47519, Cannelburg, Indiana Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 47519, Cannelburg, Indiana is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 47519

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel daunting. For residents near ZIP code 47519 (covering much of Daviess County, Indiana), access to quality medical care is a critical concern. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the primary hospital options, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. This information aims to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Primary Hospital Options**

The primary hospital serving the 47519 area is **Daviess Community Hospital (DCH)**, located in Washington, Indiana. While not directly within the ZIP code, it is the central healthcare provider for the region. Residents may also seek care at hospitals in neighboring counties, notably in Evansville (Vanderburgh County) and Terre Haute (Vigo County).

**Daviess Community Hospital (DCH): A Closer Look**

Daviess Community Hospital is a critical access hospital, a designation that reflects its role as a vital healthcare provider in a rural area. DCH's most recent CMS star rating is unavailable, a factor that warrants further investigation. CMS star ratings, based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, provide a snapshot of hospital performance across various quality measures. The absence of a rating doesn't automatically indicate poor performance, but it limits the ability to compare DCH directly to other hospitals using this standardized metric.

DCH's Emergency Room (ER) wait times are a crucial consideration. While specific, publicly available data on current wait times can fluctuate. Local sources, such as online wait time tracking websites, and direct calls to the hospital are the best sources for current information. Shorter wait times generally indicate greater ER efficiency.

DCH offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, general surgery, orthopedics, and women's health. The availability of these services locally minimizes the need for travel to larger urban centers. The scope and depth of these specialty programs are crucial for residents needing specialized care. The hospital's website and local physician directories provide detailed information on the specialists practicing at DCH.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for rural communities. DCH's telehealth offerings should be investigated. Telehealth allows patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some diagnostic services remotely, reducing travel burdens and improving access to care. Examining the types of telehealth services offered (e.g., mental health, specialist consultations) and the ease of access (e.g., appointment scheduling, technology requirements) is essential.

**Regional Alternatives: Exploring Options**

Residents near 47519 may also consider hospitals in Evansville, Indiana, a regional hub with more extensive healthcare resources.

**Deaconess Hospital (Evansville):**

Deaconess Hospital, part of the Deaconess Health System, is a major healthcare provider in the Evansville area. Deaconess has multiple campuses, including Deaconess Hospital and Deaconess Gateway Hospital. Deaconess Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating (as of October 2023), indicating a generally good performance across quality measures. This rating provides a valuable benchmark for comparison.

Deaconess Hospital's ER wait times can vary depending on the location and time of day. Checking online wait time trackers or contacting the hospital directly is recommended.

Deaconess offers a comprehensive array of specialty services, including advanced cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, and transplant services. The depth and breadth of these services are significantly greater than those typically available at a critical access hospital. This makes Deaconess a strong option for patients requiring complex or specialized care.

Deaconess has expanded its telehealth offerings. The specific telehealth services available should be reviewed, including access to specialists, virtual urgent care, and remote monitoring programs.

**St. Vincent Hospital (Evansville):**

St. Vincent Hospital, part of Ascension Health, is another major hospital system in Evansville. St. Vincent Hospital (Evansville) has a 3-star CMS rating (as of October 2023).

ER wait times at St. Vincent Hospital (Evansville) fluctuate. Publicly available wait time data should be consulted, or the hospital contacted directly.

St. Vincent provides a broad range of specialty services, similar to Deaconess, including cardiology, oncology, and advanced surgical procedures. The availability of these services makes it a viable option for complex medical needs.

St. Vincent has also invested in telehealth services. The specifics of these offerings, including the types of services and access methods, should be investigated.

**Regional Considerations: Terre Haute**

While further afield, hospitals in Terre Haute, Indiana, such as **Union Hospital**, may be considered by some residents.

**Union Hospital (Terre Haute):**

Union Hospital is a major hospital in Terre Haute. Union Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating (as of October 2023).

ER wait times at Union Hospital can be found through online resources or by contacting the hospital.

Union Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care.

Telehealth services are available at Union Hospital. Specific offerings should be researched.

**Overall Health Score Considerations: A Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 47519 is complex and depends on individual needs.

* **Daviess Community Hospital:** Offers local access, but the absence of a recent CMS star rating warrants further investigation. ER wait times and the scope of specialty services should be assessed. Telehealth availability is a key factor for rural access.
* **Deaconess Hospital (Evansville):** Boasts a 4-star CMS rating, a comprehensive range of specialties, and a robust telehealth program. Longer travel times are a factor.
* **St. Vincent Hospital (Evansville):** Has a 3-star CMS rating and a wide range of specialty services, with telehealth offerings. Travel time is a factor.
* **Union Hospital (Terre Haute):** Has a 3-star CMS rating and a range of specialties, with telehealth offerings. Travel time is a factor.

**Key Factors for Individual Assessment:**

* **Specific Medical Needs:** The type of care needed (e.g., routine check-up, specialized treatment) heavily influences the best choice.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Network restrictions of health insurance plans can limit hospital choices.
* **Travel Distance and Time:** Travel time to the hospital is a significant factor, especially in emergencies.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are crucial in urgent situations.
* **Physician Preferences:** Patients may have established relationships with physicians at specific hospitals.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those in rural areas.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the only factor, CMS ratings provide a valuable benchmark of hospital performance.
* **Hospital Reputation and Patient Reviews:** Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can offer insights into patient experiences.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Research Specific Needs:** Identify the specific medical needs and any existing health conditions.
2. **Check Insurance Coverage:** Verify which hospitals are in-network.
3. **Contact Hospitals Directly:** Call the ER departments for current wait times. Inquire about telehealth services and specialty availability.
4. **Consult Physician Recommendations:** Seek guidance from primary care physicians or specialists.
5. **Review CMS Star Ratings and Patient Reviews:** Use these as supplemental information to inform decisions.
6. **Consider Travel Time:** Factor in travel time, especially for emergency situations.
7. **Prioritize Access:** Choose the hospital that offers the best balance of quality, access, and convenience.

This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for informed decision-making. Healthcare needs are highly individual. Thorough research and careful consideration of personal circumstances are essential for selecting the best hospital option near ZIP code 47519.