47635, Rockport, Indiana Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 47635, Rockport, Indiana is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 47635**

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents near ZIP code 47635 (Princeton, Indiana), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape: Key Players**

The primary hospital serving the Princeton area is **Gibson General Hospital (GGH)**, located directly within the ZIP code. While not a major metropolitan hospital, GGH plays a vital role in providing immediate care and essential services to the community. Further afield, residents often access hospitals in Evansville, Indiana, approximately a 30-45 minute drive. These include **Deaconess Hospital** and **St. Vincent Hospital**, both offering a broader range of specialized services.

**Gibson General Hospital: A Closer Look**

Gibson General Hospital, the community’s cornerstone, is a 25-bed critical access hospital. Its primary focus is on providing emergency care, inpatient services, and outpatient treatments. GGH's CMS star rating is not publicly available, as critical access hospitals are not always rated in the same way as larger facilities. This means a direct comparison to larger hospitals is difficult.

GGH’s emergency room typically sees moderate wait times. While specific, real-time data can fluctuate, the average wait time is generally less than an hour. This is a significant advantage for residents needing immediate medical attention. GGH offers a range of services, including general surgery, cardiology, and diagnostic imaging. Telehealth services are available, allowing patients to connect with specialists remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. The hospital's commitment to local care is evident in its community outreach programs and focus on patient-centered care.

**Deaconess Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse**

Deaconess Hospital, located in Evansville, is a larger, more comprehensive facility. It boasts a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a strong overall performance in quality and patient safety. This rating is a valuable benchmark for assessing the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality care.

Deaconess offers a wide array of specialty centers. These include a comprehensive heart hospital, a cancer center, and specialized units for women's health, orthopedics, and neuroscience. The hospital's emergency room sees a higher volume of patients than GGH, leading to potentially longer wait times. However, Deaconess has implemented strategies to manage patient flow and minimize wait times, including a fast-track system for less critical cases. Telehealth services are readily available, expanding access to specialists and facilitating remote monitoring. Deaconess is recognized for its advanced technology and commitment to research, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

**St. Vincent Hospital: Another Evansville Option**

St. Vincent Hospital, also in Evansville, is another major healthcare provider for the region. It holds a 3-star CMS rating, reflecting its overall performance. This rating is a helpful indicator of the hospital's quality and safety standards.

St. Vincent offers a broad range of services, including a Level II trauma center, a comprehensive stroke center, and specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, and women's health. The hospital's emergency room experiences varying wait times, often dependent on the time of day and patient volume. St. Vincent is known for its focus on patient experience and its commitment to providing compassionate care. Telehealth services are integrated into its care model, enabling patients to access virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration when assessing hospital accessibility. While specific wait times fluctuate, general trends can be observed. GGH in Princeton typically has the shortest wait times, due to its smaller size and lower patient volume. Deaconess Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital, being larger facilities, may experience longer wait times, particularly during peak hours. It is essential to check real-time wait times through hospital websites or online resources before seeking emergency care.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care**

The availability of specialty centers is a key indicator of a hospital's ability to provide comprehensive care. Deaconess Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital, located in Evansville, offer a more extensive range of specialty services than GGH. These include specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. Patients needing specialized care may need to travel to Evansville to access these services. GGH, while smaller, provides essential services and can stabilize patients before transferring them to a larger facility if needed.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery. All three hospitals – GGH, Deaconess, and St. Vincent – offer telehealth options. This allows patients to access virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, particularly beneficial for those living in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Telehealth can improve access to specialists and reduce the need for in-person visits, improving convenience and potentially lowering healthcare costs.

**Overall Health Score: A Comparative Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP code 47635 is a nuanced assessment.

* **Gibson General Hospital (GGH):** Provides essential local care, with relatively short ER wait times. It is a critical access hospital, serving a vital role in the community. Its limited specialty services mean that more complex needs may require transfer to a larger facility. Telehealth services are available.
* **Deaconess Hospital (Evansville):** Offers a broader range of specialty services, a 4-star CMS rating, and advanced technology. ER wait times may be longer. Telehealth services are available.
* **St. Vincent Hospital (Evansville):** Provides comprehensive services, including a Level II trauma center, with a 3-star CMS rating. ER wait times can vary. Telehealth services are available.

**Factors to Consider:**

* **Severity of Condition:** For life-threatening emergencies, the closest hospital with the appropriate capabilities is the priority.
* **Specialty Needs:** Patients requiring specialized care should consider hospitals with relevant specialty centers.
* **Travel Time:** Factor in travel time, especially when considering emergency care.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider patient experience, hospital reputation, and insurance coverage.

**Conclusion:**

Residents near ZIP code 47635 have access to a range of healthcare options. Gibson General Hospital provides essential local care, while Deaconess Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville offer a broader spectrum of services. Choosing the right hospital depends on individual needs, the severity of the condition, and personal preferences. By considering these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and access the best possible care for their needs. Regularly checking hospital websites for updated information on wait times and services is recommended.