47528, Edwardsport, Indiana Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 47528, Edwardsport, Indiana is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Jasper, Indiana (ZIP Code 47528)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Jasper, Indiana (ZIP Code 47528) area, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This is not a ranking, but an informative overview.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The primary hospitals serving the Jasper area are Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center and the nearby St. Vincent Evansville Hospital. Access to larger tertiary care centers in Indianapolis or Louisville may be necessary for specialized needs. This review focuses on the key aspects of these primary providers.

**Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center (Jasper, IN):**

Memorial Hospital is a cornerstone of healthcare in Dubois County. It is a not-for-profit, community-owned hospital offering a comprehensive range of services.

**CMS Star Rating & Quality Metrics:** Memorial Hospital does not currently have a CMS Star Rating. This rating, assigned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is a composite score based on various quality measures. However, the absence of a star rating does not necessarily indicate poor quality; it may reflect the hospital’s reporting practices or the size of the facility.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** The ED at Memorial Hospital is a critical access point. While specific wait times fluctuate, it's crucial to understand that wait times can vary based on the time of day, the severity of patient conditions, and overall ED volume. Publicly available data on average wait times is often limited, but it is advisable to contact the hospital directly or check their website for current information.

**Specialty Services:** Memorial Hospital offers a wide array of specialty services. These include cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and women's health. The hospital’s cancer center provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. They also have a robust surgical program, including minimally invasive procedures.

**Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth services are increasingly important for access to care. Memorial Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing remote consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth can improve access to specialists and reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for patients in rural areas. Check the hospital's website for specific telehealth services available and how to schedule an appointment.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of quality. Memorial Hospital participates in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, which measures patient experiences. Reviewing publicly available HCAHPS scores can provide insights into patient satisfaction with various aspects of care, such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the environment.

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

Located approximately an hour's drive from Jasper, St. Vincent Evansville offers a wider range of specialized services and is a major referral center for the region.

**CMS Star Rating & Quality Metrics:** St. Vincent Evansville Hospital has a CMS Star Rating. This rating can be a useful starting point for evaluating the hospital's overall quality. The star rating is based on a variety of quality measures, including mortality rates, readmission rates, patient safety indicators, and patient experience. Always review the underlying data behind the star rating to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the hospital’s performance.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** St. Vincent Evansville's ED serves a large population and experiences varying wait times. The hospital's website and other online resources may provide information on average wait times. It is important to note that these are averages and individual wait times can vary.

**Specialty Services:** St. Vincent Evansville boasts a comprehensive range of specialty services. They have advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The hospital also has a well-regarded neurology program, offering treatment for stroke and other neurological conditions. The hospital's cancer center provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

**Telehealth Availability:** St. Vincent Evansville has a robust telehealth program, offering a variety of remote consultations and virtual care options. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, providing access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Check the hospital's website for a list of available telehealth services and instructions on how to access them.

**Patient Experience:** St. Vincent Evansville participates in the HCAHPS survey, providing valuable data on patient experiences. Reviewing HCAHPS scores can offer insights into patient satisfaction with various aspects of care, such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the environment.

**Additional Considerations:**

**Access to Specialized Care:** For highly specialized care, residents of the Jasper area may need to travel to larger medical centers in Indianapolis or Louisville. These centers offer advanced treatments and specialists not always available in smaller community hospitals.

**Transportation:** Access to transportation is a critical factor for accessing healthcare. Consider the availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and the distance to hospitals when planning for medical appointments.

**Insurance Coverage:** Insurance coverage significantly impacts access to care. Ensure that the hospitals you are considering are in your insurance network. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage and understand your out-of-pocket costs.

**Physician Availability:** The availability of primary care physicians and specialists is crucial for ongoing healthcare. Consider the availability of physicians accepting new patients in the Jasper area.

**Community Health Needs Assessment:** Reviewing the community health needs assessment for Dubois County can provide valuable insights into the specific health challenges facing the local population. This information can help you understand the types of services and resources available in the area.

**Comparing Hospitals:**

When comparing hospitals, consider the following factors:

* **Quality of Care:** Review CMS Star Ratings (if available), readmission rates, and mortality rates.
* **Patient Experience:** Review HCAHPS scores to understand patient satisfaction.
* **Specialty Services:** Assess the availability of the specific services you or your family may need.
* **Emergency Department Performance:** Consider average wait times and the overall efficiency of the ED.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Evaluate the availability of telehealth services for convenient access to care.
* **Accessibility:** Consider the distance to the hospital, transportation options, and insurance coverage.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. This review provides an overview of the healthcare landscape near Jasper, Indiana (ZIP Code 47528). Memorial Hospital and St. Vincent Evansville are the primary providers, each offering a range of services. For specialized needs, access to larger medical centers in Indianapolis or Louisville may be necessary. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Always consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.