33761, Clearwater, Florida Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 33761, Clearwater, Florida is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Clearwater, Florida (ZIP Code 33761)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Clearwater, Florida area, specifically focusing on facilities near the 33761 ZIP code. This assessment considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, aiming to offer a comprehensive picture for informed healthcare decisions.

**Methodology:** This review synthesizes publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources. Data is current as of October 26, 2023, but healthcare information changes rapidly. Always confirm information directly with the hospital. The "Overall Health Score" is a qualitative assessment, not a quantitative ranking, based on the aggregation of these diverse metrics.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**Morton Plant Hospital (300 Pinellas St, Clearwater, FL 33756):** This BayCare Health System flagship is a major player in the region. Morton Plant boasts a strong reputation and consistently receives positive reviews. While specific CMS star ratings fluctuate, it generally maintains a solid performance. Its commitment to quality is evident in its numerous accreditations and awards. Morton Plant’s emergency room sees a high volume of patients, and wait times can vary depending on the time of day and severity of the case. However, they have invested in technology and staffing to manage patient flow efficiently. Morton Plant excels in several specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology. They have a dedicated heart institute and a comprehensive cancer center, offering advanced treatments and research opportunities. Telehealth services are also available, providing patients with convenient access to consultations and follow-up care.

**Mease Countryside Hospital (1661 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759):** Another BayCare facility, Mease Countryside Hospital offers a broad range of services. This hospital is generally well-regarded within the community. Similar to Morton Plant, its CMS star rating fluctuates, but it generally performs well. The emergency department at Mease Countryside is typically less congested than at Morton Plant, resulting in shorter wait times. This can be a significant factor for patients seeking immediate care. Mease Countryside has a strong focus on women's health, with a dedicated maternity ward and specialized services. They also provide a range of surgical options and have advanced imaging capabilities. Telehealth services are available, allowing for remote consultations and monitoring.

**AdventHealth North Pinellas (1395 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689):** While technically outside the 33761 ZIP code, AdventHealth North Pinellas is a significant provider for residents in the area. AdventHealth North Pinellas consistently receives positive feedback. Its CMS star rating is a key indicator of quality, and it has generally achieved high scores. The emergency room at AdventHealth North Pinellas is known for its efficiency, with relatively short wait times. This is a crucial factor for patients experiencing urgent medical needs. AdventHealth North Pinellas offers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and behavioral health. They are also known for their commitment to community outreach and wellness programs. Telehealth options are available, providing convenient access to healthcare professionals.

**Other Important Considerations:**

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical factor for patients. While specific wait times fluctuate, data suggests that Mease Countryside Hospital and AdventHealth North Pinellas often have shorter wait times compared to Morton Plant. However, this can vary based on the time of day and the severity of the medical condition. Patients should always consider the urgency of their situation when choosing an ER. Hospitals are required to display their current ER wait times, which can be found online or at the hospital.

**Specialty Centers:** The availability of specialized care is a crucial consideration for patients with specific medical needs. Morton Plant Hospital has a strong reputation for its heart institute and cancer center. Mease Countryside Hospital excels in women's health. AdventHealth North Pinellas offers a range of specialty services, including behavioral health. Researching the specific needs of the patient is essential when selecting a hospital.

**Telehealth Services:** Telehealth is increasingly important, offering convenient access to healthcare professionals. All three flagship hospitals – Morton Plant, Mease Countryside, and AdventHealth North Pinellas – offer telehealth services. These services can include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth can be a significant advantage for patients, particularly those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

**CMS Star Ratings:** CMS star ratings provide a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality. These ratings are based on a range of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While CMS ratings are a useful indicator, they should be considered alongside other factors, such as specialty services and patient reviews. It is important to note that CMS ratings can fluctuate, and a hospital's rating at the time of this review may not be the same at the time of a patient's visit.

**Hospital-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses:**

**Morton Plant Hospital:** Strengths include a strong reputation, comprehensive services, and specialized centers for cardiology and oncology. Potential weaknesses might include longer ER wait times due to high patient volume.

**Mease Countryside Hospital:** Strengths include shorter ER wait times, a focus on women's health, and a good overall reputation. Potential weaknesses could include a slightly smaller scope of services compared to Morton Plant.

**AdventHealth North Pinellas:** Strengths include efficient ER services, a commitment to community outreach, and a range of specialty services. Potential weaknesses could include its location slightly outside the 33761 ZIP code.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

**Morton Plant Hospital:** Receives a strong "Overall Health Score" due to its comprehensive services, reputation, and specialized centers.

**Mease Countryside Hospital:** Earns a solid "Overall Health Score," particularly for its efficient ER and focus on women's health.

**AdventHealth North Pinellas:** Receives a positive "Overall Health Score" for its efficient ER, comprehensive services, and commitment to the community.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals near the 33761 ZIP code offer a range of healthcare options. Morton Plant Hospital, Mease Countryside Hospital, and AdventHealth North Pinellas are all strong choices, each with its own strengths. Patients should consider their individual needs, including the urgency of their situation, the need for specialized care, and the importance of convenient access to healthcare services, when making their decision. This review provides a starting point for evaluating these hospitals, but further research and consultation with healthcare professionals are always recommended. Remember to verify all information directly with the hospital, as details can change. Choosing the right hospital is a crucial decision, and a well-informed patient is the best advocate for their own health.