35651, Mount Hope, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 35651, Mount Hope, Alabama is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Moulton, AL (ZIP Code 35651)

The residents of Moulton, Alabama (ZIP code 35651) and the surrounding areas have a vital need for accessible and high-quality healthcare. This review assesses the healthcare landscape, focusing on the best hospitals within a reasonable radius, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" to guide informed healthcare decisions.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

Moulton itself is a relatively rural area, meaning residents often rely on hospitals located in nearby cities. The primary options considered here include hospitals in Decatur, Huntsville, and Florence, all accessible within a reasonable driving distance. These facilities offer a range of services, from general medical care to specialized treatments.

**Decatur's Healthcare Hub: Decatur Morgan Hospital**

Decatur, approximately a 30-minute drive from Moulton, serves as a significant healthcare hub. The primary hospital in Decatur is Decatur Morgan Hospital, a system encompassing two campuses. While not directly within Moulton, its proximity and comprehensive services make it a crucial consideration.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital - Decatur Campus:**

The Decatur Campus of Decatur Morgan Hospital is a large, full-service facility. It offers a wide array of services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical specialties. While the hospital's CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally hovers around a respectable 3-star rating. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and efficiency. However, it's crucial to remember that CMS ratings are just one data point and should be considered alongside other factors.

ER wait times at the Decatur Campus can vary, but are generally reported to be within the national average. Real-time wait times are often available on the hospital's website and through third-party platforms. This information is critical for patients seeking immediate care.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital - Parkway Campus:**

The Parkway Campus, also part of Decatur Morgan Hospital, often focuses on specific areas like rehabilitation and behavioral health. It complements the main campus by providing specialized care options. The Parkway Campus's CMS star rating is not consistently reported as the main campus, and its services are more focused on specific needs.

**Huntsville: A Regional Medical Powerhouse**

Huntsville, about an hour's drive from Moulton, is a major metropolitan area with a robust healthcare infrastructure. Huntsville offers several prominent hospitals, each with its strengths.

**Huntsville Hospital:**

Huntsville Hospital is a large, tertiary care center and the flagship hospital for Huntsville Hospital Health System. It consistently receives high ratings and is a regional referral center for complex medical cases. The hospital boasts a strong reputation for its advanced medical technologies and specialized services. Huntsville Hospital generally maintains a 4-star or 5-star CMS rating, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety.

ER wait times at Huntsville Hospital can be longer than at smaller facilities, given its high patient volume. However, the hospital is equipped to handle a large influx of patients efficiently. Real-time wait times are readily available online.

**Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children:**

This specialized hospital, part of the Huntsville Hospital system, focuses on women's health and pediatric care. It offers comprehensive services for expectant mothers, newborns, and children of all ages. The hospital's CMS star rating is generally high, reflecting its commitment to providing excellent care in these specialized areas.

**Other Huntsville Options:**

Beyond Huntsville Hospital, the city offers other healthcare options, including specialty clinics and urgent care centers. These facilities can provide alternative care options for non-emergency situations.

**Florence: Healthcare in the Shoals**

Florence, located approximately an hour and a half from Moulton, provides another viable healthcare option.

**North Alabama Medical Center:**

North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) in Florence is a full-service hospital serving the Shoals area. It offers a range of medical services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and surgical specialties. NAMC's CMS star rating fluctuates, but it generally maintains a rating that is comparable to the national average.

ER wait times at NAMC are generally reported to be within the national average. The hospital's website and third-party platforms provide real-time wait time information.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general hospital services, the availability of specialized centers is crucial for comprehensive healthcare.

**Cardiology:**

All the hospitals mentioned above offer cardiology services. Huntsville Hospital and Decatur Morgan Hospital have particularly strong cardiology programs, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.

**Oncology:**

Huntsville Hospital and Decatur Morgan Hospital have comprehensive oncology programs, offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services.

**Orthopedics:**

All the hospitals offer orthopedic services, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and trauma care.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital:**

Decatur Morgan Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists. This allows patients to access healthcare remotely, reducing the need for travel.

**Huntsville Hospital:**

Huntsville Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and other telehealth services. This expands access to specialists and improves patient convenience.

**North Alabama Medical Center:**

North Alabama Medical Center is also expanding its telehealth offerings to improve patient access to care.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients seeking immediate care. While real-time wait times are often available online, it's essential to understand that these times can fluctuate. Hospitals are constantly working to improve ER efficiency.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

Calculating an "Overall Health Score" is complex and requires considering multiple factors. However, based on the information above, the following points are crucial:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the sole determinant, CMS star ratings provide a general indication of hospital quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are generally preferable, especially in emergency situations.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services is critical for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth services improve access to care, particularly for those in rural areas.
* **Proximity:** The distance to a hospital is a significant factor, especially in emergencies.

**Recommendations:**

For residents of Moulton, AL (35651), the following recommendations are made:

* **For Routine Care:** Consider Decatur Morgan Hospital or primary care physicians in Moulton for routine checkups and general medical needs.
* **For Specialized Care:** Huntsville Hospital offers a wider range of specialized services and is a good option for complex medical needs.
* **For Emergency Care:** Assess real-time ER wait times at Decatur Morgan Hospital and Huntsville Hospital to determine the most efficient option.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options offered by Decatur Morgan Hospital and Huntsville Hospital to improve access to care and convenience.
* **Stay Informed:** Regularly check hospital websites and third-party platforms for the latest information on wait times, services, and quality metrics.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Moulton, AL (35651) offers a range of options. Decatur, Huntsville, and Florence provide access to hospitals with varying strengths. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and navigate the system effectively. The "Overall Health Score" for the area is positive, with options for quality care. However, residents should proactively research their options, understand their healthcare needs, and stay informed about the resources available to them.