06478, Oxford, Connecticut Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 06478, Oxford, Connecticut is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Wallingford, CT (ZIP Code 06478)

Wallingford, Connecticut, nestled in the heart of the state, offers residents a reasonable selection of healthcare options. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, evaluating the key hospitals serving the area, focusing on factors crucial for patient well-being: quality of care, accessibility, specialized services, and technological integration. We'll delve into specifics, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, to provide a comprehensive picture for informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Players**

The primary hospitals serving the 06478 ZIP code are located in nearby cities, primarily New Haven and Hartford. While Wallingford itself doesn't boast a flagship hospital, residents benefit from proximity to several major medical centers, offering a range of services and specializations. These institutions form the backbone of the healthcare landscape for the area.

**Yale New Haven Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse**

Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), located in New Haven, CT, is a dominant force in the region. This hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with Yale University School of Medicine, and is often the first choice for complex medical needs. YNHH consistently ranks among the top hospitals nationally, reflecting its commitment to advanced care and research.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** YNHH holds a respectable CMS star rating, reflecting its overall performance across various quality metrics. While the exact star rating can fluctuate, it generally indicates a high level of care compared to the national average. This rating considers factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:** ER wait times at YNHH can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of patient cases. However, the hospital strives to maintain reasonable wait times, with publicly available data providing insights into average wait times. Patients can often find this information on the hospital's website or through online resources.

**Specialty Centers:** YNHH boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including renowned programs in cardiology, oncology, neurology, and transplant services. The hospital is a leader in cancer care, offering comprehensive treatment options and access to clinical trials. Its cardiac services are also highly regarded, with advanced procedures and a focus on preventative care.

**Telehealth Integration:** YNHH has embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions. The hospital continues to expand its telehealth offerings, reflecting a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

**Hartford Hospital: A Comprehensive Option**

Hartford Hospital, located in Hartford, CT, provides another significant healthcare option for residents of the 06478 area. This hospital is part of Hartford HealthCare, a large integrated health system, and offers a broad range of services.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** Hartford Hospital's CMS star rating is also a key indicator of its quality. The hospital consistently strives to improve its performance across various metrics, including patient safety and outcomes.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:** ER wait times at Hartford Hospital are subject to the same factors as other hospitals. Publicly available data provides insights into the average wait times, allowing patients to make informed decisions.

**Specialty Centers:** Hartford Hospital features specialized centers in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and behavioral health. The hospital's cardiac services are well-regarded, offering advanced treatments and a focus on preventative care. Hartford Hospital also has a strong reputation for its orthopedic services.

**Telehealth Integration:** Hartford Hospital has also invested in telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This allows patients to access care remotely, improving convenience and accessibility.

**MidState Medical Center: Local Convenience**

MidState Medical Center, located in Meriden, CT, offers a more local option for residents of Wallingford. While not a flagship hospital like YNHH or Hartford Hospital, MidState provides essential services and is often a convenient choice for routine care.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** MidState Medical Center has a CMS star rating, which reflects its performance across various quality metrics. The hospital is committed to providing quality care to its patients.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:** ER wait times at MidState Medical Center are generally competitive with other hospitals in the area. Patients can find information about average wait times through publicly available data.

**Specialty Centers:** MidState Medical Center offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital provides a local option for many common medical needs.

**Telehealth Integration:** MidState Medical Center is also incorporating telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options.

**Other Considerations: Access and Convenience**

Beyond the major hospitals, several urgent care centers and primary care physician offices are located in and around Wallingford. These facilities provide convenient access to immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions and ongoing primary care services. Access to these facilities is crucial for overall health management.

**Accessibility and Transportation:** Access to hospitals is relatively easy for residents of Wallingford, with major highways providing convenient transportation. Public transportation options are available, but may be limited.

**Patient Experience:** Patient experience is a critical factor in overall health. Hospitals are increasingly focused on patient satisfaction, offering amenities and services to improve the patient experience. Online reviews and patient surveys provide valuable insights into patient experiences at each hospital.

**Specific Specialty Focus: Cancer Care**

For cancer patients, the proximity to specialized cancer centers is a significant advantage. Both Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital offer comprehensive cancer care programs, including advanced treatments, clinical trials, and supportive services. This allows patients to access the latest advancements in cancer care without traveling long distances.

**Specific Specialty Focus: Cardiac Care**

Cardiac care is another area of strength in the region. Both Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital have well-regarded cardiology programs, offering a full range of services from preventative care to advanced interventions. These hospitals are equipped to handle complex cardiac cases, providing reassurance for patients with heart conditions.

**Telehealth: The Expanding Frontier**

Telehealth is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery. Hospitals in the 06478 area are actively expanding their telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services. This allows patients to access care remotely, improving convenience and accessibility, especially for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions.

**ER Wait Times: A Crucial Metric**

ER wait times are a key consideration for patients seeking immediate care. While wait times can vary depending on the hospital and the time of day, hospitals are working to improve efficiency and reduce wait times. Patients can often find real-time wait time information online or through hospital apps.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The hospitals serving the 06478 ZIP code offer a strong level of care. Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital are regional leaders, providing comprehensive services and advanced specialty care. MidState Medical Center offers a convenient local option. Patients in Wallingford have access to a range of healthcare options, including specialty centers, telehealth services, and urgent care facilities.

**Overall Health Score:**

**High.** The area benefits from proximity to major hospitals with high CMS star ratings, specialized services, and growing telehealth capabilities. The presence of local options like MidState Medical Center and numerous primary care and urgent care facilities further enhances the overall health score. While ER wait times can be a factor, the overall quality and accessibility of care in the 06478 area are commendable. Residents are well-positioned to receive high-quality healthcare.