36446, Fulton, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36446, Fulton, Alabama is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 36446 (Brewton, Alabama)

Finding the right healthcare in a rural setting like Brewton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36446), requires a careful assessment. Access to specialized care can be limited, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of nearby hospitals is crucial for making informed decisions. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" based on available data, focusing on key factors such as quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. Due to the rural nature of the area, the scope of this review will extend beyond the immediate vicinity of Brewton to include hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, primarily focusing on facilities in Alabama and potentially bordering areas of Florida.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The primary hospital serving Brewton is D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, located directly within the ZIP code. However, due to the limitations of data availability and the need for a comprehensive assessment, this review will also consider hospitals in nearby cities like Pensacola, Florida, and larger Alabama cities like Mobile, which offer a broader range of services.

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

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, a critical access hospital, is the cornerstone of healthcare in Brewton. Critical access hospitals are designed to serve rural communities with limited resources. While the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) Star Rating system doesn't apply to critical access hospitals in the same way it does to larger facilities, understanding its performance is essential. Data on D.W. McMillan's performance is limited. However, it's essential to note that critical access hospitals often excel in providing essential services and maintaining a strong connection with their communities. Patients should inquire directly about specific services and wait times.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's efficiency and capacity. Unfortunately, specific, publicly available data on ER wait times for D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital is often unavailable. However, patients can check the hospital's website or call the emergency room directly to inquire about current wait times. It's also prudent to check for wait times on websites like "Wait Times" or "ER Wait Times" to see if any real-time data is available.

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

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital offers essential services, including emergency care, general surgery, and diagnostic imaging. However, the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology, may be limited. Patients requiring specialized care may need to be transferred to larger hospitals in Mobile or Pensacola.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to access specialist consultations and follow-up care remotely. Information on D.W. McMillan's telehealth offerings should be readily available on their website or through direct inquiry. This is critical for accessing specialized care that might not be available locally.

**Expanding the Scope: Hospitals in Pensacola, Florida:**

Pensacola, Florida, is a significant healthcare hub within a reasonable driving distance of Brewton. Several hospitals in Pensacola offer a broader range of services and may be a viable option for residents of 36446.

**Baptist Hospital (Pensacola, FL):**

Baptist Hospital, part of Baptist Health Care, is a prominent hospital in Pensacola. It holds a 4-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates a good overall performance in terms of quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. Baptist Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and a Level II trauma center. ER wait times are typically available on their website or through third-party platforms. Baptist Health Care also has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits for various specialties.

**Sacred Heart Hospital (Pensacola, FL):**

Sacred Heart Hospital, part of Ascension, is another major hospital in Pensacola. It also boasts a 4-star rating from CMS, reflecting a commitment to quality care. Sacred Heart provides a wide array of services, including a comprehensive heart program, cancer care, and a children's hospital. ER wait times are usually available on their website or through third-party platforms. Like Baptist Hospital, Sacred Heart has expanded its telehealth offerings to increase access to care.

**Comparing Pensacola Hospitals:**

Both Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola offer excellent healthcare options. The choice between them may depend on individual needs and preferences. Patients should consider factors such as specific specialty needs, insurance coverage, and personal preferences when making a decision.

**Considering Hospitals in Mobile, Alabama:**

Mobile, Alabama, is a larger city further away than Pensacola, but it offers access to a wider range of highly specialized medical services.

**University Hospital (Mobile, AL):**

University Hospital, part of the University of South Alabama Health System, is a teaching hospital and a Level I trauma center. This means it provides the highest level of trauma care and has a comprehensive range of specialists. University Hospital's CMS star rating fluctuates, but it generally reflects a commitment to quality. It has specialized centers for cancer, heart disease, and other complex conditions. ER wait times can be variable. University Hospital has an extensive telehealth program, particularly for specialist consultations.

**USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital (Mobile, AL):**

This hospital is a specialized facility focused on women's health and children's care. It provides comprehensive services for obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and specialized pediatric care. Its CMS rating reflects its performance in these specialized areas.

**Other Hospitals in Mobile:**

Other hospitals in Mobile, such as Providence Hospital, offer additional options. Providence Hospital is part of Ascension and offers a range of services.

**Telehealth and Access to Care:**

Telehealth is a vital component of modern healthcare, especially in rural areas. Hospitals in Pensacola and Mobile have invested heavily in telehealth platforms, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments. Patients in the Brewton area can leverage these telehealth services to access specialists and receive care without traveling long distances.

**Key Considerations for Patients in 36446:**

* **Proximity and Travel Time:** Consider the distance and travel time to each hospital. This is especially important in emergencies.
* **Specialty Needs:** Identify your specific healthcare needs and determine which hospitals offer the necessary specialists and services.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its providers accept your insurance plan.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check current ER wait times before going to the emergency room.
* **Telehealth Options:** Explore telehealth options to access specialists and receive convenient care.
* **Hospital Ratings:** While CMS star ratings are helpful, they are not the only factor. Consider other factors like patient reviews and personal experiences.

**Overall Health Score Summary (Based on Available Data):**

* **D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital (Brewton, AL):** Provides essential services and community-focused care. Limited specialized services. Telehealth offerings should be investigated.
* **Baptist Hospital (Pensacola, FL):** (4-star CMS rating) Strong overall performance, comprehensive services, robust telehealth.
* **Sacred Heart Hospital (Pensacola, FL):** (4-star CMS rating) Excellent services, including specialized centers, and telehealth.
* **University Hospital (Mobile, AL):** Level I Trauma Center, comprehensive services, strong telehealth, but CMS rating can fluctuate.
* **USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital (Mobile, AL):** Specialized care for women and children.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of ZIP Code 36446 have access to a range of healthcare options, both locally and in nearby cities. D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital serves as the primary care provider, but the availability of specialized services necessitates consideration of hospitals in Pensacola and Mobile. Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola offer high-quality care with comprehensive services and robust telehealth programs. University Hospital in Mobile provides access to a Level I trauma center and a wide array of specialists. The best choice for each individual will depend on their specific healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and willingness to travel. Patients should proactively research available options, inquire about wait times, and leverage telehealth to maximize access to quality healthcare. The "Overall Health Score" for this area is positive, reflecting the availability of good options, but it underscores the importance of informed decision-making and proactive healthcare management.