35544, Beaverton, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 35544, Beaverton, Alabama is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 35544 (Fayette, Alabama)

This review provides an in-depth analysis of healthcare options for residents near ZIP code 35544, focusing on hospital performance, accessibility, and specialized services. The assessment considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including quality of care, wait times, and the availability of advanced medical treatments. Given the rural nature of the area, this review emphasizes proximity and the scope of services available within a reasonable driving distance.

**Defining the Scope:**

ZIP code 35544 primarily encompasses Fayette, Alabama, a small town in the northwest part of the state. Healthcare access is often a significant concern in rural areas, necessitating a focus on regional hospitals and the availability of specialized care. This review will primarily focus on hospitals within a 60-mile radius, considering that this range often represents a reasonable travel distance for medical needs in a rural setting.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system to evaluate hospital performance, offering a readily accessible metric for quality assessment. While no hospital directly within Fayette has a CMS star rating, several regional hospitals are critical to the healthcare landscape.

**DCH Regional Medical Center (Tuscaloosa, AL):** Located approximately 50 miles south of Fayette, DCH Regional Medical Center is a significant healthcare provider. DCH, a large regional hospital, is a Level II trauma center, equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies and critical care needs. DCH has consistently received a 3-star CMS rating, reflecting its performance in various areas. DCH is known for its comprehensive services, including cardiology, oncology, and a robust surgical department.

**Northport Medical Center (Northport, AL):** Situated close to DCH, Northport Medical Center, part of the DCH Health System, is also an important option. Northport Medical Center offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized clinics. Northport Medical Center has generally received a 3-star CMS rating.

**Other Hospitals within Reach:**

While DCH and Northport are the most prominent hospitals within a reasonable distance, other facilities offer specialized services.

**Walker Baptist Medical Center (Jasper, AL):** Approximately 40 miles east of Fayette, Walker Baptist Medical Center is another option. Walker Baptist is a regional hospital with a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and a cardiac care unit. Walker Baptist has consistently received a 3-star CMS rating.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to respond to urgent medical needs. These times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume.

**DCH Regional Medical Center:** DCH's ER wait times are generally within the regional average. However, given its role as a Level II trauma center, the ER can experience periods of high volume. Patients should expect to be triaged upon arrival, and those with life-threatening conditions will be prioritized.

**Northport Medical Center:** Northport Medical Center's ER wait times are generally comparable to DCH. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Walker Baptist Medical Center:** Walker Baptist's ER wait times are often shorter than those at larger hospitals, though this can fluctuate.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care:**

The availability of specialized care is a critical factor in assessing the overall health score. Residents of Fayette require access to specialists for various medical conditions.

**DCH Regional Medical Center:** DCH has a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including a cancer center, a heart center, and a women's health center. These centers offer advanced treatments and specialized expertise. DCH also has a dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

**Northport Medical Center:** Northport offers several specialized clinics, including cardiology and orthopedics. Northport also provides services for women's health and offers surgical services.

**Walker Baptist Medical Center:** Walker Baptist has specialized services, including a cardiac care unit and a cancer center.

**Telehealth and Remote Healthcare Options:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas, allowing patients to access healthcare services remotely.

**DCH Regional Medical Center:** DCH has invested in telehealth services, offering virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring programs.

**Northport Medical Center:** Northport also provides telehealth options, expanding access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling.

**Walker Baptist Medical Center:** Walker Baptist has embraced telehealth, providing virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility is a significant factor in rural healthcare. The availability of transportation to and from hospitals is essential.

**Public Transportation:** Public transportation options in the Fayette area are limited. Residents often rely on personal vehicles or assistance from family and friends.

**Ambulance Services:** Emergency medical services (EMS) are available in the area, providing transport to hospitals in urgent situations.

**Community Health Resources:**

Several community health resources support residents near 35544.

**Fayette County Health Department:** The Fayette County Health Department provides various services, including immunizations, health screenings, and disease prevention programs.

**Other Community Organizations:** Local churches and charitable organizations often offer assistance with transportation and healthcare-related expenses.

**Patient Satisfaction and Reviews:**

Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of the quality of care. Online reviews and surveys provide insights into patient experiences.

**DCH Regional Medical Center:** Patient reviews for DCH are generally mixed. Some patients praise the quality of care and the expertise of the medical staff. Other reviews mention long wait times and challenges with communication.

**Northport Medical Center:** Patient reviews for Northport are also mixed, with some patients expressing satisfaction with the care they received.

**Walker Baptist Medical Center:** Patient reviews for Walker Baptist are generally positive, with many patients praising the staff's attentiveness and the hospital's overall atmosphere.

**Areas for Improvement:**

Several areas require attention to enhance healthcare access and quality near 35544.

**Wait Times:** Reducing ER wait times at all hospitals is a priority.

**Specialty Access:** Improving access to specialized care, particularly for mental health and chronic disease management, is crucial.

**Telehealth Expansion:** Further expanding telehealth services to reach more patients is essential.

**Transportation Assistance:** Providing transportation assistance to patients who lack reliable transportation is vital.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for residents near ZIP code 35544 is moderate. While several regional hospitals provide essential services, challenges remain. DCH Regional Medical Center and Northport Medical Center offer comprehensive care, but wait times and patient satisfaction vary. Walker Baptist Medical Center provides an alternative with generally shorter wait times and positive patient reviews. The expansion of telehealth services and improvements in transportation assistance would significantly improve the overall health score. The availability of specialized care, while present, could be further enhanced to meet the specific needs of the community. Residents should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a healthcare provider, factoring in the availability of specialized services, ER wait times, and patient reviews.