36420, Andalusia, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36420, Andalusia, Alabama is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Brewton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36420)

Brewton, Alabama, nestled in the heart of Escambia County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents of the 36420 ZIP code have a limited, yet crucial, selection of hospitals and medical facilities. This review analyzes the available options, focusing on key performance indicators to provide an “Overall Health Score” assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability.

**The Primary Healthcare Hub: D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital**

The cornerstone of healthcare in Brewton is D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital. This facility, a critical access hospital, serves as the primary point of care for the community. While it doesn't receive a CMS star rating due to its critical access designation, D.W. McMillan plays a vital role in providing essential services. The hospital offers a range of general medical and surgical services, including a 24-hour emergency room.

**Emergency Room Dynamics at D.W. McMillan**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial metric for assessing hospital performance. While publicly available data on D.W. McMillan's ER wait times can be limited, anecdotal evidence and local reports suggest that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Residents should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. The hospital is equipped to handle a variety of emergency situations, but the availability of specialized care may necessitate transfers to larger facilities in nearby cities.

**Specialty Services and Resources**

D.W. McMillan offers a core set of specialty services, including cardiology, radiology, and laboratory services. The hospital also provides physical therapy and rehabilitation services, catering to the needs of patients recovering from injuries or illnesses. However, the scope of specialty services is limited compared to larger regional hospitals. For complex medical needs, patients may need to seek care outside of Brewton.

**Telehealth Integration: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Brewton. D.W. McMillan is working to integrate telehealth services to enhance patient access to care. These services can provide remote consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. While the extent of telehealth offerings may be evolving, it represents a positive step toward improving healthcare access for the community.

**Beyond Brewton: Exploring Regional Options**

Given the limitations of local healthcare, residents of 36420 often look to hospitals in nearby cities for specialized care. This necessitates a consideration of facilities within a reasonable driving distance.

**Mobile, Alabama: A Hub for Specialized Care**

Mobile, approximately a two-hour drive from Brewton, is home to several major hospitals offering a broader range of services and specialties.

**University Hospital (University of South Alabama Medical Center)**

University Hospital, affiliated with the University of South Alabama, is a prominent healthcare provider in Mobile. This hospital is a teaching facility, providing access to cutting-edge medical advancements and a wide array of specialists. University Hospital has a CMS star rating, reflecting its overall performance. The CMS star rating provides a general indication of the hospital's quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room Performance at University Hospital**

University Hospital's emergency room is equipped to handle a high volume of patients and a broad spectrum of medical emergencies. However, due to its size and the complexity of cases it handles, ER wait times can vary. Publicly available data, such as the Hospital Compare website, provides some insights into average wait times, but these figures can be influenced by various factors.

**Specialty Services at University Hospital**

University Hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and trauma care. The hospital's affiliation with the University of South Alabama allows it to offer access to advanced treatments and clinical trials. This makes it a strong option for patients requiring specialized medical attention.

**Telehealth at University Hospital**

University Hospital is actively engaged in telehealth initiatives. They offer virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients, and other telehealth services to improve access to care for patients, including those in rural areas.

**Providence Hospital (Mobile)**

Providence Hospital, another major healthcare provider in Mobile, is known for its comprehensive services and commitment to patient care. It also has a CMS star rating. The CMS star rating is an important indicator of the hospital's overall quality.

**Emergency Room at Providence Hospital**

Providence Hospital’s ER is well-equipped to handle a variety of medical emergencies. Like other large hospitals, wait times can vary depending on patient volume and the complexity of cases.

**Specialty Services at Providence Hospital**

Providence Hospital offers a wide range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital's commitment to providing comprehensive care makes it a valuable resource for residents in the region.

**Telehealth at Providence Hospital**

Providence Hospital is expanding its telehealth offerings to improve access to care. They offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Pensacola, Florida: Another Regional Option**

Pensacola, Florida, located approximately an hour and a half from Brewton, provides another avenue for healthcare services.

**Baptist Hospital (Pensacola)**

Baptist Hospital is a major healthcare provider in Pensacola. The hospital has a CMS star rating. This rating provides insight into the quality of care and patient safety.

**Emergency Room at Baptist Hospital**

Baptist Hospital's emergency room is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. ER wait times can fluctuate, so it is important to consider this when seeking care.

**Specialty Services at Baptist Hospital**

Baptist Hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. The hospital's range of services makes it a good option for patients needing specialized care.

**Telehealth at Baptist Hospital**

Baptist Hospital is actively engaged in telehealth initiatives to expand access to care. They offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

The “Overall Health Score” for residents of 36420 must consider the limited local options and the need to travel for specialized care.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:** Provides essential services and is the primary point of care. Its limited scope of specialty services and potential for longer ER wait times, compared to larger hospitals, impact its score. The hospital's efforts to integrate telehealth are a positive factor.

**University Hospital (Mobile):** Offers a wide range of specialty services, advanced treatments, and a strong CMS star rating. The longer travel time and potential for variable ER wait times are factors.

**Providence Hospital (Mobile):** Provides comprehensive services and has a good CMS star rating. Travel time is a factor.

**Baptist Hospital (Pensacola):** Offers a range of specialty services and has a CMS star rating. Travel time is a factor.

**Telehealth:** The increasing availability of telehealth services at all hospitals is a significant positive factor, improving access to care for residents of 36420.

**Final Assessment**

The “Overall Health Score” for residents of 36420 is moderately positive, but with significant caveats. D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital provides a crucial foundation of care, but its limitations necessitate reliance on regional hospitals for specialized needs. The availability of hospitals in Mobile and Pensacola with a broader range of services and CMS star ratings significantly improves the overall healthcare landscape. The increasing adoption of telehealth across these facilities is a positive development.

**Recommendations**

Residents of 36420 should:

* Familiarize themselves with the services offered by D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital and be prepared for potential wait times in the ER.
* Understand the capabilities of regional hospitals in Mobile and Pensacola and consider them for specialized care.
* Utilize telehealth services when appropriate to improve access to care and reduce travel burdens.
* Stay informed about the latest developments in healthcare services and resources in the region.
* Consult with their primary care physician to determine the best course of action for their individual healthcare needs.

The healthcare landscape near Brewton, Alabama, is a blend of local accessibility and regional specialization. While the local hospital serves as a vital resource, residents must be prepared to navigate the broader healthcare system to access the full spectrum of medical services. The integration of telehealth is a promising development that can enhance access to care in this rural community.