47546, Jasper, Indiana Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 47546, Jasper, Indiana is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Jasper, Indiana (ZIP Code 47546)

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. For residents of Jasper, Indiana, and the surrounding area (ZIP code 47546), understanding the local hospital landscape is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, analyzing key factors to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. We will examine the prominent hospitals in the region, focusing on their performance metrics, specialties, and accessibility.

**The Players: Key Hospitals in the Area**

The primary healthcare providers serving the 47546 ZIP code are Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper, and, to a lesser extent, Daviess Community Hospital in Washington, Indiana, and Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. While other smaller clinics and urgent care centers exist, these three hospitals represent the core of acute care services available to the community.

**Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center: The Local Hub**

Memorial Hospital, located directly in Jasper, serves as the primary acute care facility for the immediate area. It's a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special financial considerations due to its rural location and the essential services it provides. Memorial Hospital offers a wide range of services, including a 24/7 Emergency Department, surgical suites, a labor and delivery unit, and various specialty clinics.

**CMS Star Rating:** Memorial Hospital's most recent CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating is unavailable. This is not uncommon for critical access hospitals, as they are not always included in the same rating system as larger, more complex facilities. However, it's crucial to note that the absence of a star rating doesn't necessarily equate to poor quality; it simply means the hospital isn't evaluated using the same benchmarks.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** ED wait times are a significant indicator of a hospital's efficiency. While specific, publicly available data on Memorial Hospital's ED wait times can be difficult to obtain, anecdotal evidence and local reports suggest wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. Expect longer waits during peak hours and periods of high illness prevalence.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Memorial Hospital boasts a robust array of specialty services. These include cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and women's health. They also have a dedicated rehabilitation unit. The hospital's commitment to providing comprehensive care within the community is a significant advantage for residents, reducing the need to travel long distances for specialized treatments.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Memorial Hospital has embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This allows patients to access specialists and receive care without physically visiting the hospital, enhancing convenience and accessibility, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management. Specific details on the extent of their telehealth offerings, including the number of virtual visits and the specialties available via telehealth, would require direct inquiry.

**Daviess Community Hospital: A Regional Option**

Located approximately 30 miles north of Jasper in Washington, Indiana, Daviess Community Hospital provides an alternative for residents seeking healthcare. While not directly in the 47546 ZIP code, it's within a reasonable driving distance for many residents.

**CMS Star Rating:** Daviess Community Hospital has a CMS star rating, which can be found on the CMS website. This rating provides a snapshot of the hospital's overall performance based on various quality metrics.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** ED wait times at Daviess Community Hospital are a key factor to consider. Publicly available data on ED wait times is often accessible through the hospital's website or through state health agencies. Compare these wait times with Memorial Hospital's to determine which facility offers the most efficient care in an emergency.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Daviess Community Hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a women's health center. It's important to compare the specific specialties offered at Daviess Community Hospital with those available at Memorial Hospital to determine which facility best meets your individual needs.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Daviess Community Hospital also offers telehealth services. The scope and breadth of their telehealth program should be investigated, including the types of virtual consultations available and the specialties that participate in telehealth.

**Deaconess Hospital: A Larger Regional Player**

Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, is a larger, more comprehensive healthcare system, located approximately 70 miles southwest of Jasper. While further away, Deaconess offers a wider range of specialized services and may be a preferred option for certain complex medical needs.

**CMS Star Rating:** Deaconess Hospital has a CMS star rating, reflecting its performance across various quality indicators. The specific rating can be found on the CMS website and should be reviewed to assess the hospital's overall quality of care.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** Due to its size and complexity, Deaconess Hospital likely experiences varying ED wait times. Data on ED wait times is generally available on the hospital's website or through public health resources.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Deaconess boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive cancer center, and specialized heart and vascular care. This breadth of services makes Deaconess a valuable option for patients requiring advanced medical care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Deaconess Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations across numerous specialties. The hospital's telehealth program is likely more extensive than those of Memorial Hospital and Daviess Community Hospital, offering greater access to specialists and remote monitoring services.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

When evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 47546, several factors must be weighed:

* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Memorial Hospital's location in Jasper offers the greatest convenience for residents. Daviess Community Hospital and Deaconess Hospital require longer travel times, which can be a significant factor in emergency situations or for frequent appointments.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services is crucial. Consider the specific medical needs of you and your family. Do you require cardiology, oncology, or other specialized care? Compare the offerings of each hospital to determine which provides the most comprehensive care for your needs.
* **Emergency Department Performance:** ED wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to provide timely care. Research and compare ED wait times at each hospital.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not always available, CMS star ratings provide a valuable benchmark for hospital quality. Review the ratings for each hospital, considering the various factors that contribute to the overall score.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management. Evaluate the telehealth offerings of each hospital, considering the specialties available via virtual consultations.
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** While not always a perfect measure, patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Search online for reviews of each hospital, considering both positive and negative feedback.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 47546 is not a simple number. It requires a careful evaluation of the factors outlined above. Memorial Hospital offers the convenience of local care, while Daviess Community Hospital and Deaconess Hospital provide alternative options with varying levels of specialization and accessibility.

For routine care and common medical needs, Memorial Hospital is likely the most convenient and accessible option. For specialized care or in emergency situations, consider the capabilities and ED wait times of all three hospitals. Researching and comparing the factors outlined above will empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare, ensuring you receive the best possible care for your individual needs. Remember to consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations and to discuss any specific health concerns you may have.