35677, Waterloo, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 35677, Waterloo, Alabama is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Moulton, AL (ZIP Code 35677)

Navigating healthcare can be a daunting task. For residents of Moulton, Alabama (ZIP Code 35677), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial for making informed decisions about their health. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the primary healthcare providers in the vicinity, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability. This analysis aims to offer a clear and concise picture of the healthcare landscape, empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being.

**Proximity and Primary Options**

Moulton, a rural community in Lawrence County, Alabama, has limited direct access to hospitals within its immediate borders. Residents primarily rely on facilities in neighboring towns and cities. The closest options include Decatur Morgan Hospital (Decatur), Helen Keller Hospital (Sheffield), and North Alabama Medical Center (Muscle Shoals). These hospitals serve as the primary healthcare hubs for the region, offering a range of services from general care to specialized treatments.

**Decatur Morgan Hospital (Decatur, AL)**

Decatur Morgan Hospital, located approximately 30 minutes from Moulton, stands out as a significant healthcare provider for the region. It operates two campuses: Decatur General and Parkway Campus. Decatur General is the main campus, offering a comprehensive suite of services.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** Decatur Morgan Hospital’s performance is a critical factor in its "Overall Health Score." While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings are a widely recognized indicator of hospital quality, they are not always the only factor to consider. Decatur Morgan Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating considers factors like patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial aspect of accessibility. While specific wait times fluctuate, Decatur Morgan Hospital generally reports wait times that are in line with, or slightly above, the national average. It is essential to check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through services like Google Maps, as these can vary significantly depending on the time of day and patient volume.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Decatur Morgan Hospital offers a wide array of specialty services. It has a dedicated cardiology department, providing services such as cardiac catheterization and angioplasty. The hospital also has a comprehensive cancer center, offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. Furthermore, Decatur Morgan has a robust women's health program, including obstetrics and gynecology services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is increasingly important for providing convenient access to healthcare. Decatur Morgan Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. They provide virtual consultations with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and virtual urgent care options. This is particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care.

**Helen Keller Hospital (Sheffield, AL)**

Helen Keller Hospital, located in Sheffield, Alabama, is another important healthcare provider for residents near Moulton. It is approximately an hour's drive from Moulton.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** Helen Keller Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating is based on a range of quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at Helen Keller Hospital are generally comparable to those at Decatur Morgan Hospital. It is advisable to check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through third-party services before seeking emergency care.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Helen Keller Hospital offers a range of specialized services. It has a well-regarded orthopedic program, providing surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. The hospital also has a comprehensive rehabilitation center, offering physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Helen Keller Hospital has expanded its telehealth services. They offer virtual consultations with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for travel.

**North Alabama Medical Center (Muscle Shoals, AL)**

North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) in Muscle Shoals is another major healthcare option for residents near Moulton, approximately an hour's drive.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** NAMC has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics, including patient safety, outcomes, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at NAMC are typically in line with regional averages. Checking real-time wait times is crucial, as these can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** NAMC offers a wide array of specialized services. It has a dedicated heart center, providing advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The hospital also has a comprehensive cancer center, offering medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Furthermore, NAMC has a robust women's health program, including obstetrics and gynecology services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** NAMC has significantly invested in telehealth services. They offer virtual consultations with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments. This is particularly important for residents in rural areas, enhancing access to care.

**Additional Considerations for Overall Health Score**

Beyond the specific metrics of CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and specialty services, several other factors influence the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Moulton.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction is a critical component of healthcare quality. Hospitals are increasingly focused on improving patient experience through initiatives such as enhanced communication, streamlined processes, and comfortable environments. Patient feedback, often gathered through surveys, provides valuable insights into the quality of care.

**Community Outreach and Support:** Hospitals that actively engage in community outreach and support initiatives often demonstrate a commitment to the overall health and well-being of the population they serve. This can include health education programs, free health screenings, and partnerships with local organizations.

**Physician Availability and Specialization:** The availability of qualified physicians and specialists is crucial for providing comprehensive healthcare. The presence of a diverse medical staff, including specialists in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, enhances the ability of hospitals to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the community.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage:** The cost of healthcare and insurance coverage are significant factors for patients. Hospitals that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer financial assistance programs can improve access to care for individuals with limited financial resources.

**Access to Urgent Care and Outpatient Services:** The availability of urgent care clinics and outpatient services, such as diagnostic imaging and physical therapy, can enhance the convenience and accessibility of healthcare. These services can provide alternatives to emergency room visits for less serious conditions and offer convenient access to ongoing care.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

For residents of Moulton, AL (ZIP Code 35677), the "Overall Health Score" of local hospitals is influenced by a combination of factors. Decatur Morgan Hospital, Helen Keller Hospital, and North Alabama Medical Center all provide important healthcare services to the area. While each hospital has its strengths and weaknesses, the key is to consider the individual's specific healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when making decisions about where to seek care. Regularly checking real-time wait times, researching the availability of specific services, and considering patient reviews can help individuals make informed choices that prioritize their health and well-being.