36425, Beatrice, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36425, Beatrice, Alabama is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Brewton, Alabama (36425)

Brewton, Alabama, nestled in the heart of Escambia County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents of the 36425 ZIP code have access to a limited but crucial network of hospitals and healthcare providers. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and the availability of telehealth options. Due to the rural nature of the area, proximity and accessibility are key considerations. This analysis focuses on the primary hospitals serving the region, offering a snapshot of the healthcare options available.

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

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, located directly within Brewton, is the cornerstone of local healthcare. It is a critical access hospital, a designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) designed to support rural hospitals. This means it meets specific criteria for size and service offerings, ensuring access to essential care in underserved areas. CMS does not assign star ratings to critical access hospitals.

The hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient surgery, laboratory services, radiology, and physical therapy. D.W. McMillan also has a dedicated swing bed program, allowing patients to receive skilled nursing care within the hospital setting. This is particularly valuable for patients recovering from illness or injury who need continued medical attention but don't require acute care.

While specific, publicly available data on ER wait times for D.W. McMillan is limited, it’s reasonable to assume wait times are generally shorter than those at larger, urban hospitals. This is a significant advantage for residents requiring immediate medical attention. The hospital's focus on community needs means it is likely to be more responsive to local health concerns and priorities. Telehealth options are increasingly common in rural hospitals, and D.W. McMillan likely offers some telehealth services, though specific details would require direct inquiry.

**Atmore Community Hospital (Atmore, AL): Serving Neighboring Communities**

Approximately 30 minutes south of Brewton, Atmore Community Hospital serves residents in the southern part of Escambia County and surrounding areas. Similar to D.W. McMillan, it is a critical access hospital, providing essential services to a rural population. Therefore, it also does not receive a CMS star rating.

Atmore Community Hospital offers a comprehensive suite of services, including emergency care, medical-surgical units, and a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The hospital emphasizes its commitment to providing compassionate care and personalized attention. They also have a rehabilitation center.

ER wait times are likely similar to those at D.W. McMillan, offering a potentially faster alternative to larger hospitals further afield. The hospital’s proximity to Brewton makes it a viable option for residents seeking specialized care not available at D.W. McMillan. Telehealth services may be available, supporting remote consultations and monitoring.

**Baptist Hospital (Pensacola, FL): A Regional Hub (Approximately 1 Hour Away)**

While outside the immediate vicinity of Brewton, Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, is a significant healthcare provider for residents of the 36425 ZIP code. It is a large, regional hospital with a broader range of specialized services than the local critical access hospitals. Baptist Hospital is a flagship hospital, and as such, it is assigned a CMS star rating. While the rating can fluctuate, it generally reflects a commitment to quality and patient safety.

Baptist Hospital offers a wide array of medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and neurology. It has advanced imaging capabilities, a comprehensive cancer center, and a dedicated heart institute. Its emergency department is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.

ER wait times at Baptist Hospital are typically longer than those at smaller, rural hospitals. This is due to the higher patient volume and the complexity of cases handled. However, the hospital's advanced facilities and specialized expertise make it a valuable resource for complex medical needs. Baptist Health Care, the parent organization, is investing in telehealth, and it is likely that Baptist Hospital offers telehealth services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**Sacred Heart Hospital (Pensacola, FL): Another Regional Option (Approximately 1 Hour Away)**

Also in Pensacola, Sacred Heart Hospital is another major healthcare provider serving the region. Like Baptist Hospital, Sacred Heart is a large, regional hospital with a wide array of services and specialties. It is a flagship hospital and receives a CMS star rating, which reflects its commitment to quality and patient safety.

Sacred Heart Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a heart and vascular institute, and a cancer center. It is known for its advanced technology and its focus on patient-centered care.

ER wait times at Sacred Heart, like Baptist Hospital, are typically longer than those at smaller hospitals. However, the hospital's specialized expertise and advanced facilities make it a valuable resource for complex medical needs. Sacred Heart Health System is committed to telehealth, and it is likely that Sacred Heart Hospital offers telehealth services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Filling the Gaps**

The healthcare landscape around Brewton is augmented by specialized services. While the local hospitals offer core services, residents may need to travel for specialized care. For example, access to specialized cardiology, oncology, and neurology services is more readily available at the hospitals in Pensacola.

Outpatient clinics and physician practices in Brewton and surrounding areas provide primary care, specialist consultations, and diagnostic services. These clinics play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions and providing preventative care. The availability of these services can significantly impact the overall health of the community.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in rural healthcare. It allows patients to access medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services without the need for travel. The hospitals in Pensacola, with their larger telehealth infrastructure, likely offer a wider range of telehealth options. Local hospitals may also offer telehealth services, particularly for specialist consultations. The availability of telehealth can significantly improve access to care for residents of the 36425 ZIP code.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The overall health score for residents of the 36425 ZIP code is influenced by several factors. The presence of two critical access hospitals in Brewton and Atmore provides a crucial safety net for emergency care and basic medical needs. The proximity of hospitals in Pensacola offers access to a broader range of specialized services.

**Strengths:**

* **Local Access:** D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital provides essential care within Brewton, offering convenience and potentially shorter ER wait times.
* **Regional Options:** The hospitals in Pensacola provide access to a wider range of specialties and advanced care.
* **Telehealth Potential:** The increasing adoption of telehealth can improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Limited Specialization:** Residents may need to travel for specialized care, such as advanced cardiology or oncology services.
* **Longer Travel Times:** Travel times to hospitals in Pensacola can be significant, potentially impacting access to timely care.
* **Dependence on Critical Access Hospitals:** While critical access hospitals are vital, they may have limited resources compared to larger, urban hospitals.

**Overall Assessment:**

The overall health score for residents of the 36425 ZIP code is "Good," with the caveat that access to specialized care requires travel. The presence of local critical access hospitals provides essential care, while the proximity of hospitals in Pensacola offers access to a broader range of services. The increasing availability of telehealth options has the potential to further improve access to care for residents in this rural area. Residents should familiarize themselves with the services offered by each hospital and clinic to ensure they have access to the care they need. Regular check-ups, preventative care, and proactive health management are essential for maintaining overall health in this community.