21758, Knoxville, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 21758, Knoxville, Maryland is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Frederick, Maryland (ZIP Code 21758)

The quest for quality healthcare often begins with location. For residents of Frederick, Maryland (ZIP code 21758), access to top-tier medical facilities is a critical consideration. This review provides an in-depth assessment of the hospitals serving this area, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth availability, ultimately offering an "Overall Health Score" to help guide informed decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Players in Frederick County**

The primary hospitals serving Frederick County are Frederick Health Hospital (formerly Frederick Memorial Hospital) and Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, roughly an hour's drive away. Both offer a comprehensive range of services, but their strengths and weaknesses warrant careful examination. Other facilities, such as urgent care centers and specialty clinics, play a crucial role in the overall healthcare ecosystem, offering alternative options for specific needs.

**Frederick Health Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Frederick Health Hospital, the most immediate option for 21758 residents, is a large, non-profit facility with a long-standing presence in the community. It's a vital resource, offering a broad spectrum of medical services. However, its performance across various metrics requires closer scrutiny.

**CMS Star Rating:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system to evaluate hospitals based on quality of care, patient experience, and other factors. Frederick Health Hospital currently holds a respectable, but not exceptional, **3-star rating** from CMS. This indicates that while the hospital provides adequate care, there is room for improvement compared to higher-rated institutions. This rating should be considered in conjunction with other performance indicators.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial factor for any hospital. Frederick Health Hospital’s ER wait times fluctuate, but average wait times are generally in line with, or slightly above, national averages. Patients should expect to spend a reasonable amount of time in the waiting room, particularly during peak hours. It is important to note that wait times can vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers:** Frederick Health Hospital boasts several specialty centers, including a robust cardiovascular program, a comprehensive cancer center, and a dedicated women's health center. The hospital’s cardiology program is well-regarded, offering advanced cardiac procedures and treatments. The cancer center provides a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. The women's health center offers a range of services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and breast health.

**Telehealth Availability:** Frederick Health Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. Telehealth appointments are available for certain specialties, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. The hospital continues to invest in its telehealth infrastructure to improve access to care.

**Meritus Medical Center: Expanding the Horizon**

Located in Hagerstown, Meritus Medical Center serves as a secondary option for 21758 residents, offering a wider range of specialized services and a different performance profile.

**CMS Star Rating:** Meritus Medical Center holds a **4-star rating** from CMS. This higher rating indicates a stronger overall performance compared to Frederick Health Hospital, reflecting a greater emphasis on quality of care and patient experience.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Meritus Medical Center's ER wait times are generally competitive, often shorter than those at Frederick Health Hospital. This is a significant advantage for patients seeking immediate medical attention. However, wait times can still vary based on the volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers:** Meritus Medical Center boasts a broader range of specialized services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a regional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The trauma center is equipped to handle serious injuries, providing rapid assessment and treatment. The stroke center offers advanced stroke care, including rapid diagnosis and intervention. The NICU provides specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns.

**Telehealth Availability:** Meritus Medical Center has also invested in telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. The hospital's telehealth program is designed to enhance patient access to care and improve the management of chronic conditions.

**Other Healthcare Options: Filling the Gaps**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other healthcare options are available in and around the 21758 ZIP code. These include urgent care centers, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices.

**Urgent Care Centers:** Urgent care centers provide convenient and affordable care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Several urgent care centers are located in the Frederick area, offering extended hours and walk-in appointments. These centers are a valuable resource for patients who need immediate care but cannot wait for a primary care appointment or do not require an emergency room visit.

**Outpatient Clinics:** Various outpatient clinics offer specialized services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling. These clinics provide targeted care for specific needs, often offering a more personalized approach than a general hospital setting.

**Specialty Practices:** Numerous specialty practices offer expert care in specific medical fields, such as cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedics. These practices provide access to highly specialized physicians and advanced treatments.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly prevalent in the healthcare landscape, and hospitals near 21758 are no exception. Both Frederick Health Hospital and Meritus Medical Center have expanded their telehealth offerings, providing patients with convenient access to care. Telehealth services are particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. The use of telehealth has increased significantly in recent years, and it is expected to continue to grow as technology advances and patient preferences evolve.

**Overall Health Score: Putting it All Together**

Determining an "Overall Health Score" requires balancing the strengths and weaknesses of the available options.

* **Frederick Health Hospital:** Offers a convenient location and a broad range of services, but its 3-star CMS rating and fluctuating ER wait times are areas for consideration. Its specialty centers are a definite asset.
* **Meritus Medical Center:** Boasts a higher 4-star CMS rating, shorter ER wait times, and a wider range of specialized services, making it a strong contender. The distance, however, is a factor.
* **Other Options:** Urgent care centers and specialty clinics provide valuable supplementary care, addressing specific needs and offering alternatives to hospital-based services. Telehealth offerings are a plus for both main hospitals.

**The Verdict:**

For residents of 21758, the optimal choice depends on individual needs and circumstances. If proximity and a broad range of services are paramount, Frederick Health Hospital remains a viable option, with the caveat of its 3-star rating and potential for longer ER waits. For more complex medical needs or a desire for a higher-rated facility, Meritus Medical Center, despite the distance, is a strong contender. The availability of urgent care centers and specialty clinics adds flexibility and convenience to the healthcare landscape.

**Overall, the "Overall Health Score" for the area near ZIP code 21758 is "Good."** The presence of two major hospitals, each with its strengths, along with a network of supporting facilities, provides residents with reasonable access to quality healthcare. Residents should carefully consider their individual needs, research specific providers, and weigh the factors discussed in this review to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The ongoing evolution of telehealth and the continued investment in healthcare infrastructure in the area promise further improvements in the years to come.