36373, Shorterville, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36373, Shorterville, Alabama is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36373)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36373) area, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. The information presented is based on publicly available data, including Medicare.gov's Hospital Compare, and other reputable sources. This is not medical advice; always consult with your physician.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a reasonable radius of Enterprise, AL. This includes facilities in Enterprise itself, as well as those in nearby cities like Dothan and Ozark, offering a comprehensive overview of available healthcare options. Proximity and accessibility are crucial considerations for residents.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a snapshot of overall quality. These ratings are based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

**Medical Center Enterprise (MCE):** Located directly in Enterprise, Medical Center Enterprise is a key healthcare provider for the community. While specific CMS star ratings can fluctuate, it's essential to regularly check Medicare.gov for the most up-to-date information. MCE offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized clinics. Its proximity makes it a vital resource for residents in the 36373 ZIP code.

**Southeast Health (Dothan):** Approximately a 30-minute drive from Enterprise, Southeast Health in Dothan is a major regional hospital. It typically holds a higher CMS star rating compared to MCE, often reflecting a strong performance across various quality measures. Southeast Health boasts a comprehensive array of services, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, and a Level II Trauma Center. Its wider range of specialties makes it a preferred choice for complex medical needs.

**Dale Medical Center (Ozark):** Dale Medical Center, located in Ozark, offers another option within reasonable driving distance. Its CMS star rating and service offerings should be reviewed on Medicare.gov. Dale Medical Center provides essential services and is a valuable resource for residents in the surrounding areas.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times: A Critical Metric:**

ER wait times are a significant indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to handle patient volume. Shorter wait times generally indicate better access to care, especially during emergencies.

**MCE ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times for MCE can be found on Hospital Compare. Keep in mind that these are averages and can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the cases being treated.

**Southeast Health ER Wait Times:** Southeast Health typically reports ER wait times on Hospital Compare. As a larger facility, it may have a higher volume of patients, but its resources often allow it to manage wait times effectively.

**Dale Medical Center ER Wait Times:** Check Hospital Compare for the most current data on Dale Medical Center's ER wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Beyond the Basics:**

Beyond general medical care, specialized services are crucial for addressing specific health needs. The availability of these services significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score."

**Cardiac Care:** Southeast Health is a regional leader in cardiac care, offering advanced procedures and a dedicated cardiology team. This is a significant advantage for residents with heart-related conditions. MCE also provides cardiac services, but Southeast Health often offers a more comprehensive range of options.

**Cancer Treatment:** Southeast Health has a dedicated cancer center, providing comprehensive treatment options, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. This is a critical service for cancer patients in the area.

**Orthopedics:** Both MCE and Southeast Health offer orthopedic services, including joint replacements, sports medicine, and fracture care. The availability of skilled orthopedic surgeons is essential for residents with musculoskeletal issues.

**Women's Health:** Both hospitals provide women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology. Southeast Health often has a more extensive range of services, including specialized clinics.

**Mental Health:** Access to mental health services is crucial. Check with each hospital to see if they have mental health services.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to access medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and even specialized care remotely.

**MCE Telehealth:** Medical Center Enterprise may offer telehealth services. Check their website or contact them directly for information on available telehealth options.

**Southeast Health Telehealth:** Southeast Health has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings. They often provide virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and other telehealth services. This enhances access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

**Dale Medical Center Telehealth:** Check with Dale Medical Center for information on their telehealth services.

**Hospital Safety and Patient Experience:**

Patient safety and experience are crucial components of the "Overall Health Score." These are often reflected in CMS star ratings and patient satisfaction surveys.

**Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs):** The incidence of HAIs, such as infections acquired during a hospital stay, is a key safety indicator. Review data on Hospital Compare for each hospital.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Consider factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the hospital.

**Community Health and Wellness Programs:**

Hospitals often offer community health and wellness programs, which can positively impact the "Overall Health Score." These programs may include health screenings, educational classes, and support groups.

**MCE Community Programs:** Investigate Medical Center Enterprise's community outreach programs.

**Southeast Health Community Programs:** Southeast Health is often involved in community health initiatives, including health fairs, screenings, and educational programs.

**Dale Medical Center Community Programs:** Check with Dale Medical Center for information on their community health and wellness programs.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage:**

Healthcare costs are a significant concern. It's crucial to understand the financial implications of choosing a particular hospital.

**Insurance Acceptance:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider and the hospital's billing department.

**Cost Transparency:** Hospitals are increasingly required to provide price transparency information. Review the hospital's website or contact them directly to understand the costs of common procedures and services.

**Hospital Ratings and Reviews: Beyond the Data:**

While CMS star ratings and other data provide valuable insights, it's also helpful to consider patient reviews and ratings from other sources, such as Healthgrades and US News & World Report. These can offer a more nuanced understanding of the patient experience.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36373) is a composite assessment. Southeast Health in Dothan generally scores higher due to its larger size, more comprehensive services, and typically better CMS star ratings. However, Medical Center Enterprise provides essential local care and is a vital resource for the community. Dale Medical Center offers another option. The best choice depends on individual needs and circumstances. Regularly checking CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialized services is crucial. Always consult with your physician to determine the best healthcare options for your specific health needs.