06117, West Hartford, Connecticut Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 06117, West Hartford, Connecticut is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 06117 (Hartford, CT)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Hartford, Connecticut, particularly those residing near the 06117 ZIP code, understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, examining key metrics and offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the prominent healthcare providers in the area. This assessment is based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Players:**

The primary hospitals serving the 06117 area include Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Each offers a distinct set of services and caters to different patient needs. Other facilities, such as smaller community hospitals and specialized clinics, also contribute to the overall healthcare ecosystem, but the focus here will be on these major players.

**Hartford Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Hartford Hospital, a flagship facility within the Hartford HealthCare system, is a major player in the region. It boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not perfect, indicates a generally good performance across various quality measures. The hospital’s strengths lie in its comprehensive services and advanced technology.

Hartford Hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Center, providing critical care for the most severe injuries and illnesses. This designation signifies a commitment to around-the-clock availability of specialized surgeons, equipment, and support staff. The hospital also houses the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, a renowned facility offering a full spectrum of cancer treatments, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology.

Regarding emergency room (ER) wait times, Hartford Hospital generally reports wait times that are in line with, or slightly above, the national average. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, patients can often expect to spend a few hours in the ER before being seen by a physician. This can be a crucial factor for individuals seeking immediate care. Hartford Hospital does offer an online tool to estimate ER wait times, providing some transparency for patients.

Hartford Hospital has made significant investments in telehealth. It offers a range of virtual care options, including virtual urgent care, remote patient monitoring, and video consultations with specialists. These telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, those in need of follow-up appointments, or those seeking convenient access to care. The hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

**Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center: A Community Focus**

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, part of Trinity Health Of New England, is another major healthcare provider serving the 06117 area. It also holds a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting a comparable level of quality to Hartford Hospital. Saint Francis is known for its strong community ties and a focus on patient-centered care.

Saint Francis is a designated Primary Stroke Center, offering specialized care for stroke patients. It also has a well-regarded cardiac program, providing advanced treatments for heart conditions. The hospital’s Women’s Health services are also a significant strength, offering comprehensive care for women of all ages.

ER wait times at Saint Francis are generally comparable to those at Hartford Hospital. Patients should anticipate potential wait times, particularly during peak hours. The hospital provides online tools and updates to help patients stay informed about current wait times.

Telehealth services at Saint Francis are also expanding. The hospital offers virtual visits for various specialties and is actively integrating telehealth into its care delivery model. The focus is on providing convenient access to care and improving patient outcomes.

**Connecticut Children's Medical Center: Specialized Pediatric Care**

Connecticut Children's Medical Center (CCMC) is a dedicated pediatric hospital, offering specialized care for children and adolescents. While not directly comparable to adult hospitals in terms of CMS ratings, CCMC consistently receives high marks for patient satisfaction and quality of care.

CCMC provides a comprehensive range of pediatric services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments for various childhood illnesses and conditions. The hospital is a regional leader in pediatric cardiology, oncology, and other specialties.

ER wait times at CCMC vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the child's condition. Parents can access real-time wait time information through the hospital’s website or app.

Telehealth is a key component of CCMC's care strategy. The hospital offers virtual visits for a wide range of pediatric specialties, allowing children to receive care from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly beneficial for children with chronic conditions or those who require frequent follow-up appointments. CCMC has also expanded its telehealth services to include mental health support for children and families.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond the core services, all three hospitals offer a range of specialized centers and programs. Hartford Hospital has a strong reputation for its transplant services and its neuroscience institute. Saint Francis has a robust orthopedic program and a well-regarded behavioral health center. CCMC excels in pediatric subspecialties, including endocrinology, gastroenterology, and pulmonology.

The availability of these specialized services is a significant advantage for residents of the 06117 area. Patients can often access advanced treatments and expertise without having to travel long distances.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery. All three hospitals have embraced telehealth, offering virtual visits, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. This allows patients to access care more conveniently and efficiently, reducing the need for in-person visits.

The expansion of telehealth services has been particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals have invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure and training to meet the growing demand for virtual care.

**ER Wait Times: A Persistent Challenge**

ER wait times remain a concern for many patients. While hospitals are working to improve efficiency and reduce wait times, it is often difficult to predict how long a patient will have to wait to be seen. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

Hospitals provide online tools and updates to help patients stay informed about current wait times. However, these estimates are not always precise, and wait times can vary depending on the severity of the patient's condition and the number of patients seeking care.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near the 06117 ZIP code offer a generally good level of healthcare. Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, both with 4-star CMS ratings, provide comprehensive services and advanced technology. Connecticut Children's Medical Center excels in pediatric care.

**Strengths:**

* **Comprehensive Services:** All three hospitals offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments.
* **Advanced Technology:** The hospitals have invested in advanced medical technology and equipment.
* **Specialty Centers:** The hospitals have well-regarded specialty centers, providing access to advanced treatments and expertise.
* **Telehealth:** All three hospitals offer telehealth services, providing convenient access to care.

**Weaknesses:**

* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be a concern, particularly during peak hours.
* **CMS Ratings:** While the 4-star ratings are generally good, there is always room for improvement.
* **Accessibility:** While the hospitals are accessible to residents of the 06117 area, transportation and other factors can still pose challenges for some patients.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Patients should research the specific services and specialties offered by each hospital to determine the best fit for their needs.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Patients seeking emergency care should check real-time ER wait times before going to the hospital.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Patients should explore telehealth options to access convenient and efficient care.
* **Consider Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care at each hospital.
* **Stay Informed:** Patients should stay informed about the latest developments in healthcare and the services offered by local hospitals.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals near the 06117 ZIP code provide a solid foundation of healthcare services. Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center offer comprehensive care, while Connecticut Children's Medical Center specializes in pediatric services. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a hospital. By researching the available options and staying informed, residents of the 06117 area can make informed decisions about their healthcare.