36436, Dickinson, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36436, Dickinson, Alabama is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Brewton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36436)

Brewton, Alabama, nestled in the heart of Escambia County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents in the 36436 ZIP code have a limited, yet strategically important, selection of hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. This review analyzes the available options, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. Due to the rural nature of the area, access to specialized care often necessitates travel, which is factored into the overall assessment.

**The Primary Contenders: D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital & Atmore Community Hospital**

The two primary hospitals serving the 36436 ZIP code are D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton and Atmore Community Hospital in Atmore. These facilities are the cornerstones of local healthcare, providing essential services to the community.

**D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital (Brewton): A Closer Look**

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, located directly within the 36436 ZIP code, is the most accessible hospital for Brewton residents. Unfortunately, as of the most recent publicly available data, D.W. McMillan does not have a CMS star rating. This rating, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is a crucial indicator of overall hospital quality, reflecting patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. The absence of a rating makes a comprehensive evaluation more challenging.

**Emergency Department Dynamics:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical consideration for any hospital. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate constantly, it is possible to find average wait times for D.W. McMillan. These can be accessed through various online platforms, including hospital websites and third-party healthcare information providers. Keep in mind that these are averages and individual experiences can vary. Shorter wait times often indicate better efficiency and resource allocation within the ER.

**Specialty Services at D.W. McMillan:**

D.W. McMillan offers a range of core services. These typically include general surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, and diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT scans, etc.). The availability of specialized services like cardiology and orthopedics within the hospital itself is a significant advantage for local residents, reducing the need for travel to larger facilities for common medical needs. The hospital's ability to handle a wide range of medical issues within its walls contributes to its value to the community.

**Telehealth Initiatives:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. D.W. McMillan's telehealth offerings should be investigated. Telehealth can improve access to specialists, provide remote monitoring, and offer convenient follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth services can significantly enhance the hospital's ability to serve patients, particularly those with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

**Atmore Community Hospital: Serving the Region**

Atmore Community Hospital, located a short drive from Brewton, is another crucial healthcare provider for the area. Similar to D.W. McMillan, Atmore Community Hospital's CMS star rating, if available, is an important data point for assessing quality. Publicly available information should be sought to determine its current rating.

**Emergency Department Performance at Atmore:**

ER wait times at Atmore Community Hospital are another key factor. As with D.W. McMillan, real-time information is essential, but average wait times are generally accessible. Comparing wait times between the two hospitals can help residents make informed decisions, particularly in urgent situations.

**Specialized Care at Atmore:**

Atmore Community Hospital provides a similar range of services to D.W. McMillan. The availability of specific specialties, such as cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology, should be investigated. The presence of these specialists within the hospital significantly reduces the need for travel to larger facilities.

**Telehealth Capabilities at Atmore:**

Atmore Community Hospital's telehealth initiatives are another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services can dramatically improve access to care for patients in the area.

**Beyond the Immediate Area: Considerations for Specialized Care**

Residents of 36436 may need to travel for specialized care not available at D.W. McMillan or Atmore Community Hospital. This is a common reality in rural healthcare.

**Mobile, Alabama: A Regional Hub**

The city of Mobile, approximately a two-hour drive from Brewton, serves as a regional hub for specialized medical care. Mobile is home to several major hospitals, including University Hospital, Infirmary, and Providence Hospital. These facilities offer a wider array of specialized services, including advanced cardiology, oncology, neurology, and trauma care.

**University Hospital (Mobile):**

University Hospital, often affiliated with the University of South Alabama, is a major teaching hospital in Mobile. It is known for its comprehensive services and research capabilities. The hospital's CMS star rating, if available, is a critical indicator of its quality.

**Infirmary (Mobile):**

Infirmary, part of the Infirmary Health system, is another large hospital in Mobile. It provides a broad range of services, including specialized care. The CMS star rating, if available, is a key factor in assessing its quality.

**Providence Hospital (Mobile):**

Providence Hospital, part of the Ascension Health system, is another major provider in Mobile. It offers a wide range of services and is known for its specialized care. The CMS star rating, if available, is a key indicator of its quality.

**Factors to Consider When Traveling for Care:**

When considering travel to Mobile or other larger cities for specialized care, several factors must be considered. These include:

* **Travel Time:** The distance and travel time to the hospital.
* **Transportation:** The availability of reliable transportation.
* **Cost:** The cost of travel, lodging, and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
* **Continuity of Care:** The ability to maintain continuity of care with local physicians.

**Telehealth and Remote Access to Mobile Specialists:**

The use of telehealth can bridge the gap between Brewton residents and specialists in Mobile. Many hospitals and specialist practices in Mobile offer telehealth consultations, allowing patients to access expert care without the need for extensive travel.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for the 36436 ZIP code is complex, considering the limitations of rural healthcare. It's a balancing act between local access and the need for specialized care.

* **Accessibility of Local Hospitals:** D.W. McMillan and Atmore Community Hospital are the primary points of access, providing essential services. The lack of a CMS star rating for D.W. McMillan makes a definitive quality assessment challenging.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consistent monitoring of ER wait times at both local hospitals is essential.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialists at D.W. McMillan and Atmore Community Hospital is a significant advantage.
* **Telehealth Integration:** The availability of telehealth services at both local hospitals and with specialists in Mobile is crucial for improving access to care.
* **Travel for Specialized Care:** The need to travel to Mobile for specialized care is a reality, and factors like travel time, transportation, and cost must be considered.
* **CMS Star Ratings (Where Available):** CMS star ratings are the single most important factor when comparing the quality of hospitals.

**Conclusion:**

Healthcare in the 36436 ZIP code offers a mixed bag. Residents have local access to essential services at D.W. McMillan and Atmore Community Hospital. However, access to specialized care often requires travel to Mobile. The "Overall Health Score" is therefore dependent on a combination of factors: the quality and efficiency of local hospitals, the availability of telehealth, and the ability to access specialized care when needed. Residents should research the specific services they require, compare wait times, and consider the availability of telehealth options to make informed healthcare decisions. The absence of a CMS star rating for D.W. McMillan limits a definitive quality assessment; residents should actively seek information from other sources, such as patient reviews and physician recommendations, to supplement their understanding of the healthcare landscape.