36427, Brewton, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36427, Brewton, Alabama is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Castleberry, Alabama (ZIP Code 36427)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. For residents of Castleberry, Alabama (ZIP code 36427), understanding the quality and accessibility of local medical facilities is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. While the area is relatively rural, several hospitals serve the region, offering varying levels of care.

**Defining the Scope:**

This analysis focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Castleberry, considering the geographic constraints of the area. The primary focus is on facilities that would likely be utilized by residents of 36427 for routine and emergency medical needs. We will consider hospitals in surrounding cities like Brewton, Atmore, and possibly even facilities further afield, depending on their relevance and reputation.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a standardized measure of quality. This is a critical starting point for evaluating a hospital's overall performance. However, it's important to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital (Brewton, AL):** Located in Brewton, approximately 15 miles from Castleberry, D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital is a key healthcare provider for the region. As of the latest available data, D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient experience, safety, and efficiency. This rating suggests a generally acceptable level of care, but there's room for improvement. The hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient services.

**South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (Foley, AL):** While further afield (approximately 80 miles), South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley is a larger, more comprehensive facility. It is a 3-star hospital, as of the latest available data. It offers a broader range of specialty services and advanced medical technologies compared to smaller, more local hospitals.

**Other Hospitals in the Area:**

Other hospitals in the region, such as those in Atmore, may also serve residents of 36427. However, detailed CMS star ratings and publicly available data for these facilities are often less readily available. It's essential to check the CMS website and other reliable sources for the most up-to-date information on specific hospitals' performance.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to handle urgent cases. Shorter wait times are generally desirable, as they indicate a faster response to patients' needs.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:** Publicly available data on specific ER wait times for D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital can vary depending on the source and the time of year. However, it is important to note that the hospital is a smaller facility, and wait times can be impacted by staffing levels and patient volume. Patients should expect to wait, but the wait times are likely to be shorter than larger hospitals.

**South Baldwin Regional Medical Center:** Being a larger hospital, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center may have longer wait times, especially during peak hours. Checking real-time wait time trackers, available on some hospital websites or through third-party services, can provide a more accurate picture.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized medical services is a critical factor in evaluating a hospital's comprehensive capabilities.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:** D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital offers a range of core services, including cardiology, general surgery, and orthopedics. It is also known for its women's health services. However, it may not have the same breadth of specialty services as larger regional hospitals.

**South Baldwin Regional Medical Center:** South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers a more extensive array of specialty services. These include cardiology, neurology, oncology, and advanced surgical procedures. The hospital also has specialized centers for stroke care and heart care.

**Telehealth Availability:**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where access to in-person care can be limited. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:** D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital may offer some telehealth services, but the scope and availability could be limited.

**South Baldwin Regional Medical Center:** South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is likely to have a more robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services. The specific offerings will depend on the hospital's partnerships and technological infrastructure.

**Hospital Staffing and Resources:**

Adequate staffing levels and access to advanced medical technology are critical for delivering high-quality care.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:** As a smaller hospital, D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital may have fewer specialists and resources compared to larger facilities. However, the hospital is likely to have a dedicated staff committed to serving the local community.

**South Baldwin Regional Medical Center:** South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, being a larger facility, likely has a larger and more diverse medical staff, including specialists in various fields. It is also expected to have access to advanced medical technologies, such as advanced imaging equipment and surgical robots.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience:**

Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of the quality of care. Patient surveys and online reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:** Patient reviews for D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital can vary, but they often reflect the hospital's commitment to serving the local community.

**South Baldwin Regional Medical Center:** South Baldwin Regional Medical Center generally receives positive reviews, reflecting its broader range of services and advanced capabilities.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility is a key consideration for residents of 36427, especially those with limited mobility or transportation options.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:** D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital is easily accessible from Castleberry. However, patients may need to travel further for specialized care.

**South Baldwin Regional Medical Center:** While located further away, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is accessible via major highways.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available information, here’s an overall assessment for residents of 36427:

* **D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:** This hospital serves as a crucial local provider, offering essential services and providing convenient access to care. The 3-star CMS rating suggests a generally acceptable level of care. However, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals for specialized treatments.
* **South Baldwin Regional Medical Center:** This hospital provides a broader range of specialty services and advanced medical technologies. While the distance may be a factor, it can be a good option for more complex medical needs.

**Recommendations:**

* **For Routine Care:** Residents of 36427 can rely on D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital for routine medical needs and emergency care.
* **For Specialty Care:** For specialized treatments or procedures, patients may consider seeking care at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.
* **Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient access to healthcare services.
* **Stay Informed:** Regularly check CMS ratings and other sources for the most up-to-date information on hospital performance.
* **Consider Insurance Coverage:** Understand your insurance coverage and network to ensure access to the hospitals and specialists you need.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any health concerns. Hospital ratings and data can change, so it's essential to verify the latest information from reliable sources.