01370, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 01370, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 01370

The area surrounding ZIP code 01370, encompassing the towns of Shelburne Falls and surrounding communities in Massachusetts, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents have access to a blend of community hospitals, larger regional facilities, and specialized care options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and overall patient experience.

**Key Players and Their Performance**

The primary healthcare providers serving this area include Baystate Franklin Medical Center, located in Greenfield, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. Both are critical access hospitals, meaning they are smaller facilities that serve a rural population. They are the closest full-service hospitals for most residents of 01370.

**Baystate Franklin Medical Center**

Baystate Franklin Medical Center, a 90-bed facility, is a vital resource for the community. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and a labor and delivery unit. While Baystate Franklin is a smaller hospital, it is part of the larger Baystate Health system, providing access to a broader network of specialists and resources. Unfortunately, Baystate Franklin Medical Center does not have a CMS star rating available. This is not uncommon for critical access hospitals, as they are not always evaluated under the same criteria as larger facilities.

Emergency room wait times at Baystate Franklin Medical Center can vary, but data indicates that the average wait time is generally within the national average. Patients can expect to be seen by a medical professional within a reasonable timeframe, although wait times can fluctuate depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions.

Baystate Franklin Medical Center has a growing telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring services for patients with chronic conditions. This is particularly important for residents in rural areas, as it reduces the need for long travel to access specialized care.

**Cooley Dickinson Hospital**

Cooley Dickinson Hospital, a 125-bed hospital, is another important option for residents of the 01370 area. It is part of the Mass General Brigham network. Cooley Dickinson offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized care in areas such as cardiology and oncology. Cooley Dickinson Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. This indicates that the hospital's overall quality and performance are considered average compared to other hospitals across the country.

Emergency room wait times at Cooley Dickinson Hospital can also fluctuate, but the hospital generally strives to provide timely care. Patients can expect to be seen by a medical professional within a reasonable timeframe, although wait times may be longer during peak hours or in cases of high patient volume.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, providing virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring services for patients. This is particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas who may have difficulty accessing in-person appointments.

**Specialty Care and Access**

While Baystate Franklin and Cooley Dickinson provide comprehensive services, residents may need to travel to access specialized care. The University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, approximately a two-hour drive, offers a wide range of specialized services, including advanced cancer treatment, complex surgical procedures, and specialized pediatric care.

For those needing specialized cardiac care, the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is another option, approximately a two-hour drive. This facility is known for its advanced cardiology services and research programs.

**Telehealth in the 01370 Area**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like the 01370 region. Both Baystate Franklin and Cooley Dickinson Hospital have invested in telehealth programs, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services. This allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare quality. Both Baystate Franklin and Cooley Dickinson Hospital strive to provide a positive patient experience. Patient satisfaction scores, as measured by surveys and other feedback mechanisms, are generally positive, although there is always room for improvement. The hospitals actively seek feedback from patients and use this information to improve their services.

**Other Considerations**

The availability of mental health services is another important consideration. Both Baystate Franklin and Cooley Dickinson Hospital offer mental health services, but access to these services can be limited, particularly for specialized care. Residents may need to seek mental health services from community-based providers or travel to larger facilities for more specialized treatment.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The overall health score for the 01370 area is good, with access to a range of healthcare services. Baystate Franklin and Cooley Dickinson Hospital provide essential services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and a variety of specialty services. The availability of telehealth services is a significant advantage, particularly for residents in rural areas.

However, the area has limitations. The lack of a CMS star rating for Baystate Franklin Medical Center makes it harder to assess its quality compared to other hospitals. Residents may need to travel to larger facilities for specialized care, which can be a barrier for some. Access to mental health services could be improved.

**Recommendations**

* **Consider the CMS Star Rating:** While Cooley Dickinson Hospital has a 3-star rating, patients should be aware of the limitations of this rating and consider other factors, such as their individual needs and preferences.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth services to access care from the comfort of your home.
* **Plan for Specialized Care:** Be prepared to travel to larger facilities for specialized care, such as advanced cancer treatment or complex surgical procedures.
* **Seek Mental Health Support:** If you need mental health services, explore the available options, including community-based providers and hospital-based programs.
* **Stay Informed:** Keep up-to-date on the latest developments in healthcare in your area, including new services, technologies, and programs.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape in the 01370 area offers a solid foundation of care, with access to essential services and a growing emphasis on telehealth. While some limitations exist, residents can access quality care by utilizing the available resources and planning for their healthcare needs. The overall health score for the area is positive, reflecting the dedication of healthcare providers to serving the community. Continued investment in telehealth, expanded access to specialized care, and improved mental health services would further enhance the overall health score and benefit the residents of 01370.