32246, Jacksonville, Florida Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 32246, Jacksonville, Florida is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 32246 (Jacksonville, FL)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near the 32246 ZIP code in Jacksonville, Florida, focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This score aims to offer a comprehensive overview, helping residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Defining the Scope:**

The 32246 ZIP code is centrally located in Jacksonville, providing access to a range of hospitals. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those most likely to serve residents of this area. The analysis incorporates data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and publicly available sources.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The CMS star rating system is a valuable tool for comparing hospital quality. It considers factors like mortality rates, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care.

**Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville:** This flagship hospital consistently receives high ratings. It is a large, comprehensive facility with a strong reputation for cardiac care, cancer treatment, and stroke care. Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville typically boasts a 4- or 5-star CMS rating, reflecting its commitment to quality. This hospital has a large emergency department and is a major trauma center.

**UF Health Jacksonville:** Another major player in the region, UF Health Jacksonville is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Florida. It is a Level I trauma center and a significant provider of specialized care. UF Health Jacksonville generally receives a 3- or 4-star CMS rating, reflecting its complex patient population and commitment to research and education. This hospital is known for its advanced surgical capabilities and comprehensive services.

**St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside:** This hospital, part of the Ascension Health system, offers a range of services, including cardiac care, orthopedics, and women's health. St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside typically receives a 3- or 4-star CMS rating. It is a well-regarded community hospital with a focus on patient-centered care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Longer wait times can indicate overcrowding or staffing issues. It's important to note that wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville:** Being a large, busy trauma center, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville may experience longer wait times, particularly during peak hours. However, they have invested in streamlining processes to improve efficiency. Publicly available data often shows wait times in the range of 30-60 minutes, but this can vary.

**UF Health Jacksonville:** As a Level I trauma center, UF Health Jacksonville's ER is also often busy. Wait times can be similar to Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, potentially ranging from 30-60 minutes or longer during peak times.

**St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside:** This hospital's ER typically experiences shorter wait times compared to the larger trauma centers. Wait times are often reported to be in the range of 20-45 minutes, but this is also subject to change.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in assessing hospital quality. This includes centers for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women's health.

**Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville:** This hospital boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers. It has a renowned cardiac center, a comprehensive cancer center, and a dedicated stroke center. They also have specialized programs for orthopedics, neurosurgery, and women's health.

**UF Health Jacksonville:** UF Health Jacksonville is a major referral center for specialized care. It has a leading cancer center, a strong cardiology program, and advanced neurological services. They also offer specialized programs for organ transplantation and complex surgical procedures.

**St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside:** This hospital provides a range of specialty services, including a well-regarded cardiac program, an orthopedic center, and a women's health center. They also offer comprehensive cancer care and neurological services.

**Telehealth Initiatives and Accessibility:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Hospitals are expanding their telehealth capabilities to improve patient access and convenience.

**Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville:** Baptist Health has invested heavily in telehealth. They offer virtual visits for a wide range of specialties, including primary care, cardiology, and behavioral health. They have a robust telehealth platform that allows patients to connect with providers remotely.

**UF Health Jacksonville:** UF Health has also embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments for various specialties. They provide telehealth services for primary care, specialists, and behavioral health. They are actively expanding their telehealth offerings to reach more patients.

**St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside:** St. Vincent's offers telehealth options for certain specialties and follow-up appointments. They are working to expand their telehealth capabilities to improve patient access.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a crucial indicator of hospital quality. Factors like communication, responsiveness, and the overall environment contribute to patient satisfaction.

**Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville:** Baptist Health consistently receives positive feedback regarding patient experience. They emphasize patient-centered care and strive to create a supportive environment. Patient satisfaction scores are generally above average.

**UF Health Jacksonville:** UF Health is committed to improving patient experience. They are focused on enhancing communication, providing clear information, and creating a comfortable environment. Patient satisfaction scores are continually improving.

**St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside:** St. Vincent's emphasizes patient-centered care and strives to create a welcoming environment. They often receive positive feedback regarding patient experience. Patient satisfaction scores are generally high.

**Overall Health Score Assessment (Near 32246):**

Based on the factors discussed, here's an overall assessment:

* **Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville:** This hospital scores highly due to its high CMS star rating, comprehensive specialty services, and robust telehealth offerings. While ER wait times can be longer, the overall quality of care and patient experience are generally excellent. **Overall Health Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars.**

* **UF Health Jacksonville:** This hospital is a strong contender, offering advanced specialty care and a commitment to research and education. While ER wait times can be a concern, the quality of care and breadth of services are impressive. **Overall Health Score: 4 out of 5 stars.**

* **St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside:** This hospital offers a good balance of services and a focus on patient-centered care. Shorter ER wait times are a plus. It is a solid choice for many residents. **Overall Health Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars.**

**Important Considerations:**

* **Individual Needs:** The "best" hospital depends on individual healthcare needs. Patients with specific conditions may benefit from hospitals with specialized centers.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Insurance coverage is a crucial factor in choosing a hospital. Patients should confirm that their insurance is accepted at the hospital they choose.
* **Personal Preferences:** Patient preferences regarding location, convenience, and hospital environment should also be considered.
* **Data Limitations:** This review is based on publicly available data, which may not reflect all aspects of hospital quality. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider and conduct further research to make informed decisions.

**Conclusion:**

Residents near the 32246 ZIP code have access to a range of quality hospitals. Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and UF Health Jacksonville are leading providers, offering comprehensive services and high-quality care. St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside provides a good alternative with a focus on patient-centered care. By considering the factors discussed in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. It is always recommended to consult with your primary care physician for guidance.