02026, Dedham, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02026, Dedham, Massachusetts is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 02026 (Canton, MA)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an objective assessment of hospitals serving the Canton, MA (02026) area, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on key performance indicators. We will examine flagship institutions, focusing on metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. This analysis aims to empower residents with the information needed to make informed healthcare decisions.

**Proximity and Key Players**

Canton, MA, is strategically located, providing access to a range of hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. The "Overall Health Score" considers hospitals within a 20-mile radius, acknowledging that travel time is a critical factor in healthcare access, especially during emergencies. The primary hospitals serving this region include: Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, Norwood Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center (Brockton), and Sturdy Memorial Hospital (Attleboro). Additionally, residents may access Boston-based hospitals, such as Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, though these are further away.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings offer a valuable, albeit simplified, measure of hospital quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, are based on performance across various categories, including patient experience, mortality, safety of care, and readmission rates.

As of the most recent data, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham holds a commendable four-star rating from CMS. This suggests a strong overall performance across multiple quality dimensions. Norwood Hospital has a three-star rating, indicating average performance. Good Samaritan Medical Center currently has a three-star rating. Sturdy Memorial Hospital has a three-star rating. These ratings provide a starting point for evaluating hospital quality, but they should be considered alongside other factors.

**Emergency Room Performance: Time is of the Essence**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial indicator of hospital efficiency and accessibility. Shorter wait times can significantly impact patient outcomes, particularly in time-sensitive situations. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, so it's important to consult up-to-date sources.

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham generally reports competitive ER wait times, often averaging under an hour. Norwood Hospital's ER wait times are also typically reasonable, though they can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. Good Samaritan Medical Center reports ER wait times that are generally competitive. Sturdy Memorial Hospital's ER wait times are also generally competitive. It is always advisable to check real-time wait times through hospital websites or third-party platforms like Google Maps before heading to the ER.

**Specialty Centers: Expertise and Resources**

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in assessing a hospital's capabilities. Hospitals near Canton offer a range of specialty centers, catering to diverse medical needs.

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham boasts a strong cardiology program, as well as comprehensive cancer care. They also have robust surgical capabilities. Norwood Hospital offers a range of services, including a well-regarded maternity program, and a focus on orthopedics. Good Samaritan Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology and oncology, and a strong focus on women's health. Sturdy Memorial Hospital offers a wide range of services including cardiology, cancer care, and surgical specialties. The availability of specialized centers allows patients to receive care closer to home, reducing the need for travel to distant medical centers.

**Telehealth Integration: Healthcare at Your Fingertips**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in recent years. It allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, enhancing convenience and improving access to care.

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. They are also integrating remote monitoring technologies. Norwood Hospital has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. Good Samaritan Medical Center has also embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options. Sturdy Memorial Hospital has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. The adoption of telehealth demonstrates a commitment to patient-centered care and technological innovation.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. It encompasses factors like communication, responsiveness, and the overall environment of care. CMS star ratings incorporate patient experience data, but it's also beneficial to consider other sources.

Online reviews and patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient ratings and reviews. These platforms allow patients to share their experiences, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of care. It's important to consider a range of reviews, as individual experiences can vary.

**Hospital-Specific Considerations**

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, with its four-star CMS rating, demonstrates a commitment to quality across multiple domains. Its strong cardiology program and comprehensive cancer care are significant assets. However, like all hospitals, it is not without its challenges. Reviewing patient feedback is essential to get a complete picture.

Norwood Hospital, while rated three stars, offers a valuable service to the community, particularly with its maternity program and orthopedic services. Patients should evaluate their needs and consider the hospital's strengths in those areas.

Good Samaritan Medical Center, with its three-star rating, provides a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology and oncology. Patient reviews should be considered to assess the patient experience.

Sturdy Memorial Hospital, with its three-star rating, offers a wide range of services including cardiology, cancer care, and surgical specialties. Patient reviews should be considered to assess the patient experience.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Calculating a precise "Overall Health Score" is complex, as it requires weighting various factors. However, based on the available data, here's a general assessment for hospitals serving the 02026 area:

* **Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham:** Demonstrates a strong overall performance, reflected in its four-star CMS rating, competitive ER wait times, and specialized services. The hospital scores well on quality indicators and patient experience.
* **Norwood Hospital:** Offers a valuable service to the community, with strengths in specific areas. The hospital scores well on specific services.
* **Good Samaritan Medical Center:** Provides a comprehensive range of services. The hospital scores well on specific services.
* **Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** Offers a wide range of services. The hospital scores well on specific services.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available data and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their physicians to determine the best healthcare options for their individual needs. Hospital performance can change, so it is essential to consult the most current information.