41075, Fort Thomas, Kentucky Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 41075, Fort Thomas, Kentucky is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 41075 (Florence, KY)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. For residents of Florence, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41075), access to quality medical care is crucial. This review analyzes the hospitals closest to the area, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty offerings, telehealth capabilities, and more. This score aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**The Contenders: A Look at the Major Players**

The primary hospitals serving the Florence area are concentrated in the Greater Cincinnati region, offering a diverse range of services. These include large, established medical centers and smaller, specialized facilities.

**St. Elizabeth Healthcare (Multiple Locations)**

St. Elizabeth Healthcare is a major player, boasting multiple campuses within a reasonable driving distance of 41075. The flagship location, St. Elizabeth Edgewood, is a large, acute-care facility. The system's size allows for a broad spectrum of services, making it a frequent choice for residents.

**CMS Star Ratings:** St. Elizabeth Edgewood has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality of care, including measures like patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. Other St. Elizabeth campuses may have varying ratings, so it’s essential to check the specific location’s score.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** ED wait times are a critical factor. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, St. Elizabeth Healthcare generally reports average wait times that are comparable to or slightly better than the national average. This can vary based on the specific location and time of day. The system utilizes online tools and apps to provide estimated wait times, which can be a valuable resource for patients.

**Specialty Centers:** St. Elizabeth excels in several specialties. They have a robust cardiac program, including advanced interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. Their cancer center offers comprehensive treatment options, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital system also has strong programs in orthopedics, women's health, and behavioral health.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** St. Elizabeth Healthcare has embraced telehealth, offering virtual visits for various specialties. They provide virtual urgent care, allowing patients to connect with a provider for common illnesses and injuries. Telehealth options have expanded significantly in recent years, providing greater access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Overall Health Score for St. Elizabeth (Edgewood):** 7.5/10. While the 3-star CMS rating is a consideration, the broad service offerings, strong specialty programs, and developing telehealth infrastructure contribute to a solid overall score.

**University of Cincinnati Medical Center (Cincinnati, OH)**

Located across the Ohio River, University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) is a major academic medical center. It is a Level I trauma center, making it a critical resource for severe injuries and illnesses.

**CMS Star Ratings:** UCMC has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Department Performance:** As a Level I trauma center, UCMC’s ED is often busy. Wait times can be longer than at community hospitals, particularly during peak hours. However, the hospital is equipped to handle complex and critical cases, making it the go-to option for severe emergencies.

**Specialty Centers:** UCMC is renowned for its advanced specialty care. They have nationally recognized programs in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Their transplant program is highly regarded, offering a wide range of organ transplant services. As an academic medical center, UCMC is at the forefront of medical research and innovation.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UCMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. They utilize telehealth for remote patient monitoring and specialized consultations, improving access to care for patients in the region.

**Overall Health Score for UCMC:** 8/10. The Level I trauma designation, leading-edge specialty programs, and commitment to research elevate the score. While ED wait times can be longer, the expertise and resources available make it a crucial healthcare provider.

**Mercy Health – West Hospital (Cincinnati, OH)**

Mercy Health – West Hospital is another option located in Cincinnati, offering a range of services.

**CMS Star Ratings:** Mercy Health – West Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Department Performance:** ED wait times at Mercy Health – West Hospital are generally in line with regional averages. The hospital strives to provide efficient and timely emergency care.

**Specialty Centers:** Mercy Health – West Hospital offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. They have a dedicated heart and vascular center, providing advanced cardiac care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Mercy Health – West Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for certain specialties.

**Overall Health Score for Mercy Health – West Hospital:** 7/10. The hospital provides a good range of services and is a convenient option for residents of the area.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Facilities and Urgent Care Centers**

In addition to the major hospitals, the Florence area is served by smaller facilities and urgent care centers. These options can be valuable for less serious medical needs.

**Tri-State Orthopaedic Surgeons:** Specializing in orthopedics, this is a valuable resource for musculoskeletal issues.

**Urgent Care Centers:** Numerous urgent care centers are located near 41075, offering convenient care for minor illnesses and injuries. These centers typically have shorter wait times than hospital EDs.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare access. Hospitals and providers are increasingly offering virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online consultations. This technology can be particularly helpful for follow-up appointments, medication management, and managing chronic conditions. Residents of 41075 should explore telehealth options to enhance their healthcare experience.

**ER Wait Times: A Crucial Factor**

ER wait times are a key consideration when choosing a hospital. While real-time wait times fluctuate, it's important to research average wait times for each facility. Online tools and hospital websites often provide estimated wait times, allowing patients to make informed decisions.

**Overall Health Score: Summary and Recommendations**

The "Overall Health Score" is a general guide, and individual healthcare needs vary. For residents of 41075, the following recommendations are offered:

* **For Emergencies:** University of Cincinnati Medical Center is a Level I trauma center and the best choice for critical emergencies.
* **For Comprehensive Care:** St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers a broad range of services and is a convenient option.
* **For Specialized Care:** University of Cincinnati Medical Center excels in specialized areas like cardiology and neurology.
* **For Convenience:** Mercy Health – West Hospital is a good option for residents of the area.
* **For Minor Issues:** Urgent care centers are a convenient option for non-life-threatening conditions.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Healthcare needs are individual, and patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized recommendations. Hospital ratings and performance metrics can change, so it's important to verify information directly with the hospitals.