36274, Roanoke, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36274, Roanoke, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 36274 (Oxford, Alabama)

This review provides an in-depth analysis of healthcare options available to residents near Oxford, Alabama (ZIP code 36274). The assessment considers factors crucial to overall health, including hospital quality, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth accessibility. While the immediate vicinity of 36274 offers limited options, this review focuses on the most relevant hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, primarily in the surrounding cities of Anniston and Gadsden, and evaluates their performance based on publicly available data.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape in this region is primarily served by a few key hospitals. The primary focus will be on facilities in Calhoun County (Anniston) and Etowah County (Gadsden) as these are the most accessible for residents of Oxford. Proximity to Birmingham, while offering more extensive tertiary care, is less practical for routine healthcare needs.

**Key Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**1. Regional Medical Center (RMC) – Anniston, Alabama (Calhoun County):**

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Anniston is a crucial healthcare provider for the 36274 area. RMC is a large, comprehensive hospital offering a wide range of services. It’s a critical access hospital, meaning it provides care in a rural setting. RMC's performance is closely watched by the community.

**CMS Star Rating:** As of the latest available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), RMC’s overall star rating is a key indicator of its performance. These ratings, based on a five-star scale, reflect quality of care, patient experience, and other key metrics. It’s essential to check the CMS website for the most current rating, as these can fluctuate.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:** ER wait times are a significant concern for patients. Publicly available data, such as that reported to CMS or through hospital websites, should be consulted for the most up-to-date ER wait times at RMC. These wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** RMC offers a variety of specialized services. These include cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The presence of specialized centers is important for patients needing specific care. The hospital's website should be reviewed for a complete list of services and programs.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. RMC's telehealth capabilities should be assessed, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual doctor visits, remote monitoring) and their availability.

**2. Gadsden Regional Medical Center – Gadsden, Alabama (Etowah County):**

Gadsden Regional Medical Center is another important option, serving residents of Etowah County and, potentially, those in the Oxford area. It is located in Gadsden, a short drive from Oxford.

**CMS Star Rating:** Similar to RMC, Gadsden Regional’s CMS star rating is a critical indicator of quality. Patients should consult the CMS website for the most recent rating.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:** ER wait times at Gadsden Regional are a key factor in assessing its performance. Publicly available data, including hospital-reported data, should be reviewed for current wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Gadsden Regional offers a range of specialty services. These include cardiology, surgical services, and other specialized areas. The hospital's website will provide a comprehensive list of services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** The hospital's telehealth offerings should be evaluated, including the types of virtual services available.

**3. Stringfellow Memorial Hospital – Anniston, Alabama (Calhoun County):**

Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, also located in Anniston, is another healthcare option. It is generally smaller than RMC.

**CMS Star Rating:** The hospital's CMS star rating is a key indicator of quality.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:** ER wait times are an important consideration.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** The hospital's website will provide information on specialty services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** The hospital's telehealth offerings should be evaluated.

**Other Considerations:**

**Physician Availability and Networks:** The availability of primary care physicians and specialists in the area is crucial. Patients should research the physician networks associated with each hospital to ensure they can access the care they need.

**Patient Satisfaction Surveys:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, and overall satisfaction.

**Hospital Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission indicates that a hospital meets specific quality standards. Checking the accreditation status of each hospital is an important step.

**Cost and Insurance Coverage:** Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are significant factors. Patients should understand the costs associated with services at each hospital and ensure that their insurance plan is accepted.

**Specific Disease-Focused Centers:** The presence of specialized centers for specific diseases, such as cancer or heart disease, is important for patients with those conditions. Researching the availability of these centers is recommended.

**Telehealth: A Growing Importance:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It provides access to healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel. The availability of telehealth services at the hospitals near 36274 should be a key consideration. This includes virtual doctor visits, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

ER wait times are a major concern for patients. Long wait times can lead to delays in treatment and increased anxiety. Publicly available data, such as that reported to CMS or through hospital websites, should be consulted for the most up-to-date ER wait times at each hospital. These wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER.

**Specialty Centers: Tailoring Care:**

The availability of specialized centers is essential for patients needing specific care. These centers may focus on cardiology, orthopedics, cancer treatment, or other specialized areas. The presence of these centers can ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and advanced care for their condition.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

An "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 36274 should consider all of the factors discussed above. This includes CMS star ratings, ER wait times, the availability of specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, patient satisfaction, and accreditation status. The score should be based on the most recent, publicly available data.

**Recommendations for Patients:**

* **Research Thoroughly:** Before choosing a hospital, patients should research all available options.
* **Check CMS Ratings:** Consult the CMS website for the latest star ratings.
* **Compare ER Wait Times:** Compare ER wait times at different hospitals.
* **Assess Specialty Services:** Determine if the hospital offers the specialized services needed.
* **Evaluate Telehealth Options:** Consider the availability of telehealth services.
* **Check Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital accepts the patient's insurance plan.
* **Read Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews to gain insights into patient experiences.
* **Consult with Physicians:** Discuss healthcare needs with a primary care physician.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Oxford, Alabama (36274) is primarily served by hospitals in Anniston and Gadsden. Regional Medical Center (RMC) and Gadsden Regional Medical Center are key players. The overall health score of these hospitals should be assessed based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors like CMS ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. Patients should conduct thorough research and consider all relevant factors when making healthcare decisions. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed and regularly checking for updates is crucial for making informed decisions about one's health.