35619, Danville, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 35619, Danville, Alabama is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 35619

This review provides an overall health score assessment of hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 35619, which encompasses the city of Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities. The evaluation considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including hospital quality, access to care, and the availability of specialized services. Data sources include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and publicly available information.

**The Landscape of Care:**

The primary hospital serving Athens and the immediate vicinity is **Athens-Limestone Hospital**. Other options for care exist within a reasonable driving distance, primarily in Huntsville, Alabama, offering access to larger facilities with broader specialty services. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each facility is key to making informed healthcare decisions.

**Athens-Limestone Hospital: A Local Anchor**

Athens-Limestone Hospital, a vital part of the local healthcare infrastructure, is a 119-bed facility. It is a non-profit hospital and serves as the primary point of access for emergency care and general medical needs within the immediate area. Information on its CMS star rating is not readily available, but the hospital is actively involved in community health initiatives. The hospital offers a range of services, including:

* **Emergency Department:** The emergency department is a critical component of the hospital, providing immediate care for urgent medical conditions. While specific wait times are not consistently published, local residents often rely on this department for immediate medical attention.
* **Surgical Services:** Athens-Limestone Hospital provides surgical services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and other specialized procedures.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** The hospital offers a range of diagnostic imaging services, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
* **Maternity Care:** The hospital has a labor and delivery unit, providing care for expectant mothers and newborns.
* **Rehabilitation Services:** Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are available to help patients recover from illness or injury.

**Access to Specialized Care: Huntsville Options**

For specialized care, residents near 35619 often look to Huntsville, Alabama, a city approximately 45 minutes away. Huntsville boasts several larger hospitals with more comprehensive services. These hospitals are key for complex medical needs.

**Huntsville Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse**

Huntsville Hospital, the flagship facility of Huntsville Hospital Health System, is a major regional medical center. It is a large, 971-bed facility, and a Level I Trauma Center, making it a critical resource for handling severe injuries and illnesses. Huntsville Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. The hospital provides a wide array of specialized services:

* **Comprehensive Cancer Care:** The Huntsville Hospital Cancer Center offers advanced cancer treatment options, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology.
* **Cardiovascular Services:** The hospital has a dedicated heart center, providing advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, and electrophysiology.
* **Neuroscience Institute:** The institute offers comprehensive neurological care, including treatment for stroke, brain tumors, and other neurological conditions.
* **Women's and Children's Services:** Huntsville Hospital has a dedicated women's and children's hospital, offering specialized care for mothers and children.
* **Emergency Department:** Huntsville Hospital's emergency department is a high-volume facility. While specific wait times fluctuate, it is important to note that wait times at Level I Trauma Centers can be longer due to the severity of cases they handle.

**Madison Hospital: A Growing Presence**

Madison Hospital, also part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, is another option in the Huntsville area. It is a 150-bed facility located in Madison, Alabama, offering a range of services. Madison Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This hospital is an important option for residents seeking care in a more suburban setting.

* **Emergency Department:** Madison Hospital has an emergency department that provides immediate care for urgent medical conditions.
* **Surgical Services:** The hospital offers surgical services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and other specialized procedures.
* **Cardiovascular Services:** The hospital provides cardiovascular care, including diagnostic testing and treatment for heart conditions.
* **Women's Services:** Madison Hospital has a labor and delivery unit, providing care for expectant mothers and newborns.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital: A Further Option**

Decatur Morgan Hospital, located approximately 30 minutes west of Athens, is another option. It is a 333-bed facility and offers a range of services, though its specialty offerings may be less extensive than Huntsville Hospital. Decatur Morgan Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

* **Emergency Department:** Decatur Morgan Hospital has an emergency department that provides immediate care for urgent medical conditions.
* **Surgical Services:** The hospital offers surgical services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and other specialized procedures.
* **Cardiovascular Services:** The hospital provides cardiovascular care, including diagnostic testing and treatment for heart conditions.
* **Cancer Care:** Decatur Morgan Hospital provides cancer care services.

**Telehealth and Remote Care:**

The availability of telehealth services is an increasingly important aspect of healthcare access. Hospitals in the region, including those in Huntsville, are expanding their telehealth capabilities. This allows patients to access consultations and follow-up care remotely, improving convenience and access, particularly for those in more rural areas. The specific telehealth offerings vary by hospital and specialty.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a key indicator of access to care. While specific wait times are not always readily available, it is important to consider that wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and the overall volume of patients. Larger hospitals, such as Huntsville Hospital, may experience longer wait times due to the higher volume of patients they serve and the complexity of the cases they handle.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care:**

For specialized care, residents near 35619 benefit from the availability of specialty centers in Huntsville. These centers offer advanced treatment options for a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Huntsville Hospital's Cancer Center and Heart Center are key resources for advanced care.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for the area near ZIP code 35619 is influenced by the following factors:

* **Local Access:** Athens-Limestone Hospital provides essential local healthcare services, including emergency care, general medical care, and basic surgical procedures.
* **Specialized Care Availability:** The proximity of Huntsville, with its larger hospitals and specialty centers, provides access to a broader range of specialized medical services.
* **CMS Ratings:** Huntsville Hospital, Madison Hospital, and Decatur Morgan Hospital have CMS star ratings of 3 stars, indicating a generally acceptable level of quality.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** The increasing availability of telehealth services enhances access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Emergency Room Considerations:** Emergency room wait times are a factor to consider, particularly at larger hospitals.

**Recommendations:**

Residents near ZIP code 35619 should consider the following when making healthcare decisions:

* **For Immediate Needs:** Athens-Limestone Hospital's emergency department is the primary point of access for urgent medical needs.
* **For Specialized Care:** Huntsville Hospital offers a wider range of specialized services, including advanced cancer care, cardiovascular services, and neurological care.
* **For Routine Care:** Consider the services offered by Athens-Limestone Hospital, Madison Hospital, and Decatur Morgan Hospital for routine medical needs.
* **Telehealth Utilization:** Explore the availability of telehealth services for convenient access to consultations and follow-up care.
* **Research and Planning:** Research specific hospital services and specialties to determine the best fit for individual healthcare needs.
* **Consider Travel Time:** Factor in travel time when choosing a hospital, especially for non-emergency situations.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 35619 provides a mix of local access and regional specialization. Athens-Limestone Hospital serves as a vital local resource, while Huntsville offers access to a broader range of advanced medical services. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each facility and considering individual healthcare needs, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare. Continued investment in telehealth and community health initiatives will further enhance access to care and improve the overall health of the community.