02066, Scituate, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02066, Scituate, Massachusetts is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 02066

Finding the right hospital is a crucial decision, especially when facing a medical need. For residents near ZIP code 02066 (Norwood, Massachusetts), several prominent healthcare institutions offer a range of services. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, to help you make an informed choice.

**Understanding the Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" isn't a single, definitive number. Instead, it's a composite evaluation based on publicly available data, including government ratings, hospital-reported statistics, and industry benchmarks. It aims to give a comprehensive picture of each hospital's strengths and weaknesses. We'll focus on the major players in the area and their relative performance.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**1. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Needham (BID-Needham):** Located closest to 02066, BID-Needham is a key player. It’s a community hospital affiliated with the larger Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston. BID-Needham currently holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating suggests areas for improvement, it still provides a reasonable level of care.

**ER Wait Times:** Data suggests ER wait times at BID-Needham are generally moderate, often within the national average. However, specific wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the cases presenting. It's always wise to call ahead or check online portals for the most current estimates.

**Specialty Centers:** BID-Needham offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It's important to note that for highly specialized procedures or complex cases, patients may be referred to the larger BIDMC in Boston.

**Telehealth Stats:** BID-Needham has been expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth options include virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists, allowing for convenient access to care for certain conditions. The specific availability of telehealth services will vary depending on the specialty and the patient's insurance coverage.

**2. Norwood Hospital (closed):** Unfortunately, Norwood Hospital, previously a significant healthcare provider in the area, closed its doors in 2019 due to financial difficulties and structural issues. While it once served the community, it is no longer an option for care. This leaves a gap in local healthcare access, increasing the importance of nearby facilities.

**3. Sturdy Memorial Hospital (Attleboro, MA):** Although a bit further afield, Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro (outside of the immediate 02066 area) is a regional option. Sturdy Memorial Hospital holds a **3-star rating from CMS**.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Sturdy Memorial Hospital can vary, but are generally within the range of similar community hospitals.

**Specialty Centers:** Sturdy Memorial offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. They also have a robust maternity program.

**Telehealth Stats:** Sturdy Memorial has been developing its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options. Specific services and availability should be checked directly with the hospital.

**4. Boston Area Hospitals (Accessible via short drive):**

Residents of 02066 also have access to the larger, more specialized hospitals in the Boston area. These hospitals often provide a higher level of care and access to cutting-edge treatments, but may involve longer travel times and potentially higher costs.

**a. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) (Boston):** As the flagship hospital affiliated with BID-Needham, BIDMC offers a comprehensive range of services. It's a teaching hospital with a strong reputation for research and innovation. BIDMC has a **4-star rating from CMS**.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at BIDMC can be longer than at community hospitals, especially during peak hours. The hospital's website and online resources provide real-time updates on wait times.

**Specialty Centers:** BIDMC boasts numerous specialty centers, including world-renowned programs in cardiology, oncology, transplantation, and neurology. It's a go-to destination for complex medical cases.

**Telehealth Stats:** BIDMC has a well-established telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. They have been at the forefront of telehealth adoption.

**b. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) (Boston):** Another leading hospital in Boston, MGH is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the nation. It's a major teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. MGH has a **5-star rating from CMS**.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at MGH can be significant, reflecting its high patient volume and the complexity of the cases it handles. Online tools provide wait time estimates.

**Specialty Centers:** MGH is renowned for its comprehensive specialty centers, including cancer care, heart care, and neurology. It’s a hub for advanced medical treatments and research.

**Telehealth Stats:** MGH has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring. They have invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure.

**c. Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston):** Another Harvard-affiliated hospital, Brigham and Women's is known for its excellence in women's health, cardiology, and cancer care. Brigham and Women's has a **5-star rating from CMS**.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Brigham and Women's can be substantial, particularly for complex cases. Real-time wait time information is available online.

**Specialty Centers:** Brigham and Women's excels in various specialties, including cardiology, cancer care, and women's health. They are a leader in research and innovation.

**Telehealth Stats:** Brigham and Women's has a comprehensive telehealth program, providing virtual appointments and remote monitoring. They have expanded their telehealth offerings significantly.

**Factors to Consider Beyond Ratings and Wait Times:**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Always confirm that your insurance plan is accepted by the hospital and the specific providers you need to see.
* **Physician Referrals:** Your primary care physician can provide valuable recommendations and referrals to specialists.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to get insights into the hospital's culture and the quality of care.
* **Accessibility:** Consider the hospital's location, parking availability, and ease of access for patients with mobility issues.
* **Specific Needs:** If you have a specific medical condition or require specialized care, research the hospital's expertise in that area.

**Overall Health Score Summary for 02066 Residents:**

For residents of 02066, the closest option, **BID-Needham, offers a convenient and accessible option for many healthcare needs.** However, its 3-star CMS rating indicates that it may not be the best choice for complex cases. **Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro is another option with a similar rating.**

**For more specialized care, the hospitals in Boston, especially BIDMC, MGH, and Brigham and Women's, offer a higher level of expertise and access to advanced treatments.** However, these hospitals often involve longer travel times and potentially longer ER wait times.

**Telehealth is becoming increasingly important.** All of the hospitals mentioned are expanding their telehealth capabilities, providing convenient access to care for certain conditions.

**The "Overall Health Score" for the 02066 area is therefore nuanced.** It depends on the individual's needs and preferences. For routine care and less complex conditions, BID-Needham or Sturdy Memorial Hospital might be suitable. For complex medical issues or access to specialized treatments, the Boston hospitals, despite the potential drawbacks, offer the best options. Always research and consider your individual needs when choosing a hospital. Remember to consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.