21798, Woodsboro, Maryland Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 21798, Woodsboro, Maryland is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 21798 (Frederick, MD)

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 21798 (Frederick, Maryland), offering a fact-rich snapshot of their strengths and weaknesses to aid informed decision-making. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather a comparative overview based on publicly available data.

**The Landscape: A Focus on Frederick Health Hospital**

The dominant healthcare provider in the immediate vicinity of 21798 is Frederick Health Hospital, formerly Frederick Memorial Hospital. It serves as the primary acute care facility for Frederick County. While other options exist within a reasonable driving distance, Frederick Health Hospital naturally anchors the healthcare landscape for residents of this area.

**Frederick Health Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Frederick Health Hospital holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating, while not the highest possible, indicates an average performance across various quality metrics. CMS evaluates hospitals on areas like patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. A 3-star rating suggests that Frederick Health Hospital performs adequately in these areas, but there is room for improvement.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for many patients. Data suggests that average ER wait times at Frederick Health Hospital fluctuate. While specific, real-time wait times can vary considerably depending on the day, time, and patient volume, it's essential to check current wait times before seeking emergency care. The hospital website and online resources like Google often provide estimates.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Frederick Health Hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. Its **Heart & Vascular Institute** offers advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The **Cancer Institute** provides comprehensive cancer treatment services, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. The **Women's Health Center** offers specialized care for women, including obstetrics, gynecology, and breast health services. The hospital also has a dedicated **Orthopedic Center** for musculoskeletal care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Frederick Health Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This allows patients to access care remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. The availability and specific types of telehealth services offered may vary, so it's advisable to check the hospital's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

**Other Considerations: The Importance of Patient Experience**

Beyond metrics like CMS ratings and wait times, patient experience plays a critical role in overall health. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the patient perspective. While not always a perfect indicator, these surveys offer a glimpse into how patients perceive the quality of care, communication with staff, and overall hospital experience. It's worth researching patient reviews and testimonials to gain a more nuanced understanding of the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

**Beyond Frederick: Exploring Regional Options**

While Frederick Health Hospital is the primary provider, residents in the 21798 area have access to other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. These include facilities in neighboring counties and the broader Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

**Inova Loudoun Hospital (Leesburg, VA):**

Located approximately 40 minutes away, Inova Loudoun Hospital is a well-regarded hospital with a **4-star CMS rating**. It offers a wide array of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive cancer program, and specialized cardiac care. ER wait times at Inova Loudoun Hospital are generally competitive, but it's crucial to check current wait times before seeking emergency care. The hospital has a robust telehealth program.

**Meritus Medical Center (Hagerstown, MD):**

Meritus Medical Center, located about an hour's drive west of Frederick, is another regional option. It holds a **3-star CMS rating**. Meritus Medical Center offers a range of services, including a heart center, a cancer center, and a women's health center. ER wait times can vary, and it's important to check current wait times before visiting. The hospital has a growing telehealth presence.

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

Suburban Hospital, part of the Johns Hopkins Medicine network, is located approximately an hour's drive southeast of Frederick. It boasts a **4-star CMS rating**. As a Johns Hopkins affiliate, Suburban Hospital provides access to a high level of specialized care and expertise. It is a leading provider of cardiac care, cancer treatment, and women's health services. ER wait times can vary depending on the time and day. Suburban Hospital offers a comprehensive telehealth program.

**MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Washington, D.C.):**

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, also approximately an hour's drive from Frederick, is a major academic medical center. It holds a **4-star CMS rating**. It is a leading provider of specialized care, including cardiology, neurology, and cancer treatment. ER wait times can vary significantly. MedStar Georgetown offers a wide array of telehealth services.

**Important Considerations for Choosing a Hospital:**

* **Specialty Needs:** Consider your specific healthcare needs. If you require specialized care, research hospitals that offer the relevant services and have experienced specialists.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital is in your insurance network.
* **Location and Accessibility:** Consider the distance to the hospital, traffic conditions, and ease of access.
* **Patient Reviews and Recommendations:** Research patient reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** In an emergency, the closest hospital with the appropriate level of care is generally the best option.

**Telehealth: A Growing Force**

Telehealth's role in healthcare is expanding. Many hospitals near 21798 offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Telehealth can provide convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. However, it's essential to ensure that the telehealth provider is licensed and that the technology meets your needs.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP code 21798 is not a single number, but rather a multifaceted assessment. Frederick Health Hospital serves as the primary provider, with a 3-star CMS rating and a range of specialty services. However, residents have access to other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, including Inova Loudoun Hospital, Meritus Medical Center, Suburban Hospital, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. These hospitals offer varying levels of care, CMS ratings, and specialty services. When choosing a hospital, consider your specific healthcare needs, insurance coverage, location, and patient reviews. The growing availability of telehealth services offers another avenue for accessing care. By carefully considering these factors, residents of the 21798 area can make informed decisions about their healthcare and choose the hospital that best meets their needs. Remember to always check the most current information, including ER wait times and telehealth availability, directly with the hospitals.