41042, Florence, Kentucky Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 41042, Florence, Kentucky is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Fort Mitchell, KY (ZIP Code 41042)

Navigating healthcare can feel like charting unknown waters. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Fort Mitchell, Kentucky (41042) area, focusing on key performance indicators to help you make informed decisions. This score is not a single number, but rather a synthesis of various factors, offering a comprehensive view of each facility.

**The Landscape:** The primary hospitals serving this Northern Kentucky region are concentrated in the Greater Cincinnati area, easily accessible from Fort Mitchell. These facilities cater to a diverse patient population and offer a wide range of services. Proximity to major highways, like I-71/75, is a significant factor in accessibility.

**St. Elizabeth Healthcare – Edgewood:** St. Elizabeth Healthcare, with its main campus in Edgewood, is a major player. It operates several facilities throughout the region, including those in Florence and Covington. St. Elizabeth Edgewood is a large, comprehensive hospital, known for its extensive services and strong community presence.

**CMS Star Rating:** St. Elizabeth Edgewood holds a respectable 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a hospital that generally meets or exceeds national standards.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial metric. While specific real-time data fluctuates, St. Elizabeth Edgewood typically reports wait times that are competitive within the region. Patients can often expect to be seen by a provider within a reasonable timeframe, although this can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers:** St. Elizabeth boasts a robust network of specialty centers. They have a well-regarded heart institute, offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. Their cancer center provides comprehensive oncology services, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. They also have specialized centers for women's health, orthopedics, and behavioral health.

**Telehealth Integration:** St. Elizabeth has embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and accessing specialists from a distance. The availability of telehealth services enhances access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in more rural areas.

**Overall Health Score (St. Elizabeth Edgewood):** A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. St. Elizabeth Edgewood provides comprehensive care, with a good CMS rating, strong specialty centers, and integration of telehealth. While ER wait times are generally reasonable, they should be considered as a factor.

**University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UC Medical Center):** Located across the river in Cincinnati, UC Medical Center is a major academic medical center. It is a Level I Trauma Center, providing the highest level of trauma care. It is also a teaching hospital, affiliated with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

**CMS Star Rating:** UC Medical Center's CMS star rating is a commendable 4 stars. This reflects a strong performance across a broad range of quality metrics, indicating a commitment to patient safety and positive outcomes.

**Emergency Room Performance:** As a Level I Trauma Center, UC Medical Center's ER is designed to handle high-acuity cases. Wait times can be longer than at community hospitals, particularly during peak hours. However, the hospital's ability to provide immediate care for critical injuries and illnesses is a significant advantage.

**Specialty Centers:** UC Medical Center excels in several specialties. It is renowned for its transplant program, offering kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants. It has a leading cancer center, providing cutting-edge treatments and research. Its neuroscience institute offers comprehensive care for neurological disorders, including stroke and brain tumors.

**Telehealth Integration:** UC Medical Center actively uses telehealth. It offers virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists through video conferencing. This allows patients to receive care from anywhere.

**Overall Health Score (UC Medical Center):** A strong 4.5 out of 5 stars. UC Medical Center's 4-star CMS rating, its status as a Level I Trauma Center, and its advanced specialty centers make it a top-tier healthcare provider. The longer ER wait times are a trade-off for the hospital's ability to handle complex cases.

**Mercy Health – Jewish Hospital:** Jewish Hospital, located in Cincinnati, is part of the Mercy Health network. It is a large, full-service hospital with a long history of serving the community.

**CMS Star Rating:** Mercy Health – Jewish Hospital currently has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates a hospital that generally meets or exceeds national standards.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times at Jewish Hospital are typically within the average range for the region. Patients can generally expect to be seen by a provider in a reasonable timeframe.

**Specialty Centers:** Jewish Hospital offers a variety of specialty services. It has a well-regarded heart and vascular institute, providing comprehensive cardiac care. It also has specialized centers for women's health, orthopedics, and cancer treatment.

**Telehealth Integration:** Mercy Health has expanded its telehealth services. Patients can access virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other telehealth solutions. This helps improve access to care.

**Overall Health Score (Mercy Health – Jewish Hospital):** A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Jewish Hospital provides a wide range of services with a good CMS rating and specialty centers.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Access to Primary Care:** While this review focuses on hospitals, access to primary care physicians is crucial. Ensure you have a primary care provider who can coordinate your care and refer you to specialists when needed.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospitals and physicians you choose are in your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews:** Consult online patient reviews and ratings to gain insights into patient experiences. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide valuable information.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting a hospital. Factors such as location, specialized services, and patient experience are important.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals serving the Fort Mitchell, KY area offer a range of healthcare options. UC Medical Center stands out with its high CMS rating and advanced specialty services. St. Elizabeth Edgewood and Mercy Health – Jewish Hospital provide comprehensive care and are accessible. Evaluate your individual needs, consider the factors discussed in this review, and choose the hospital that best meets your healthcare requirements. Remember to always consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.