36773, Safford, Alabama Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 36773, Safford, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Thomasville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36773)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Thomasville, Alabama area (ZIP Code 36773), considering factors like quality, accessibility, and specialized services. While no single hospital perfectly caters to every need, this analysis aims to offer a clear picture to help residents make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

Thomasville, a small city in Clarke County, Alabama, is primarily served by hospitals in the surrounding region. Residents often travel to larger cities like Mobile or Montgomery for more specialized care. The availability of local resources is crucial, however, for immediate needs and ongoing care. The closest hospitals are the focus of this review.

**Key Considerations for the Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" considers several key metrics:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system (1-5 stars) based on quality measures, patient experience, and efficiency.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** Measured from the time a patient arrives to the time they see a healthcare professional. Shorter wait times are generally preferred.
* **Specialty Centers:** Availability of specialized services like cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics is a critical factor.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The increasing importance of telehealth services for consultations and follow-up care.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission indicates a commitment to quality and safety.
* **Patient Reviews:** While subjective, patient reviews offer valuable insights into the patient experience.
* **Accessibility:** Distance from Thomasville and ease of access.

**Hospital Profiles and Analysis:**

**1. Southwest Alabama Medical Center (SAMC) – Thomasville, AL:**

* **Location:** Right in Thomasville, making it the most accessible for local residents.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Not currently rated by CMS. This lack of a rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it means there's less publicly available data for comparison.
* **ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available. Local sources would be the best way to get this information.
* **Specialty Centers:** SAMC likely offers basic services, including primary care, emergency care, and potentially some outpatient services. Detailed information on specific specialty centers is not readily available online.
* **Telehealth:** Information on telehealth offerings is not readily available.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation information not readily available.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews may be available on sites like Google Reviews or Healthgrades, but the sample size may be small.
* **Overall Assessment:** As the local hospital, SAMC is crucial for immediate needs. However, the lack of a CMS star rating and limited publicly available information makes it difficult to assess its quality comprehensively. Residents should inquire directly about specific services and consider seeking specialized care elsewhere if needed.

**2. Grove Hill Memorial Hospital – Grove Hill, AL:**

* **Location:** Approximately 30 minutes from Thomasville.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Not currently rated by CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Centers:** Grove Hill Memorial Hospital likely offers a range of services, including emergency care, general surgery, and potentially some specialized clinics. Detailed information on specific specialty centers is not readily available online.
* **Telehealth:** Information on telehealth offerings is not readily available.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation information not readily available.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews may be available on sites like Google Reviews or Healthgrades, but the sample size may be small.
* **Overall Assessment:** Grove Hill Memorial Hospital provides a nearby option for residents. However, the lack of a CMS star rating and limited publicly available information makes it difficult to assess its quality comprehensively.

**3. Jackson Medical Center – Jackson, AL:**

* **Location:** Approximately 45 minutes from Thomasville.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Not currently rated by CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Centers:** Jackson Medical Center likely offers a range of services, including emergency care, general surgery, and potentially some specialized clinics. Detailed information on specific specialty centers is not readily available online.
* **Telehealth:** Information on telehealth offerings is not readily available.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation information not readily available.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews may be available on sites like Google Reviews or Healthgrades, but the sample size may be small.
* **Overall Assessment:** Jackson Medical Center provides a nearby option for residents. However, the lack of a CMS star rating and limited publicly available information makes it difficult to assess its quality comprehensively.

**4. Mobile Infirmary Medical Center – Mobile, AL:**

* **Location:** Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Thomasville.
* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Centers:** Mobile Infirmary Medical Center is a large regional hospital offering a wide range of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and a comprehensive women's health center.
* **Telehealth:** Mobile Infirmary likely offers telehealth services, given its size and resources.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews are available on various platforms, offering insights into patient experiences.
* **Overall Assessment:** Mobile Infirmary Medical Center offers a broader range of services and a higher CMS star rating than the closer hospitals. The distance is a significant factor, but it may be a worthwhile option for specialized care.

**5. University Hospital (USA Health) – Mobile, AL:**

* **Location:** Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Thomasville.
* **CMS Star Rating:** 2 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Centers:** University Hospital is a teaching hospital with a wide range of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, and a Level I Trauma Center.
* **Telehealth:** USA Health likely offers telehealth services.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews are available on various platforms.
* **Overall Assessment:** University Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services and is a teaching hospital. The distance is a significant factor, but it may be a worthwhile option for specialized care.

**6. Springhill Medical Center – Mobile, AL:**

* **Location:** Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Thomasville.
* **CMS Star Rating:** 2 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times is not readily available.
* **Specialty Centers:** Springhill Medical Center offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** Springhill Medical Center likely offers telehealth services.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews are available on various platforms.
* **Overall Assessment:** Springhill Medical Center provides a comprehensive range of services. The distance is a significant factor, but it may be a worthwhile option for specialized care.

**Telehealth Considerations:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, particularly for residents in rural areas. While specific telehealth offerings are not readily available for all hospitals, it is worth inquiring about these services. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and mental health services, reducing the need for travel.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The hospitals closest to Thomasville (SAMC, Grove Hill Memorial Hospital, and Jackson Medical Center) are essential for local healthcare needs. However, the lack of readily available data, including CMS star ratings, makes it difficult to assess their quality definitively. Residents should prioritize these hospitals for immediate needs but consider seeking specialized care at hospitals in Mobile, such as Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, University Hospital, and Springhill Medical Center, which offer more comprehensive services and better publicly available quality data, despite the longer travel times.

**Recommendations:**

* **Local Hospitals:** Contact SAMC, Grove Hill Memorial Hospital, and Jackson Medical Center directly to inquire about specific services, ER wait times, and telehealth options.
* **Specialized Care:** If specialized care is needed, consider the hospitals in Mobile.
* **Research:** Utilize online resources like Healthgrades, Vitals, and CMS Hospital Compare to gather patient reviews and compare hospital performance metrics.
* **Insurance:** Confirm that the chosen hospital is in your insurance network.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Know the location of the nearest emergency room and have a plan for transportation.

**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 information is subject to change.