47714, Evansville, Indiana Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 47714, Evansville, Indiana is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Evansville, IN (ZIP Code 47714)

Finding the right healthcare can feel like navigating a maze. For residents near Evansville, Indiana (ZIP code 47714), several hospitals offer a range of services. This review provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, factoring in key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, to help you make informed decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Players in the Evansville Area**

The primary players in the Evansville healthcare market are Deaconess Health System and Ascension St. Vincent. These two systems dominate the landscape, each with multiple hospitals and facilities serving the region. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for navigating your healthcare options.

**Deaconess Health System: A Detailed Examination**

Deaconess Health System is a major force in the Evansville area. Its flagship hospital, **Deaconess Hospital**, located at 600 Mary St, Evansville, IN 47710, is a central hub. This hospital holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. While not the highest rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care, but potential areas for improvement exist.

Deaconess Hospital's Emergency Department (ER) is a critical access point. According to recent data, **average ER wait times at Deaconess Hospital fluctuate, but can often exceed the national average.** This is a crucial factor to consider, especially in urgent situations. It's always advisable to check current wait times through online portals or by calling the hospital directly.

Deaconess offers a wide array of specialty centers. These include a comprehensive **Heart Hospital**, known for its cardiovascular care, and a **Cancer Center**, providing advanced cancer treatment options. Deaconess also operates a **Women's Hospital**, catering to women's health needs. Furthermore, they have a strong focus on **orthopedics**, with specialized surgeons and rehabilitation services.

Telehealth is increasingly important. Deaconess Health System has expanded its telehealth offerings. While specific statistics on telehealth utilization rates are not readily available, Deaconess provides virtual visits for various specialties, including primary care and certain specialist consultations. This offers convenience for patients, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations that don't require a physical examination.

**Ascension St. Vincent: Assessing the Competition**

Ascension St. Vincent also has a significant presence in Evansville. **Ascension St. Vincent Evansville**, located at 3700 Washington Ave, Evansville, IN 47714, is a major hospital within the system. It also holds a **3-star rating from CMS**. This rating suggests a similar overall performance to Deaconess Hospital in terms of quality and safety.

The ER at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville is another key consideration. **ER wait times at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville also vary, and can sometimes be longer than ideal.** As with Deaconess, it’s essential to check current wait times before heading to the ER.

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville boasts several specialized centers. They are known for their **neuroscience services**, including stroke care and neurological treatments. They also have a robust **cardiac program**, offering comprehensive heart care. Additionally, Ascension St. Vincent offers a **bariatric surgery program**, providing options for weight management.

Telehealth is another area where Ascension St. Vincent is investing. They offer telehealth services, including virtual appointments with primary care physicians and specialists. While specific utilization statistics are not readily available, Ascension St. Vincent actively promotes its telehealth options, providing patients with convenient access to care.

**Other Healthcare Options: Exploring Alternatives**

Beyond the two major hospital systems, other healthcare options exist in and around the 47714 ZIP code. These include:

* **Community Clinics:** Several community clinics provide primary care and basic medical services. These clinics often offer more affordable options and may be a good choice for routine checkups and preventative care.
* **Urgent Care Centers:** Urgent care centers are convenient for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They offer quicker access to care than the ER, but generally do not handle complex medical issues.
* **Specialty Clinics:** Various specialty clinics cater to specific medical needs, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, and physical therapy. These clinics often provide more specialized care than general practitioners.

**Evaluating Specific Needs: Tailoring Your Choice**

The “best” hospital for you depends on your individual healthcare needs. Consider these factors:

* **Emergency Care:** If you anticipate needing emergency care, factor in ER wait times and the hospital's overall emergency services capabilities.
* **Specialty Needs:** If you require specialized care, research the specific specialty centers offered by each hospital system and their associated expertise.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its affiliated physicians are in your insurance network to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
* **Telehealth Preferences:** If you prefer virtual appointments, explore the telehealth offerings of each hospital system and whether they align with your needs.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider factors like hospital location, patient reviews, and the overall atmosphere of the facility.

**Digging Deeper: Research and Resources**

To make an informed decision, conduct thorough research. Here are some valuable resources:

* **CMS Hospital Compare:** This website provides detailed information on hospital quality, including star ratings, patient satisfaction scores, and specific performance metrics.
* **Hospital Websites:** Visit the websites of Deaconess Health System and Ascension St. Vincent to learn more about their services, physicians, and patient resources.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews on websites like Google Reviews, Healthgrades, and Vitals to gain insights into the experiences of other patients.
* **Your Primary Care Physician:** Consult with your primary care physician for recommendations and referrals to specialists.

**Overall Health Score Assessment: A Preliminary Summary**

Based on the available data, both Deaconess Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent Evansville offer comparable levels of care, as reflected in their CMS star ratings. However, both hospitals have room for improvement, particularly regarding ER wait times.

**Deaconess Hospital:** Offers a broad range of specialties, including a strong focus on cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, and women's health. Telehealth options are available.

**Ascension St. Vincent Evansville:** Known for its neuroscience and cardiac programs. Telehealth services are also available.

**The "Overall Health Score" for both hospitals is tentatively rated as "Acceptable," but with caveats.** The 3-star CMS ratings indicate a decent level of care, but longer ER wait times and the lack of higher ratings are concerning.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Research:** Before making a healthcare decision, conduct thorough research using the resources mentioned above.
* **Consider Your Needs:** Tailor your choice to your specific healthcare needs, including specialty requirements and insurance coverage.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Always check current ER wait times before heading to the emergency room.
* **Explore Telehealth:** Consider the convenience of telehealth options, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Stay Informed:** The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed about changes in hospital ratings, services, and technology.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available data and information. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The “Overall Health Score” is a subjective assessment based on the available data and should be used as a starting point for your own research and decision-making process.