33313, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 33313, Fort Lauderdale, Florida is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near 33313

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Fort Lauderdale's 33313 ZIP code, access to quality medical care is a critical concern. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the prominent hospitals in the vicinity, analyzing their performance across key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. This information aims to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Choice**

The 33313 ZIP code, encompassing areas of Fort Lauderdale, benefits from a concentration of hospitals, offering residents choices within a reasonable driving distance. This review focuses on the facilities most likely to be accessed by residents of this area, including flagship hospitals and those offering specialized services. Factors like traffic patterns and individual medical needs will, of course, influence the best choice for each patient.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

**Broward Health Medical Center:** Located at 1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, Broward Health Medical Center (BHMC) is a major player in the region. It is a large, Level I trauma center, equipped to handle the most critical emergencies. As of the latest available data, BHMC holds a **2-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects performance across several categories, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. The CMS star rating is a useful, albeit imperfect, tool for comparing hospitals.

BHMC's emergency room is a significant resource for the community. While precise, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, it's essential to understand that wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition. Publicly available data often provides average wait times, which can be a useful benchmark. BHMC’s emergency department handles a high volume of patients, making it a crucial component of the local healthcare system.

BHMC boasts several specialty centers, including a comprehensive stroke center, a cardiac care unit, and specialized services for cancer treatment. The hospital also offers a robust women's health program. Telehealth services are increasingly integrated into BHMC's offerings, providing patients with remote access to consultations and follow-up care. The availability and scope of telehealth services are constantly evolving.

**Holy Cross Hospital:** Situated at 4725 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, Holy Cross Hospital is another major hospital serving the 33313 area. Holy Cross is a Catholic, not-for-profit hospital with a strong reputation for patient care. As of the latest CMS data, Holy Cross Hospital holds a **4-star rating**. This rating reflects a generally positive performance across the CMS metrics, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to hospitals with lower ratings.

Holy Cross Hospital’s emergency department is a busy hub, and like all ERs, wait times can vary. The hospital strives to provide efficient and timely care, but the volume of patients and the complexity of their needs influence wait times. Holy Cross is known for its focus on patient experience and has received recognition for its patient satisfaction scores.

Holy Cross offers a wide range of specialized services, including a renowned heart institute, a cancer center, and specialized surgical programs. Telehealth services are available, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely for consultations, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management. The hospital is actively expanding its telehealth offerings to improve patient access to care.

**Specialty Centers and Other Considerations**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, residents of 33313 have access to a network of specialty centers and smaller hospitals that provide specific types of care. This network expands the choices available, allowing patients to seek specialized treatment or services tailored to their needs.

**Memorial Regional Hospital:** While not directly in the 33313 ZIP code, Memorial Regional Hospital, located in Hollywood, Florida (1000 S. Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020), is a significant regional hospital that often serves residents of the 33313 area. Memorial Regional is a large, Level I trauma center, similar to Broward Health Medical Center. It is important to note that CMS star ratings can vary, and the latest rating should be consulted for the most up-to-date information. Memorial Regional offers a wide array of specialized services, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart institute, and a pediatric hospital.

**Other Hospitals and Facilities:** The area also includes smaller hospitals and specialized facilities that cater to specific medical needs. These include rehabilitation centers, outpatient surgery centers, and urgent care clinics. These facilities provide a valuable supplement to the services offered by the larger hospitals.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in assessing hospital performance. While precise real-time wait times are often unavailable, several resources provide average wait time estimates. These estimates can be found on hospital websites, health information websites, and through apps. It is crucial to remember that these are averages, and individual wait times can vary considerably. The severity of the patient's condition is a primary determinant of how quickly they are seen.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has rapidly gained prominence in healthcare, especially in recent years. Both Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital offer telehealth services, providing patients with remote access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those seeking convenient access to care. The scope and availability of telehealth services are constantly evolving, so it is important to check with the individual hospital or provider for the most up-to-date information.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near the 33313 ZIP code reflects a mixed picture. Broward Health Medical Center, as a Level I trauma center, offers critical emergency services and a wide range of specialties, but its 2-star CMS rating suggests potential areas for improvement. Holy Cross Hospital, with its 4-star rating, generally performs well across the CMS metrics and offers a comprehensive range of services. Memorial Regional Hospital, located nearby, is another major resource for the community. The availability of specialty centers and telehealth services enhances the overall healthcare landscape.

**Recommendations for Patients**

* **Research and Compare:** Before seeking care, research the hospitals in your area and compare their services, specialties, and patient reviews.
* **Consider CMS Star Ratings:** While not the only factor, CMS star ratings offer a valuable benchmark of hospital performance.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** If you need emergency care, check estimated ER wait times, but remember that these are averages and individual experiences may vary.
* **Inquire About Telehealth:** If convenient access to care is a priority, inquire about telehealth options.
* **Consult with Your Physician:** Discuss your healthcare needs and preferences with your primary care physician, who can provide personalized recommendations.
* **Stay Informed:** The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed about hospital performance, new services, and technological advancements.

**Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns or before making any healthcare decisions. Hospital performance data is subject to change, and it is recommended to consult the latest available information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the individual hospitals.