06266, South Windham, Connecticut Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 06266, South Windham, Connecticut is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 06266

Finding the right healthcare can feel like navigating a complex maze. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 06266 (Putnam, CT), focusing on key factors like quality, accessibility, and specialized services. This information aims to empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Score:**

This "Overall Health Score" is not a single, definitive number. Instead, it's a composite evaluation considering various metrics, including CMS star ratings (where available), ER wait times, specialized services offered, telehealth capabilities, and overall reputation. This review prioritizes publicly available data and aims for objective analysis.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in and around Putnam, CT:**

Putnam, CT, and its surrounding areas are served by a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Proximity to larger cities like Worcester, MA, and Providence, RI, expands the options for specialized care. However, local access to timely and comprehensive care remains a critical consideration for residents.

**Day Kimball Hospital: A Local Anchor**

Day Kimball Hospital (DKH), located directly in Putnam, CT, is a central healthcare provider for the region. DKH is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives specific funding and has certain operational guidelines. This designation often reflects a commitment to serving rural communities.

Day Kimball Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. CMS star ratings are not assigned to critical access hospitals. However, it is important to note that DKH offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and a variety of specialty clinics.

**Emergency Department Performance at Day Kimball Hospital:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. Publicly available data, such as those provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), offer insights into ER performance. It's important to note that ER wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on patient volume and the severity of cases. Day Kimball Hospital's ER wait times should be considered in comparison to other hospitals in the region.

**Specialty Services at Day Kimball Hospital:**

DKH offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The availability of these services locally reduces the need for travel to larger medical centers, providing convenience for patients. The hospital also has a cancer center and offers rehabilitation services.

**Telehealth at Day Kimball Hospital:**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth can improve access to specialists and provide convenient follow-up care. Information regarding the availability and scope of telehealth services at DKH can be found on their website.

**Exploring Options Beyond Putnam:**

Residents of 06266 have access to hospitals beyond the immediate vicinity of Putnam. These options offer specialized care and broader service lines.

**UMass Memorial Medical Center (Worcester, MA): A Regional Hub**

UMass Memorial Medical Center, located in Worcester, MA, is a major regional medical center. It offers a comprehensive range of services and is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

UMass Memorial Medical Center has multiple campuses. The Memorial campus has a 3-star rating from CMS. The University campus has a 4-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Department Performance at UMass Memorial:**

UMass Memorial Medical Center, being a larger facility, typically handles a higher volume of emergency cases. ER wait times can vary depending on the specific campus and the time of day. Publicly available data on ER wait times should be consulted.

**Specialty Services at UMass Memorial:**

UMass Memorial offers a wide array of specialty services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and transplant services. Its affiliation with a medical school provides access to cutting-edge research and innovative treatments.

**Telehealth at UMass Memorial:**

UMass Memorial has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who live in areas with limited access to specialists.

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI): A Specialized Center**

Rhode Island Hospital, located in Providence, RI, is another significant healthcare provider within reasonable driving distance. It is a Level I trauma center and a major teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University.

Rhode Island Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Department Performance at Rhode Island Hospital:**

As a Level I trauma center, Rhode Island Hospital's ER handles a high volume of critical cases. ER wait times can be longer than at smaller facilities.

**Specialty Services at Rhode Island Hospital:**

Rhode Island Hospital excels in specialized areas such as trauma care, cardiology, and cancer treatment. It is a leading center for research and innovation.

**Telehealth at Rhode Island Hospital:**

Rhode Island Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents may also consider smaller facilities and outpatient clinics in the region. These facilities can provide convenient access to primary care, urgent care, and specialized services.

**Access to Specialists:**

The availability of specialists is a crucial factor in overall healthcare quality. Residents of 06266 should consider the ease of access to specialists in areas such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. The need to travel long distances for specialized care can be a significant burden.

**Patient Satisfaction:**

Patient satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites such as Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website provide information on patient satisfaction scores.

**Cost of Care:**

Healthcare costs can vary significantly depending on the hospital, the services provided, and the patient's insurance coverage. Patients should research the cost of care and understand their insurance benefits before receiving treatment.

**Overall Health Score Summary (Near 06266):**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents near 06266 is complex, reflecting a balance between local access and the availability of specialized care. Day Kimball Hospital serves as a crucial local provider, offering essential services. However, residents also benefit from proximity to larger medical centers like UMass Memorial Medical Center and Rhode Island Hospital, which provide access to a broader range of specialists and advanced treatments.

**Key Takeaways:**

* **Day Kimball Hospital** provides essential local services.
* **UMass Memorial Medical Center** offers comprehensive regional care, with varied CMS star ratings.
* **Rhode Island Hospital** provides specialized care and trauma services.
* **Telehealth** options are expanding, improving access to care.
* **ER wait times** should be considered when choosing a facility.
* **Patient satisfaction** and **cost of care** are important considerations.

**Recommendations:**

* Residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and preferences.
* Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each hospital.
* Utilize online resources, such as the CMS Hospital Compare website, to gather information.
* Consult with their primary care physician for guidance and referrals.
* Factor in travel time and accessibility when making healthcare decisions.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near 06266. It is recommended that residents conduct their own research and consult with healthcare professionals to make the best decisions for their individual needs. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay informed about the latest developments.