33314, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 33314, Fort Lauderdale, Florida is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near 33314 (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Fort Lauderdale's 33314 ZIP code, understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings. The goal is to offer a clear, fact-based perspective to inform healthcare decisions.

**The Players: A Look at Key Hospitals**

The 33314 ZIP code is served by a variety of hospitals, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Several institutions stand out as major players, including Broward Health Medical Center, Holy Cross Health, and Memorial Regional Hospital. These facilities offer a broad spectrum of services and are often the first point of contact for residents seeking medical care.

**Broward Health Medical Center: A Deep Dive**

Broward Health Medical Center, located at 1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, is a significant presence in the area. It's a large, public hospital, and its performance is closely watched. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system to assess hospital quality. Broward Health Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects a mixed performance, with strengths in certain areas and opportunities for improvement in others.

ER wait times at Broward Health Medical Center are a key consideration. Publicly available data, often updated by the hospital itself, indicates that wait times can fluctuate. It's crucial for patients to understand that these are averages and individual experiences may vary. The hospital's emergency department is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, and the staff is experienced in dealing with critical situations.

Broward Health Medical Center boasts several specialized centers. It has a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, providing advanced cardiac care, including open-heart surgery and interventional cardiology. The hospital also has a dedicated cancer center offering a range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Furthermore, the hospital has a robust maternity program, with a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to care for premature or critically ill newborns.

Telehealth services are increasingly important, and Broward Health Medical Center offers virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. This allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits for certain conditions. The availability and scope of telehealth services are constantly evolving, so patients should check the hospital's website for the most up-to-date information.

**Holy Cross Health: A Focus on Patient Experience**

Holy Cross Health, located at 4725 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, is another major hospital in the area. It's a Catholic, non-profit hospital known for its focus on patient-centered care. Holy Cross Health currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to Broward Health Medical Center.

ER wait times at Holy Cross Health are generally competitive, with the hospital striving to provide timely care. Like Broward Health Medical Center, the hospital provides real-time wait time information on its website and through other channels. Patients should always consider the potential for delays, especially during peak hours or in cases of high patient volume.

Holy Cross Health offers a wide array of specialized services. It has a well-regarded orthopedic institute, providing advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. The hospital also has a comprehensive stroke center, equipped to rapidly diagnose and treat stroke patients. In addition, Holy Cross Health has a dedicated women's health center, offering a range of services from routine gynecological care to advanced surgical procedures.

Telehealth services are available at Holy Cross Health, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely. The hospital offers virtual visits for various specialties, providing convenient access to care. Details on specific telehealth offerings, including participating providers and appointment scheduling, are available on the hospital's website.

**Memorial Regional Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse**

Memorial Regional Hospital, located at 3501 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33021, is a large, regional hospital serving the broader South Florida area, including residents near the 33314 ZIP code. It is part of the Memorial Healthcare System, which includes several other hospitals and healthcare facilities. Memorial Regional Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS.

ER wait times at Memorial Regional Hospital can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases being treated. The hospital's emergency department is one of the busiest in the region, and patients should be prepared for potential wait times. The hospital provides online wait time information, but it's always advisable to call ahead or check the hospital's website for the most up-to-date information.

Memorial Regional Hospital is known for its trauma center, one of the busiest in the state. The hospital is equipped to handle a wide range of severe injuries and medical emergencies. It also has a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, offering advanced cardiac care. In addition, Memorial Regional Hospital has a dedicated cancer center, providing a range of treatment options.

Telehealth services are offered by Memorial Regional Hospital, allowing patients to access care remotely. The hospital offers virtual consultations and remote monitoring options for certain conditions. The availability and scope of telehealth services are constantly evolving, so patients should check the hospital's website for the most up-to-date information.

**Other Hospitals and Considerations**

Several other hospitals are located within a reasonable distance of the 33314 ZIP code. These include Florida Medical Center (5000 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313) and University Hospital and Medical Center (7201 N University Dr, Tamarac, FL 33321). These facilities offer a range of services and may be a good option for certain patients.

When choosing a hospital, patients should consider factors beyond CMS star ratings and ER wait times. These include the specific needs of the patient, the availability of specialized services, the hospital's reputation, and the patient's insurance coverage. It's also important to consider the hospital's location and accessibility, as well as the patient's personal preferences.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a significant concern for many patients. The average wait time is the time it takes a patient to see a medical professional after arriving at the emergency room. These times can vary widely, depending on factors like the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and the overall volume of patients. Hospitals often provide real-time wait time information on their websites or through mobile apps.

**Specialty Centers: Tailoring Care**

Specialty centers are dedicated units within hospitals that focus on specific medical conditions or areas of care. These centers often have specialized staff, equipment, and treatment protocols. Patients with specific medical needs should research the availability of specialty centers at local hospitals.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth is the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely. This can include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and electronic communication with healthcare providers. Telehealth offers convenience and can improve access to care, especially for patients in remote areas or those with mobility limitations.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The hospitals near the 33314 ZIP code offer a range of healthcare options. Broward Health Medical Center, Holy Cross Health, and Memorial Regional Hospital are the major players, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Holy Cross Health generally receives the highest CMS star rating among the three, reflecting a higher overall quality score. ER wait times vary, and patients should check real-time information when possible. Specialty centers and telehealth services are available at all three hospitals, offering specialized care and convenient access to care.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Patients should research hospitals based on their specific healthcare needs. Consider specialized centers and the availability of specific treatments.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before visiting an ER, check real-time wait times online or by phone.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Consider telehealth for convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments or routine consultations.
* **Consider Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and providers are within the patient's insurance network.
* **Read Patient Reviews:** Research patient reviews and ratings to gain insights into the patient experience at different hospitals.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near the 33314 ZIP code. Patients should use this information to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs, consulting with their primary care physician for personalized recommendations.