46913, Bringhurst, Indiana Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 46913, Bringhurst, Indiana is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Kokomo, IN (ZIP Code 46913)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the area near Kokomo, Indiana (ZIP code 46913), focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth accessibility. This information aims to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The primary hospitals serving Kokomo and surrounding areas are Community Howard Regional Health and Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. These facilities are the cornerstones of local healthcare, offering a range of services from primary care to specialized treatments. Access to tertiary care, including advanced specialties, often involves travel to Indianapolis or other regional centers.

**Community Howard Regional Health**

Community Howard Regional Health, a part of Community Health Network, is a significant player in the local healthcare ecosystem. It is a 245-bed hospital. While specific CMS star ratings fluctuate, it generally scores in the average range. This rating is based on a complex set of factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's responsiveness. Community Howard Regional Health's ER wait times are generally in line with, or slightly better than, the national average. However, these times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient needs. The hospital has implemented strategies to improve ER efficiency, including triage protocols and dedicated fast-track areas for less critical cases.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Community Howard Regional Health offers a broad spectrum of specialty services. The hospital has a comprehensive heart and vascular center, providing advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. It also has a robust cancer center offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and support services. Other key specialties include orthopedics, women's health, and a dedicated labor and delivery unit.

**Telehealth Integration:** Community Howard Regional Health has embraced telehealth to expand access to care. Telehealth services include virtual visits for primary care, specialist consultations, and remote monitoring for chronic conditions. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The hospital continues to expand its telehealth offerings, recognizing the growing demand for virtual care options.

**Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo**

Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo is another key hospital in the region, providing a wide range of medical services. It is a 141-bed facility. CMS star ratings for Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo also fluctuate, but it generally performs in the average range.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo are comparable to those at Community Howard Regional Health. The hospital focuses on efficient patient flow and has implemented measures to reduce wait times, such as streamlined registration processes and rapid assessment protocols.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo offers a variety of specialized services, including a comprehensive surgical program, a dedicated orthopedic center, and a women's health center. The hospital also has a strong focus on behavioral health services, providing inpatient and outpatient care for mental health and substance use disorders.

**Telehealth Integration:** Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo has also integrated telehealth into its service offerings. Telehealth options include virtual appointments with primary care physicians and specialists, as well as remote monitoring programs. This helps patients manage chronic conditions and receive timely care from the comfort of their homes.

**Comparing the Hospitals**

Comparing the two main hospitals near Kokomo, both Community Howard Regional Health and Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo offer comprehensive healthcare services. Both hospitals generally receive average CMS star ratings, indicating a similar level of overall quality. ER wait times are comparable at both facilities, and both have embraced telehealth to improve access to care. The choice of hospital may depend on individual needs and preferences, such as specific specialist availability or insurance coverage.

**Access to Tertiary Care**

For highly specialized care, such as complex surgeries or advanced treatments, patients in the Kokomo area may need to travel to larger hospitals in Indianapolis. These hospitals include Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children, both offering a wider range of specialized services and advanced technologies. The travel time to Indianapolis is approximately one to one and a half hours.

**Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital:** This is a large, tertiary care hospital with a high level of specialization. It is a Level I trauma center and offers advanced services in areas like cardiology, oncology, and transplant medicine. It generally receives a higher CMS star rating than the local hospitals.

**Riley Hospital for Children:** This is a nationally recognized children's hospital that provides specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents. It offers a wide range of pediatric specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and surgery.

**Other Considerations**

**Outpatient Services:** In addition to inpatient hospitals, the area around Kokomo has a variety of outpatient clinics and facilities. These include primary care physician offices, urgent care centers, and specialized clinics for areas like physical therapy and mental health. These outpatient services play a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable healthcare.

**Behavioral Health:** Behavioral health services are an important consideration. Both Community Howard Regional Health and Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo offer behavioral health services, but access to specialized mental health care can sometimes be limited. Patients may need to seek care from private practices or travel to larger facilities for more specialized treatment.

**Preventive Care:** Preventive care is essential for maintaining good health. Both hospitals and local clinics offer preventive services, such as vaccinations, screenings, and health education programs. Regular checkups, screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for preventing chronic diseases and improving overall health outcomes.

**Telehealth Statistics:** The utilization of telehealth services is steadily increasing. Both hospitals are actively tracking their telehealth usage metrics, including the number of virtual visits, the types of services provided, and patient satisfaction levels. These statistics are used to improve telehealth offerings and ensure that patients receive high-quality virtual care.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The hospitals near Kokomo, Indiana (ZIP code 46913) provide a solid foundation of healthcare services. Community Howard Regional Health and Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo offer comprehensive care, with comparable ER wait times and a growing emphasis on telehealth. Both hospitals generally receive average CMS star ratings. For specialized care, patients may need to travel to Indianapolis. Careful consideration of individual needs, insurance coverage, and access to specific specialists is essential when making healthcare decisions. The ongoing development of telehealth services and a focus on preventive care are positive trends in the local healthcare landscape.