36362, Fort Rucker, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36362, Fort Rucker, Alabama is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36362)

The health landscape surrounding Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP code 36362) presents a mixed bag, offering a range of healthcare options from small community hospitals to larger regional facilities. Assessing the "Overall Health Score" requires a deep dive into factors like hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. This review considers the key players in the area, focusing on data-driven metrics to provide a comprehensive picture for residents seeking care.

**The Core Players: Enterprise and Beyond**

The primary hospital serving Enterprise is **Medical Center Enterprise (MCE)**, located directly within the ZIP code. However, residents often look to larger facilities in neighboring cities, particularly Dothan and Ozark, for more specialized care. This review will consider these key facilities and their performance.

**Medical Center Enterprise: A Local Hub**

Medical Center Enterprise, a 131-bed facility, serves as the primary healthcare provider for Enterprise and the surrounding communities. It offers a broad range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and various medical specialties. While a CMS star rating is not publicly available for MCE, reflecting its size and scope, it's important to consider its role as a critical access hospital, particularly for emergency services.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Data on ER wait times at MCE can fluctuate, but local reports often indicate wait times that are comparable to other community hospitals. Patients should always check current wait times through hospital websites or local reporting tools, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Services:** MCE provides a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It's essential to inquire directly with the hospital for details on specific specialists and advanced procedures available.

**Telehealth:** The adoption of telehealth services is an important trend. MCE may offer telehealth options, particularly for follow-up appointments or specialist consultations. Residents should contact the hospital directly to learn about available telehealth services.

**Southeast Health (Dothan): A Regional Powerhouse**

Approximately 30 miles west of Enterprise, in Dothan, **Southeast Health** stands as a major regional medical center. This 420-bed facility is a significant player in the healthcare landscape, offering a broader range of specialized services than smaller community hospitals.

**CMS Star Rating:** Southeast Health holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's important to remember that CMS ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Southeast Health's ER sees a high volume of patients. Wait times can vary, but the hospital typically reports wait times that are competitive with other regional hospitals. Checking real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through local resources is advisable.

**Specialty Centers:** Southeast Health boasts several specialty centers, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart center, and a women's health center. These centers offer advanced treatments and specialized care, making Southeast Health a regional destination for complex medical needs.

**Telehealth:** Southeast Health has embraced telehealth, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. The hospital offers a range of telehealth options, including virtual visits with specialists and remote patient monitoring programs.

**Flowers Hospital (Dothan): Another Dothan Option**

Also located in Dothan, **Flowers Hospital** offers another option for residents seeking healthcare. This hospital provides a broad range of services and competes with Southeast Health in the regional market.

**CMS Star Rating:** Flowers Hospital also holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates a similar level of performance as Southeast Health, reflecting the hospital's commitment to quality care.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Flowers Hospital's ER performance is a key factor. While wait times can fluctuate, they are generally comparable to other hospitals in the area. Checking real-time wait times is recommended.

**Specialty Centers:** Flowers Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. Patients should investigate the specific services and specialists available to meet their needs.

**Telehealth:** Flowers Hospital has adopted telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring. Patients should inquire about available telehealth options.

**Dale Medical Center (Ozark): A Community Focus**

Located approximately 20 miles north of Enterprise, in Ozark, **Dale Medical Center** serves as a community hospital, offering a more localized approach to care.

**CMS Star Rating:** Dale Medical Center does not have a publicly available CMS star rating.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Dale Medical Center's ER wait times are often shorter than those at larger regional hospitals. This can be a significant advantage for residents seeking prompt emergency care.

**Specialty Services:** Dale Medical Center provides a range of services, including emergency care, general surgery, and various medical specialties. The hospital's focus is on providing accessible care to the local community.

**Telehealth:** Dale Medical Center may offer telehealth services, particularly for follow-up appointments or specialist consultations. Residents should contact the hospital directly to learn about available telehealth services.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score**

The "Overall Health Score" for the area is influenced by a combination of factors, including:

* **Hospital Quality Ratings:** CMS star ratings provide a valuable benchmark, but they are not the sole determinant of quality. Patient reviews, hospital accreditation, and other quality metrics should also be considered.
* **Accessibility:** ER wait times, the availability of specialists, and the distance to healthcare facilities are crucial for accessibility.
* **Specialty Services:** The presence of specialized centers, such as cancer centers or heart centers, significantly impacts the ability of residents to access advanced care.
* **Telehealth Adoption:** The availability of telehealth services increases access to care, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations.
* **Community Health Needs:** The overall health of the community, including rates of chronic diseases and access to preventive care, influences the demand for healthcare services.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right healthcare provider requires careful consideration of individual needs and preferences. Residents should:

* **Research Hospitals:** Explore the websites of each hospital, review patient testimonials, and compare services offered.
* **Consider Specialty Needs:** If specialized care is required, identify hospitals with the relevant expertise and resources.
* **Assess Accessibility:** Factor in travel time, ER wait times, and the availability of appointments.
* **Inquire about Telehealth:** Determine if telehealth services are available for convenient access to care.
* **Consult with Primary Care Physicians:** Seek recommendations from primary care physicians, who can provide valuable insights and referrals.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective**

The healthcare landscape near Enterprise, Alabama, offers a range of options, from local community hospitals to larger regional centers. Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital in Dothan provide a wider array of specialized services, while Medical Center Enterprise and Dale Medical Center offer more localized care. The "Overall Health Score" for the area is a reflection of this diverse landscape, requiring residents to carefully weigh factors like hospital quality, accessibility, and specialty services to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. While no single hospital can be declared "best" for everyone, the availability of multiple options allows residents to find the right fit for their individual circumstances. Ongoing research and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential for navigating this complex landscape and ensuring access to the best possible care.