36483, Wing, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36483, Wing, Alabama is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 36483 (Monroeville, Alabama)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Monroeville, Alabama (ZIP code 36483), focusing on key metrics to aid informed decision-making. Due to the rural nature of the area, options are limited. We'll evaluate the primary providers, considering factors like quality ratings, emergency room performance, specialized services, and telehealth availability.

**The Landscape: Rural Healthcare Challenges**

Monroeville, Alabama, sits in a region facing the typical challenges of rural healthcare. Access to specialized care can be limited, and residents often travel significant distances for advanced treatments. This review acknowledges these constraints, focusing on the most accessible and relevant healthcare options.

**Primary Provider: Monroe County Hospital**

Monroe County Hospital, located in Monroeville, is the cornerstone of local healthcare. It's a critical access hospital, meaning it receives specific federal funding to support rural healthcare needs. Unfortunately, publicly available data on its performance is limited compared to larger, urban hospitals.

**CMS Star Ratings & Quality Indicators:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality measures. Monroe County Hospital's CMS star rating is not readily available. This lack of publicly available data underscores a common challenge in rural healthcare: the absence of comprehensive, standardized performance metrics. The hospital's website may offer some internal quality reports.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to handle urgent needs. Data on ER wait times for Monroe County Hospital is difficult to obtain. Local residents should call the hospital to inquire about current wait times. The hospital's ability to manage emergency cases is critical in a rural setting where timely access to care is paramount.

**Specialty Centers & Services:**

Monroe County Hospital offers a range of essential services. It provides general medical and surgical care, including emergency services, laboratory services, radiology, and physical therapy. It has a focus on providing primary care and addressing the most common health needs of the community. The hospital's capacity for specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, may be limited, requiring patients to travel to larger facilities for advanced treatments.

**Telehealth & Remote Services:**

Telehealth is increasingly important in rural areas, bridging geographical barriers to care. Monroe County Hospital may offer telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with specialists remotely. Contacting the hospital directly is the best way to ascertain its current telehealth offerings. This is particularly relevant for accessing specialists who may not be readily available locally.

**Regional Considerations: Expanding the Scope**

Given the limited options directly within Monroeville, residents often seek care in neighboring towns and cities. This section examines the next-closest hospitals, offering a broader perspective on healthcare choices.

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

Located approximately 40 miles south of Monroeville, D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton offers a more comprehensive range of services. It is a critical access hospital. Publicly available data on its CMS star rating is limited.

**ER Performance at D.W. McMillan:**

ER wait times at D.W. McMillan can vary. Calling the hospital's emergency department is the best way to assess current wait times.

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

D.W. McMillan provides a broader array of services than Monroe County Hospital. It offers general medical and surgical care, emergency services, and specialized departments. It's likely to have a more developed range of services, potentially including cardiology, orthopedics, and other specialties.

**Telehealth at D.W. McMillan:**

D.W. McMillan may offer telehealth services. Contacting the hospital directly is the best way to determine its current telehealth capabilities.

**Other Considerations: Distance and Travel**

Residents of Monroeville may also consider hospitals in larger cities like Mobile or Montgomery, Alabama, for specialized care. However, this necessitates longer travel times, which can be a significant factor in healthcare decisions, especially during emergencies.

**Mobile, Alabama (Approx. 100 miles south):**

Mobile offers several major hospitals, including those affiliated with the University of South Alabama. These hospitals typically have more comprehensive services and specialized centers.

**University of South Alabama Medical Center:**

The University of South Alabama Medical Center is a teaching hospital with a wide range of specialties. It often has a higher CMS star rating and offers advanced treatment options. Accessing care in Mobile involves a longer drive, but it expands the range of available services.

**ER Performance in Mobile:**

ER wait times in Mobile hospitals can vary. Checking the hospital's website or calling ahead can provide information on current wait times.

**Specialty Centers in Mobile:**

Hospitals in Mobile offer a wide array of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and trauma centers. This makes it a more attractive option for complex medical needs.

**Telehealth in Mobile:**

Hospitals in Mobile are likely to have well-developed telehealth programs, offering remote consultations and monitoring services.

**Montgomery, Alabama (Approx. 100 miles north):**

Montgomery also provides access to larger hospitals with a wider range of services.

**Baptist Medical Center South:**

Baptist Medical Center South is a large hospital with a variety of specialties. It often has a higher CMS star rating and offers advanced treatment options. Accessing care in Montgomery involves a longer drive, but it expands the range of available services.

**ER Performance in Montgomery:**

ER wait times in Montgomery hospitals can vary. Checking the hospital's website or calling ahead can provide information on current wait times.

**Specialty Centers in Montgomery:**

Hospitals in Montgomery offer a wide array of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and trauma centers. This makes it a more attractive option for complex medical needs.

**Telehealth in Montgomery:**

Hospitals in Montgomery are likely to have well-developed telehealth programs, offering remote consultations and monitoring services.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 36483 is heavily influenced by the limited local options. Monroe County Hospital serves as the primary provider, offering essential services. However, the lack of readily available public data on quality metrics and ER wait times makes a comprehensive assessment challenging.

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton provides a broader range of services but still faces similar limitations in publicly available data.

For specialized care, residents must consider hospitals in Mobile or Montgomery. These offer more comprehensive services, higher quality ratings, and advanced treatment options. However, the increased travel time is a significant factor.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize preventative care:** Given the limitations in local access, proactive health management is crucial.
* **Contact hospitals directly:** For the most up-to-date information on ER wait times, telehealth availability, and specific services, contact each hospital directly.
* **Consider travel time:** When choosing a hospital, factor in the distance and potential travel time, especially in emergencies.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Leverage telehealth services to access specialists and manage chronic conditions remotely.
* **Research hospitals thoroughly:** Before needing care, research the hospitals in Mobile and Montgomery to understand their specialties and services.

This review provides a starting point for understanding healthcare options near Monroeville, Alabama. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the challenges of rural healthcare access, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making and proactive health management.