02035, Foxboro, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02035, Foxboro, Massachusetts is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 02035

This review assesses the overall health and quality of care provided by hospitals in proximity to ZIP code 02035, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth capabilities. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare options for residents in the area, enabling informed decisions regarding their medical needs.

**Proximity and Key Players**

The 02035 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts, sits strategically between Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, offering access to a diverse range of healthcare facilities. The review prioritizes hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in potential travel times and accessibility. Key players in this healthcare landscape include flagship hospitals in Boston and nearby community hospitals.

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

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable, albeit simplified, metric for evaluating hospital quality: the star rating system. This system assigns hospitals a rating from one to five stars, based on performance across various quality measures. It's crucial to understand that these ratings are just one data point, and a comprehensive assessment should consider other factors.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston):** Located approximately 25 miles from Foxborough, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is a major teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. BIDMC currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. The hospital excels in certain specialties, and its affiliation with Harvard provides access to cutting-edge research and advanced treatments.

**Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston):** Also within a 25-mile radius, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is another Harvard Medical School affiliate and a highly-regarded institution. MGH consistently receives a 5-star rating from CMS, reflecting its strong performance across various quality indicators. This hospital is renowned for its comprehensive services, including specialized centers for cancer, cardiology, and neurology.

**Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston):** Another Harvard-affiliated hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, is approximately 25 miles from Foxborough. It holds a 4-star rating from CMS. Brigham and Women's is particularly strong in women's health, cardiac care, and transplantation services.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital (Attleboro):** Located closer to Foxborough, in Attleboro, Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a community hospital. It holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and various specialty clinics.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor for patients seeking immediate medical attention. Shorter wait times can indicate efficient operations and better patient flow. However, it is important to remember that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

**Data Availability and Limitations:** Publicly available ER wait time data can be limited and may not always reflect real-time conditions. Hospitals often report average wait times, which can mask variations.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** As a major trauma center, BIDMC typically experiences moderate ER wait times. Patients should anticipate potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH, with its high patient volume, may also experience longer wait times in its emergency department. However, its highly specialized staff and resources allow for efficient management of critical cases.

**Brigham and Women's Hospital:** Brigham and Women's ER wait times are generally comparable to other major Boston hospitals. Patients should be prepared for potential waiting periods.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** As a community hospital, Sturdy Memorial may offer shorter ER wait times compared to larger Boston hospitals, providing a potentially faster option for non-critical emergencies.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Diverse Needs**

The availability of specialized medical centers is crucial for patients requiring specific treatments and expertise. These centers often focus on particular diseases or conditions, offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** BIDMC houses specialized centers for cancer care, heart disease, and digestive disorders. It also has a strong reputation for its transplant programs.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including the renowned Cancer Center, the Heart Center, and the Mass General for Children. It is a leading center for research and innovation in many medical fields.

**Brigham and Women's Hospital:** Brigham and Women's excels in women's health, with specialized centers for obstetrics and gynecology, as well as centers for cardiac care and orthopedic surgery.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** Sturdy Memorial Hospital offers a range of specialty clinics, including cardiology, orthopedics, and gastroenterology, catering to the needs of the local community.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, offering remote consultations, monitoring, and follow-up care. It can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:** BIDMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. This allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits.

**Massachusetts General Hospital:** MGH has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online educational resources. This has broadened access to its expertise and services.

**Brigham and Women's Hospital:** Brigham and Women's has implemented telehealth programs for various specialties, including cardiology, neurology, and mental health. This allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes.

**Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** Sturdy Memorial has also embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring services. This allows the hospital to extend its reach and provide convenient care options.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Numbers**

While CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and specialty centers provide valuable insights, other factors are also important when evaluating hospitals. These include:

* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient experience surveys can provide valuable feedback on the quality of care, communication, and overall satisfaction.
* **Physician Expertise:** The qualifications and experience of physicians are critical for delivering high-quality care.
* **Technology and Infrastructure:** The availability of advanced medical technology and modern facilities can improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
* **Hospital Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission indicates adherence to quality and safety standards.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Residents of the 02035 ZIP code have access to a diverse range of healthcare options, from major teaching hospitals in Boston to community hospitals in nearby towns. Massachusetts General Hospital consistently receives high ratings from CMS and excels in numerous specialties. Brigham and Women's and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center offer comprehensive services and advanced treatments. Sturdy Memorial Hospital provides a more local option with shorter wait times.

When choosing a hospital, it is essential to consider individual medical needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each facility. Researching physician qualifications, reviewing patient satisfaction scores, and understanding telehealth capabilities are also crucial steps in making an informed decision. Residents should utilize available resources, including hospital websites, patient reviews, and consultations with their primary care physicians, to determine the best healthcare options for their specific circumstances.