35587, Townley, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 35587, Townley, Alabama is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 35587 (Winfield, Alabama)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Winfield, Alabama (ZIP code 35587), understanding the quality and accessibility of local medical facilities is paramount. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals within a reasonable radius, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. Due to the rural nature of the area, the focus will extend beyond immediate proximity to encompass regional options.

**Defining the Scope:**

Winfield, Alabama, is a small town, so the immediate healthcare options are limited. This review will prioritize facilities within a 50-mile radius, acknowledging that residents may travel further for specialized care. We'll consider the following key hospitals: Northwest Medical Center (Winfield), DCH Regional Medical Center (Tuscaloosa), and possibly some facilities in Birmingham if relevant specialty care is unavailable closer to home.

**Northwest Medical Center (Winfield): The Local Hub**

Northwest Medical Center (NMC) serves as the primary healthcare provider for Winfield and the surrounding communities. As a critical access hospital, NMC plays a vital role in providing essential services. However, critical access hospitals, by their nature, are smaller and offer a limited scope of specialized care compared to larger regional facilities.

Unfortunately, publicly available data on NMC's specific CMS star rating is limited. Critical access hospitals are not typically subject to the same star rating system as larger hospitals. However, the hospital's commitment to quality is reflected in its accreditation and its role in providing essential services to the local community.

ER wait times at NMC, while not readily available in real-time, are generally expected to be shorter than those at larger, more heavily utilized emergency departments. The hospital's ER is equipped to handle a range of urgent medical needs, offering prompt attention to patients in the area.

Specialty services at NMC are primarily focused on general medicine, emergency care, and basic surgical procedures. Patients requiring specialized care, such as advanced cardiology, oncology, or complex neurological interventions, are often referred to larger hospitals in Tuscaloosa or Birmingham.

Telehealth services at NMC are likely to be available, though the extent of these services may be limited. Telehealth can provide access to specialists and consultations that might otherwise require travel. It is recommended to contact NMC directly to inquire about the specific telehealth options available.

**DCH Regional Medical Center (Tuscaloosa): A Regional Powerhouse**

Located approximately 70 miles south of Winfield, DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa is a major regional healthcare provider. DCH offers a broader range of services and is a key destination for patients requiring specialized care.

DCH Regional Medical Center has a publicly available CMS star rating. The rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. The most recent rating should be consulted on the CMS website for the most up-to-date information.

ER wait times at DCH can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. However, the hospital’s emergency department is equipped to handle a high volume of patients and offers a wide range of emergency services. Real-time wait times are often available online or through mobile apps.

DCH Regional Medical Center boasts a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has advanced technology and a team of specialists to provide high-quality care.

Telehealth services are a significant component of DCH's offerings. The hospital provides telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual visits, expanding access to care for patients in rural areas. The hospital's telehealth programs often include specialists not readily available in smaller communities.

**Other Considerations: Birmingham Hospitals**

For highly specialized care, residents of Winfield may need to travel to Birmingham, approximately 100 miles away. Several major hospitals in Birmingham offer advanced medical services.

**UAB Hospital (Birmingham): A Flagship Institution**

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital is a nationally recognized academic medical center. UAB is known for its advanced research, cutting-edge treatments, and comprehensive specialty services.

UAB Hospital has a publicly available CMS star rating, which is generally high, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient care. The hospital consistently ranks among the best in the nation for various specialties.

ER wait times at UAB can vary, but the hospital's emergency department is equipped to handle a high volume of patients. Real-time wait times are often available online.

UAB Hospital offers a vast array of specialty services, including advanced cardiology, transplant services, cancer care, and neurological surgery. The hospital is a leader in medical research and innovation.

Telehealth services are an integral part of UAB's offerings. The hospital provides a wide range of telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual visits, expanding access to care for patients throughout the state and beyond.

**St. Vincent's Birmingham: Another Birmingham Option**

St. Vincent's Birmingham is another major hospital in Birmingham, offering a comprehensive range of services.

St. Vincent's has a publicly available CMS star rating, reflecting its performance across various quality measures.

ER wait times at St. Vincent's can vary, but the hospital’s emergency department is equipped to handle a high volume of patients. Real-time wait times are often available online.

St. Vincent's offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. The hospital is known for its focus on patient-centered care.

Telehealth services are available at St. Vincent's, providing access to specialists and consultations.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of Winfield, Alabama (35587) is a composite assessment, acknowledging the strengths and limitations of the available healthcare options.

* **Accessibility:** Northwest Medical Center provides immediate access to essential medical services within Winfield. DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa offers a more comprehensive range of services within a reasonable driving distance. For highly specialized care, residents may need to travel to Birmingham.
* **Quality of Care:** DCH Regional Medical Center and the hospitals in Birmingham (UAB and St. Vincent's) offer a higher level of specialized care and are generally subject to more rigorous quality standards, reflected in their CMS star ratings. Northwest Medical Center, while providing essential services, has a more limited scope of care.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at NMC are generally shorter than those at larger hospitals, offering prompt attention for urgent needs. Wait times at DCH, UAB, and St. Vincent's can vary. Real-time information is readily available online.
* **Specialty Services:** DCH Regional Medical Center provides a broader range of specialty services than NMC. UAB and St. Vincent's in Birmingham offer the most comprehensive and advanced specialty care options.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are available at all the hospitals mentioned, expanding access to care and providing remote consultations. The extent of these services varies, with larger hospitals offering more extensive telehealth programs.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

* **For Routine Care:** Northwest Medical Center is the primary choice for routine medical needs and emergency care.
* **For Specialized Care:** DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa should be considered for a wider range of specialty services. For complex or highly specialized needs, UAB Hospital and St. Vincent's in Birmingham offer advanced care.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth services offered by all hospitals to access specialists and consultations remotely.
* **Check CMS Star Ratings:** Regularly consult the CMS website for the most up-to-date star ratings of hospitals to assess quality of care.
* **Consider Travel Time:** Factor in travel time when choosing a hospital, especially for emergency situations.
* **Consult with Your Primary Care Physician:** Your primary care physician can provide guidance and referrals to the most appropriate healthcare facilities based on your individual needs.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Winfield, Alabama, offers a blend of local convenience and regional specialization. While Northwest Medical Center provides essential services, residents should be prepared to travel to Tuscaloosa or Birmingham for more specialized care. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each facility, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the best possible care for their specific circumstances. The availability of telehealth services further enhances access to care, particularly for those in rural areas.