The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36445, Frisco City, Alabama is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
Health Scores in 36445, Frisco City, Alabama
Overall Health Score | 2 |
---|---|
People Score | 38 |
Provider Score | 12 |
Hospital Score | 14 |
Travel Score | 14 |
## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Atmore, Alabama (ZIP Code 36445)
Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Atmore, Alabama (ZIP Code 36445) area, focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. Given the rural nature of the area, access to quality healthcare is a critical concern. This review prioritizes readily available data to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape.
**Proximity and Scope: Understanding the Landscape**
The primary healthcare providers for residents of Atmore are generally located within a reasonable driving distance, though the availability of specialized care may require travel. The focus of this review centers on facilities within a 50-mile radius, with a particular emphasis on those offering comprehensive services. This includes hospitals in nearby cities like Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, which often serve as referral centers for more complex medical needs.
**Understanding the CMS Star Rating System**
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable tool for assessing hospital quality. CMS assigns star ratings (ranging from one to five stars) based on a variety of factors, including patient experience, readmission rates, safety of care, and timely and effective care. These ratings offer a simplified, albeit imperfect, snapshot of a hospital's overall performance.
**Escambia County Healthcare: Atmore Community Hospital**
Atmore Community Hospital (ACH), located directly in Atmore, is the closest facility. It is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special financial consideration from the government due to its rural location and the essential services it provides. ACH offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient clinics. While the hospital provides essential services to the community, it's important to note that critical access hospitals often have limited resources compared to larger, urban facilities. Publicly available data on CMS star ratings for Atmore Community Hospital is currently unavailable.
**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric**
ER wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to provide timely care. Unfortunately, specific, real-time ER wait time data for Atmore Community Hospital is not consistently available across all public platforms. However, it is advisable to contact the hospital directly or consult online resources like Google Maps, which sometimes provide estimated wait times based on patient reports, before seeking emergency care. For residents seeking specialized care or experiencing long wait times at ACH, considering nearby hospitals with potentially shorter wait times becomes essential.
**Specialty Services and Access to Care**
Atmore Community Hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. However, for more complex medical needs, patients often need to be referred to larger hospitals with advanced specialized services. This is particularly true for areas like oncology, advanced cardiac care, and specialized pediatric care.
**Navigating the Pensacola Healthcare Hub**
Pensacola, Florida, located approximately 40 miles south of Atmore, is a major healthcare hub. Several hospitals in Pensacola are accessible to Atmore residents, offering a wider range of services and potentially shorter wait times for certain specialties.
**Baptist Hospital (Pensacola): A Strong Performer**
Baptist Hospital, part of Baptist Health Care, is a large, well-regarded hospital in Pensacola. Baptist Hospital consistently receives high ratings from CMS. It is a Level II Trauma Center, equipped to handle severe injuries and critical medical situations. Baptist Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services, including a robust cardiology program, a cancer center, and specialized surgical services. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, Baptist Hospital generally strives to maintain reasonable wait times.
**Sacred Heart Hospital (Pensacola): A Catholic Healthcare Provider**
Sacred Heart Hospital, also in Pensacola, is another major healthcare provider. It is part of Ascension, a large Catholic healthcare system. Sacred Heart Hospital offers a wide range of services and often receives strong CMS ratings. It is a Level II Trauma Center. Sacred Heart provides comprehensive services, including a heart institute, a cancer center, and specialized pediatric care. ER wait times can vary, but the hospital generally prioritizes efficient patient flow.
**Telehealth and Remote Healthcare Options**
Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. Both Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola have expanded their telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities. This can be a valuable tool for patients in Atmore, offering convenient access to specialists without the need for extensive travel. Atmore Community Hospital may also offer some telehealth services, though information on their availability should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
**Mobile, Alabama: Expanding Healthcare Choices**
Mobile, Alabama, located approximately 70 miles west of Atmore, is another major healthcare center. While slightly further away, Mobile offers additional options for specialized care.
**University Hospital (Mobile): Academic Excellence**
University Hospital, part of the University of South Alabama Health System, is a teaching hospital in Mobile. It often serves as a referral center for complex medical cases. University Hospital offers a wide array of specialty services, including advanced cancer treatment, transplant services, and specialized trauma care. CMS star ratings and ER wait times can fluctuate, so it is advisable to check current data before seeking care.
**Infirmary Health (Mobile): A Regional Network**
Infirmary Health operates several hospitals in the Mobile area, including Mobile Infirmary Medical Center. Infirmary Health provides a comprehensive range of services. CMS star ratings and ER wait times vary depending on the specific facility within the Infirmary Health network.
**Overall Health Score Considerations**
Determining a precise "Overall Health Score" is challenging due to the limitations of publicly available data and the inherent complexity of evaluating healthcare quality. However, the following points summarize the key considerations for residents of Atmore:
* **Atmore Community Hospital:** Provides essential services and is the closest option. Consider its limitations as a critical access hospital.
* **Pensacola Hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital):** Offer a wider range of services, higher CMS ratings, and potentially shorter wait times.
* **Mobile Hospitals (University Hospital, Infirmary Health):** Provide access to specialized care, but require a longer drive.
* **Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options offered by hospitals in Pensacola and potentially Atmore to improve access to specialists.
* **ER Wait Times:** Always check current ER wait times before seeking emergency care.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** Use CMS star ratings as a general indicator of hospital quality, but recognize that they are not the sole determinant.
* **Specialty Needs:** For specialized care, consider hospitals in Pensacola or Mobile.
**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**
Residents of Atmore have access to a range of healthcare options, from the local Atmore Community Hospital to the larger hospitals in Pensacola and Mobile. The best choice depends on individual needs, the severity of the medical condition, and the availability of specialized services. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialty services, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the best possible care. It is always recommended to contact the hospitals directly for the most up-to-date information on services, wait times, and any specific concerns.
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