06247, Hampton, Connecticut Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 06247, Hampton, Connecticut is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 06247 (Putnam, CT)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Putnam, Connecticut (ZIP code 06247), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability, to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**The Landscape: Key Hospitals and Their Context**

Putnam, a small town in northeastern Connecticut, is primarily served by a few key hospitals. Proximity and ease of access are paramount in this rural area. The primary hospitals serving the area include Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam itself, and nearby facilities like Backus Hospital in Norwich and UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital in Southbridge, MA. Each institution offers a different scope of services and has its own strengths and weaknesses.

**Day Kimball Hospital: A Community Anchor**

Day Kimball Hospital (DKH) is the most immediate healthcare provider for Putnam residents. It's a community hospital, meaning it focuses on providing a wide range of services to the local population. As of the latest available data, Day Kimball Hospital has a CMS star rating. The CMS star rating system, maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is a widely used metric that scores hospitals based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. This rating provides a snapshot of the hospital's overall performance.

DKH's Emergency Department (ED) is a critical resource for the community. While specific, real-time ED wait times fluctuate, local resources provide average wait times. These wait times are a key consideration for anyone needing immediate medical attention. DKH offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The availability of these services locally reduces the need for patients to travel to larger hospitals for routine care. DKH has also invested in telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. The utilization rates of telehealth services can vary, but their availability enhances access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Backus Hospital: A Regional Hub**

Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT, is another major healthcare provider within reasonable driving distance of Putnam. Backus Hospital is a larger facility than DKH and often serves as a regional hub for more complex medical needs. It also has a CMS star rating, which can be found on the CMS website. The hospital's ED sees a higher volume of patients than DKH, and therefore, average wait times may vary. Backus Hospital's ED offers a broader range of services, including specialized trauma care.

Backus Hospital boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers. These include a robust cardiology program, a cancer center, and advanced surgical services. The hospital is known for its expertise in cardiac care, with specialized procedures and a dedicated heart center. Backus also has a strong oncology program, providing comprehensive cancer treatment and support services. The hospital's telehealth infrastructure is also well-developed, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options. The hospital's telehealth utilization rates reflect a growing trend towards virtual care, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management.

**UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital: Cross-Border Options**

Located in Southbridge, Massachusetts, UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital provides another option for residents of the Putnam area. While geographically outside of Connecticut, it is within a reasonable drive for many residents. Harrington Hospital also has a CMS star rating. The hospital's ED is a key resource for emergency care. Average wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

Harrington Hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a range of surgical options. The hospital's cardiology department provides comprehensive cardiac care, including diagnostic testing and interventional procedures. Harrington Hospital also offers advanced orthopedic services, including joint replacement and sports medicine. The hospital has integrated telehealth services into its care delivery model. The utilization of telehealth services has increased, providing patients with convenient access to care.

**Analyzing Key Metrics: ER Wait Times, Patient Satisfaction, and Outcomes**

Emergency Room (ER) wait times are a critical factor for patients seeking immediate medical attention. The time it takes to see a medical professional in the ER can significantly impact patient outcomes. Data on ER wait times can be found on hospital websites, and third-party sources. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER and can lead to improved patient satisfaction.

Patient satisfaction is another vital metric. Hospitals often use patient surveys to gauge the quality of care and patient experience. These surveys assess various aspects of the patient experience, including communication with doctors and nurses, the cleanliness of the facility, and the overall level of care received. Patient satisfaction scores provide valuable insights into the quality of care and can help patients make informed decisions.

Hospital outcomes, such as mortality rates and complication rates, are essential indicators of the quality of care. These metrics reflect the effectiveness of medical treatments and the overall safety of the hospital environment. Hospitals with lower mortality and complication rates generally provide higher-quality care.

**Specialty Centers: Access to Advanced Care**

The availability of specialized medical centers is a key factor in assessing the overall health score of hospitals near 06247. These centers provide advanced care for specific medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and orthopedic injuries. The presence of these centers reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized treatment.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to access medical care remotely, through video consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital tools. The availability and utilization of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

**Overall Health Score Assessment: A Comparative View**

Based on the available data, the overall health score for hospitals near ZIP code 06247 can be assessed as follows:

* **Day Kimball Hospital:** Serves as a vital community resource, offering a range of services and convenient access for Putnam residents. The CMS star rating provides a baseline for quality assessment. The ED wait times and the availability of specialty services are important factors to consider. Telehealth availability enhances access to care.

* **Backus Hospital:** Provides a broader range of services and specialized care as a regional hub. The CMS star rating and comprehensive specialty centers are significant strengths. ED wait times should be considered, as they may be longer than at DKH. Telehealth infrastructure supports virtual care.

* **UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital:** Offers another option for residents, with a CMS star rating and a range of specialty services. ED wait times and travel distance are key considerations. Telehealth integration enhances care accessibility.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Choosing the right hospital involves considering individual needs and preferences. Factors such as the specific medical condition, insurance coverage, and personal preferences play a crucial role in the decision-making process. Patients should research hospitals, review their CMS star ratings, and consider factors such as ED wait times and the availability of specialty services.

Residents of Putnam should also consider the importance of preventative care. Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations can help prevent serious health problems. The availability of primary care physicians and specialists in the area is a critical factor in maintaining good health.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Healthcare Choices**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 06247 offers a range of options for residents. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each hospital, considering key metrics such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialty services, and utilizing telehealth options, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for residents to navigate the healthcare system and access the care they need.