating, based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience, places FHH above the national average. This is a positive indicator of overall quality.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor. While specific, real-time data fluctuates, publicly available data often shows average wait times at FHH. It's crucial to check the hospital's website or use platforms like Google Maps, which often provide estimated wait times. Shorter wait times generally indicate better efficiency and resource management within the ED.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

FHH boasts a range of specialty centers. Its **Heart & Vascular Center** provides comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The **Cancer Institute** offers advanced cancer treatment, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The hospital also has a well-regarded **Women's Health Center** and a dedicated **Behavioral Health Unit**. The presence of these specialized centers reduces the need for residents to travel long distances for complex medical needs, contributing positively to the overall health score.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important. FHH has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health consultations. Telehealth access increases healthcare accessibility, especially for those with mobility issues or living in rural areas, positively impacting the overall health score.

**Beyond Frederick: Regional Considerations**

While FHH is the primary provider, residents also have access to hospitals in nearby counties and the D.C. metro area. This expands the available healthcare options, but also introduces complexities in terms of travel time and potential differences in quality.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital:** Located in Falls Church, Virginia, Inova Fairfax is a major regional referral center. It is a Level I Trauma Center and offers a broad spectrum of specialized services. However, the travel time from 21756 can be significant, making it less accessible for routine care.

**Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD):** Part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Suburban Hospital offers high-quality care and specialized services. Access is generally easier than Inova Fairfax, but still requires travel.

**Other Hospitals:** Hospitals in the Baltimore area, such as the University of Maryland Medical Center, are also accessible, but generally involve longer travel times.

**Comparing the Options: A Scorecard Approach**

To provide a more concrete "Overall Health Score," we can consider the following factors:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** A higher star rating indicates better overall quality.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are preferred.
* **Specialty Center Availability:** The presence of specialized centers reduces the need for travel.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Robust telehealth programs increase accessibility.
* **Accessibility (Travel Time):** Shorter travel times are preferred.

**Frederick Health Hospital:**

* CMS Star Rating: Four stars (Positive)
* ER Wait Times: (Variable, requires real-time monitoring, generally acceptable)
* Specialty Centers: Strong presence (Positive)
* Telehealth: Expanding (Positive)
* Accessibility: Primary local provider (Excellent)

**Inova Fairfax Hospital:**

* CMS Star Rating: (Generally high, check CMS data)
* ER Wait Times: (Variable, check real-time data)
* Specialty Centers: Extensive (Positive)
* Telehealth: Available (Positive)
* Accessibility: Requires significant travel (Negative)

**Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD):**

* CMS Star Rating: (Generally high, check CMS data)
* ER Wait Times: (Variable, check real-time data)
* Specialty Centers: Strong (Positive)
* Telehealth: Available (Positive)
* Accessibility: Moderate travel time (Neutral)

**Calculating the Overall Health Score:**

Given the factors above, the "Overall Health Score" for residents of 21756 is favorable. Frederick Health Hospital serves as a strong local anchor, offering a good level of care and accessibility. The availability of specialized centers within FHH further strengthens the score. The proximity of other hospitals, while requiring travel, expands the options for specialized care.

**Factors to Consider for Improvement:**

* **Reducing ER Wait Times:** Continuous efforts to improve ER efficiency are crucial.
* **Expanding Telehealth Services:** Further expansion of telehealth offerings can increase access to care.
* **Community Health Initiatives:** Supporting community health programs can address preventative care and health education.
* **Transparency and Data Availability:** Hospitals should continue to provide transparent data on performance metrics.

**Conclusion: A Positive Outlook**

The overall health score for residents of 21756 is positive. Frederick Health Hospital is a strong local provider, and the availability of regional hospitals provides additional options. Residents should proactively utilize the resources available, including checking hospital websites for real-time data on wait times and telehealth options. By staying informed and engaged, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and contribute to a healthier community. The ongoing commitment to quality and accessibility by local hospitals is a key factor in maintaining a positive overall health score for the area.