36401, Evergreen, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36401, Evergreen, Alabama is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Brewton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36401)

Brewton, Alabama, nestled in the heart of Escambia County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents of ZIP code 36401, like those in many rural areas, face challenges in accessing comprehensive medical care. This review assesses the overall health score of hospitals within a reasonable radius, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and available specialties. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare options available, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their health.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The immediate vicinity of Brewton primarily offers smaller, community-focused hospitals. For more specialized care, residents often need to travel to larger regional medical centers. This geographical reality significantly impacts the overall health score, as access to specialized services is a crucial component of comprehensive healthcare.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital (Brewton, AL):**

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, located directly in Brewton, serves as the primary healthcare provider for the immediate area. It is a critical access hospital, a designation that reflects its role in serving a rural community with limited healthcare options. Critical access hospitals are reimbursed differently by Medicare, designed to ensure their financial viability and ability to provide essential services.

Unfortunately, D.W. McMillan does not have a publicly available CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating. This lack of a star rating doesn't necessarily equate to poor quality, but it does limit the ability to compare it directly with other hospitals that have been assessed. The absence of a star rating often reflects the hospital's size and the types of services it provides.

Emergency Room (ER) wait times at D.W. McMillan are generally reported to be within the national average for similar-sized facilities. However, specific data fluctuates and can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. It's always wise to call ahead or check online resources for the most up-to-date wait time information.

D.W. McMillan offers a range of core services, including emergency care, general surgery, and diagnostic imaging. It also provides a variety of outpatient services, such as physical therapy and laboratory testing. While it may not have the extensive specialty offerings of a larger hospital, it plays a vital role in providing essential care to the community.

**Escambia County Healthcare Authority (Atmore, AL):**

Located a short drive south of Brewton, the Escambia County Healthcare Authority offers another healthcare option. Like D.W. McMillan, it's a smaller facility focused on serving the local community. Specific details on CMS star ratings for this facility are not readily available.

Emergency room wait times at Escambia County Healthcare Authority are also generally comparable to those at D.W. McMillan, reflecting the similar size and scope of services. It is always recommended to contact the hospital directly for the most current wait time information.

The Escambia County Healthcare Authority provides a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient services. Its focus is on providing accessible and essential healthcare services to the residents of Escambia County.

**Regional Considerations: The Drive to Pensacola, Florida:**

For more specialized care, residents of Brewton often look to hospitals in Pensacola, Florida, a city approximately an hour's drive south. This travel time significantly impacts the overall health score, as it adds to the time it takes to receive specialized treatment.

**Baptist Hospital (Pensacola, FL):**

Baptist Hospital, a flagship facility in Pensacola, is a major regional medical center. It boasts a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a good overall quality of care. This rating is based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

Baptist Hospital offers a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and neurology. It is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by a team of highly skilled physicians and nurses. The availability of these specialized services significantly enhances the overall health score for the region.

ER wait times at Baptist Hospital can vary, but they are generally within the national average for a hospital of its size and complexity. It is always advisable to check real-time wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER.

**Sacred Heart Hospital (Pensacola, FL):**

Sacred Heart Hospital, another major medical center in Pensacola, also offers a comprehensive range of services. It has a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting its commitment to quality care.

Sacred Heart provides a variety of specialty services, including a renowned heart institute, a comprehensive cancer center, and a dedicated women's hospital. The hospital's focus on specialized care contributes to a higher overall health score for the region.

ER wait times at Sacred Heart are generally comparable to those at Baptist Hospital, reflecting the high volume of patients and the complexity of the cases they handle. As with any emergency room, it's wise to check wait times before arriving.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care:**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Both D.W. McMillan and the hospitals in Pensacola offer telehealth options, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. The availability of telehealth services improves the overall health score by increasing access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Precise statistics on telehealth usage within the specific hospitals are not readily available, but the trend is towards increased adoption.

**Specialty Centers and Access:**

The availability of specialized care is a critical factor in the overall health score. The hospitals in Pensacola offer a significant advantage in this area, with specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, and other complex conditions. Residents of Brewton have access to these services, but the travel time to Pensacola must be factored into the equation.

D.W. McMillan and the Escambia County Healthcare Authority provide essential primary care services, but their specialty offerings are limited. This necessitates travel for specialized treatment, which can be a significant burden for some patients.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for residents of ZIP code 36401 is a mixed bag. While Brewton and the surrounding areas have access to essential healthcare services through D.W. McMillan and the Escambia County Healthcare Authority, the availability of specialized care is limited.

The presence of major medical centers in Pensacola, Florida, significantly improves the overall health score, providing access to a wide range of specialty services. However, the travel time to Pensacola is a significant factor that must be considered.

**Key Considerations for Residents:**

* **Primary Care:** Establish a relationship with a primary care physician in Brewton or the surrounding area for routine checkups and preventative care.
* **Emergency Care:** Familiarize yourself with the ER wait times at both D.W. McMillan and the hospitals in Pensacola.
* **Specialty Care:** Be prepared to travel to Pensacola for specialized medical needs.
* **Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Insurance:** Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage to cover the cost of care, including potential travel expenses.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for residents of ZIP code 36401 reflects the realities of rural healthcare. While essential services are available locally, access to specialized care requires travel. The presence of high-quality hospitals in Pensacola, Florida, offers a significant advantage, but the distance must be considered. Residents should proactively manage their health by establishing relationships with healthcare providers, utilizing telehealth options, and planning for potential travel needs. The overall health score is a reflection of the balance between local accessibility and regional specialization.