01921, Boxford, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 01921, Boxford, Massachusetts is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Gloucester, MA (ZIP Code 01921)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Gloucester, Massachusetts (ZIP code 01921), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and more, to help inform healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Primary Options and Proximity**

The primary hospital serving Gloucester is **Addison Gilbert Hospital**, a member of the Beth Israel Lahey Health system, located in nearby Gloucester. While other hospitals exist within a reasonable driving distance, Addison Gilbert is the closest and often the first point of contact for residents. Access to specialized care often involves travel to larger, regional facilities.

**Addison Gilbert Hospital: A Closer Look**

Addison Gilbert Hospital, a 79-bed community hospital, serves as a critical access point for Gloucester residents. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and various inpatient and outpatient treatments. While it does not have a CMS star rating, it is important to consider that community hospitals like Addison Gilbert are often not rated by CMS.

**Emergency Room Performance: Wait Times and Metrics**

ER wait times are a significant concern for many patients. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate constantly, publicly available data provides a general understanding. Information on ER wait times can be found on the hospital’s website or through resources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It's important to note that these times are averages and can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient needs.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Availability and Scope**

Addison Gilbert Hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. However, the breadth of specialized care is limited compared to larger, regional hospitals. For complex conditions or specialized treatments, patients may need to travel to facilities like Beth Israel Lahey Health’s flagship hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, or other specialized hospitals.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: A Regional Powerhouse**

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), located approximately 30-40 miles from Gloucester, is a major teaching hospital and a flagship facility within the Beth Israel Lahey Health system. BIDMC consistently receives high ratings for quality of care. BIDMC has a 4-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Specialized Care at BIDMC: A Wider Spectrum**

BIDMC offers a comprehensive range of specialty centers and services, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, neurosurgery, and transplant services. It is a regional referral center, accepting patients with complex medical needs from across Massachusetts and beyond. The hospital’s research and academic affiliations contribute to its advanced care capabilities.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care: Expanding Access**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly for residents in more remote areas. Addison Gilbert Hospital and Beth Israel Lahey Health, including BIDMC, offer telehealth options for various specialties. Telehealth can provide convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, improving access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or living in areas with limited access to specialists. Telehealth stats, such as the number of virtual visits and the specialties offered, are available on the hospital's website.

**Other Hospitals in the Region: Exploring Options**

Several other hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance of Gloucester, offering alternative options for healthcare. These include:

* **Beverly Hospital (Beverly, MA):** Another member of the Beth Israel Lahey Health system, Beverly Hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialty clinics.
* **Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (Burlington, MA):** A major tertiary care center, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center provides comprehensive medical services, including advanced surgical procedures and specialized care.

**Comparing Hospitals: Key Considerations**

When choosing a hospital, several factors should be considered:

* **Proximity:** The closer the hospital, the easier it is to access care, especially in emergencies.
* **Specialty Needs:** If you require specialized care, research which hospitals offer the specific services you need.
* **Physician Network:** Consider your insurance coverage and whether the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Online reviews and ratings can provide insights into patient experiences.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not available for all hospitals, CMS star ratings offer a standardized measure of quality.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of Gloucester, MA (01921) is complex, reflecting the strengths and limitations of the available healthcare options.

* **Addison Gilbert Hospital:** Serves as a crucial access point, offering essential services and convenient location. Its limited scope of specialized care necessitates reliance on regional facilities for complex needs.
* **Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** A high-quality, regional hospital, offering comprehensive specialty care and advanced treatments. Its distance from Gloucester is a consideration.
* **Telehealth:** Enhances access to care and expands the range of services available to Gloucester residents.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

For residents of Gloucester, MA (01921), the optimal approach to healthcare involves understanding the strengths and limitations of each hospital option. Addison Gilbert Hospital provides local access to essential services. For specialized care, patients should consider Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center or other regional facilities. Telehealth services offer an increasingly important avenue for accessing care.

The "Overall Health Score" for the area is good, with a solid foundation of local care and access to high-quality regional hospitals. However, residents should proactively research their healthcare needs, consider their insurance coverage, and understand the available options to make informed decisions about their health. The evolving landscape of healthcare, including the growth of telehealth and the ongoing development of specialized services, will continue to shape the healthcare experience for Gloucester residents.