06018, Canaan, Connecticut Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 06018, Canaan, Connecticut is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 06018 (Canton, CT)

This report provides an overall health score assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Canton, Connecticut (ZIP code 06018). The analysis considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including quality ratings, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. Note that this is a snapshot in time, and hospital performance can fluctuate.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Canton, CT, residents are fortunate to have access to a range of healthcare facilities, primarily concentrated in the Greater Hartford area. This review will focus on hospitals within a practical driving distance, considering both large, well-known institutions and smaller, community-focused providers. Proximity to major highways like I-84 and I-91 significantly impacts accessibility.

**Flagship Hospitals and Quality Ratings**

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is quality. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare provides a valuable, albeit imperfect, metric: the star rating system. This system assigns hospitals a rating from one to five stars, based on various quality measures.

**Hartford Hospital:** Located in Hartford, approximately 20 minutes from Canton, Hartford Hospital is a major player. As of the latest available data, Hartford Hospital holds a 3-star CMS rating. This rating reflects performance across various areas, including patient experience, safety of care, and readmission rates. Hartford Hospital is a Level I trauma center, crucial for handling severe injuries and emergencies. It is also a teaching hospital, affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, indicating a commitment to research and advanced medical practices.

**Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center:** Also in Hartford, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center is another significant option, also about a 20-minute drive. Saint Francis has a 3-star CMS rating. Saint Francis is known for its cardiac care, cancer treatment, and specialized surgical services. It also has a strong focus on community outreach and preventative care programs.

**Other Hospitals in the Area**

Several other hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance. These may offer specialized services or serve as convenient alternatives.

**Bristol Hospital:** Located in Bristol, CT, approximately 20 minutes from Canton, Bristol Hospital is a community hospital. It does not have a CMS star rating. Bristol Hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and maternity services. It often serves as a convenient option for residents in the western part of the region.

**Emergency Room Efficiency: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a key indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to handle urgent medical needs. Long wait times can negatively impact patient outcomes. Data on ER wait times is often available through hospital websites and resources like ProPublica's Hospital Checkup tool.

**Hartford Hospital ER:** Hartford Hospital's ER is a high-volume facility. While specific wait times fluctuate, expect to encounter some wait time, especially during peak hours. The hospital's trauma center designation means it prioritizes the most critical cases.

**Saint Francis Hospital ER:** Saint Francis Hospital's ER also handles a significant volume of patients. Wait times can vary, but the hospital generally strives to provide prompt care.

**Bristol Hospital ER:** Bristol Hospital's ER may experience shorter wait times compared to the larger Hartford hospitals, making it a potentially quicker option for less critical conditions.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

Beyond general care, access to specialized services is crucial. The availability of centers dedicated to specific medical needs can significantly impact patient outcomes.

**Hartford Hospital Specialty Centers:** Hartford Hospital boasts a wide array of specialized centers. These include a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular institute, and a neuroscience center. The hospital's advanced surgical capabilities and research programs are also notable.

**Saint Francis Hospital Specialty Centers:** Saint Francis is known for its cardiac care, with a dedicated heart and vascular center. It also has a well-regarded cancer center and offers a range of surgical specialties.

**Bristol Hospital Specialty Services:** Bristol Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It may not have the same breadth of specialized centers as the larger Hartford hospitals, but it provides essential services to the community.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years. It allows patients to access medical care remotely, improving convenience and access, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Hartford HealthCare Telehealth:** Hartford HealthCare, the parent organization of Hartford Hospital, has invested significantly in telehealth. They offer virtual visits for a variety of specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management.

**Trinity Health Of New England Telehealth:** Trinity Health Of New England, the parent organization of Saint Francis, also offers telehealth services. These services include virtual urgent care, specialist consultations, and remote monitoring programs.

**Bristol Health Telehealth:** Bristol Health, the parent organization of Bristol Hospital, also offers telehealth services.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of overall health. Factors like communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, and the cleanliness of the environment contribute to a positive experience. CMS's Hospital Compare includes patient experience scores, based on patient surveys. These scores provide insights into how patients perceive their care.

**Hartford Hospital Patient Experience:** Hartford Hospital's patient experience scores, as reflected in CMS data, are generally in line with the national average.

**Saint Francis Hospital Patient Experience:** Saint Francis Hospital's patient experience scores are also generally comparable to the national average.

**Bristol Hospital Patient Experience:** Bristol Hospital's patient experience scores are also generally comparable to the national average.

**Cost and Insurance Considerations**

Healthcare costs are a significant concern. The cost of care can vary depending on the hospital, the services provided, and the patient's insurance coverage. It's essential to understand your insurance plan's coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. Hospitals typically offer financial assistance programs for eligible patients.

**Community Health Needs Assessments**

Hospitals are required to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) to identify the health needs of the communities they serve. These assessments inform the hospitals' community benefit programs and initiatives. Reviewing the CHNAs for the hospitals near Canton can provide insights into local health priorities and the resources available to address them.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

For residents of Canton, CT (ZIP code 06018), the healthcare landscape offers a range of options. Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital, both located in Hartford, are the major players, offering comprehensive services and advanced specialty centers. Bristol Hospital in Bristol provides a convenient community-focused alternative.

**Quality:** Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital have 3-star CMS ratings, reflecting a commitment to quality.

**ER Efficiency:** ER wait times vary, with the larger Hartford hospitals potentially experiencing longer waits than Bristol Hospital.

**Specialty Services:** Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital offer a wider array of specialty centers.

**Telehealth:** Both Hartford HealthCare and Trinity Health Of New England offer robust telehealth options.

**Patient Experience:** Patient experience scores are generally comparable across the hospitals.

**Recommendations:**

* **For emergencies:** Hartford Hospital's Level I trauma center makes it the preferred choice for severe injuries.
* **For cardiac care:** Saint Francis Hospital is a strong option.
* **For convenience:** Bristol Hospital may be a good choice for less critical needs.
* **For telehealth:** Explore the telehealth options offered by Hartford HealthCare and Trinity Health Of New England.
* **For comprehensive care:** Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital offer a wide range of services.

**Disclaimer:** This assessment is based on publicly available data and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health or treatment. Hospital performance can change, so it is essential to verify information with the hospitals directly.