02538, East Wareham, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02538, East Wareham, Massachusetts is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Falmouth, MA (ZIP Code 02538)

The picturesque coastal town of Falmouth, Massachusetts, nestled on Cape Cod, is served by a network of healthcare providers, each offering a unique blend of services and capabilities. Assessing the overall health landscape requires a detailed examination of the major players, their performance metrics, and the accessibility of care for residents. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 02538, providing an “Overall Health Score” based on available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Flagship: Falmouth Hospital**

The cornerstone of healthcare in Falmouth is Falmouth Hospital, a member of the Cape Cod Healthcare system. This hospital is the closest and most readily accessible option for residents of 02538. Falmouth Hospital is a 95-bed community hospital, offering a comprehensive range of services.

Unfortunately, Falmouth Hospital does not currently have a CMS star rating. CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings are a valuable tool for consumers, providing a quick and easy way to compare the quality of hospitals. The absence of a star rating for Falmouth Hospital makes it difficult to directly compare its overall quality against hospitals with readily available ratings. However, this does not mean the hospital is substandard. It simply means that the CMS has not yet assessed it with their rating system.

Falmouth Hospital boasts a fully equipped Emergency Department (ED). While specific, real-time ER wait times are dynamic and fluctuate based on patient volume, it's crucial for patients to be aware of potential wait times. Patients can often find estimated wait times on hospital websites or through online search tools. The ED at Falmouth Hospital is staffed 24/7 and is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.

Falmouth Hospital's specialty centers include a cardiac care unit, a cancer center, and a comprehensive surgical suite. The cardiac care unit provides advanced diagnostics and treatment for heart conditions, including angioplasty and cardiac catheterization. The cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The surgical suite is equipped to handle a variety of procedures, from minimally invasive surgeries to complex operations.

Telehealth capabilities are increasingly important for healthcare access, particularly in a geographically dispersed area like Cape Cod. Falmouth Hospital offers telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. These services are particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health consultations. The availability and scope of telehealth services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Expanding the Horizon: Considerations Beyond Falmouth**

While Falmouth Hospital is the primary healthcare provider for 02538, residents may also seek care at hospitals located further afield, particularly for specialized services or in emergency situations. The next tier of hospitals to consider are those within a reasonable driving distance, such as those located in Hyannis and Plymouth.

**Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis**

Cape Cod Hospital, also part of the Cape Cod Healthcare system, is located in Hyannis, approximately a 30-minute drive from Falmouth. This hospital is a larger facility than Falmouth Hospital, with a more extensive range of services and specialists.

Cape Cod Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates that the hospital performs at an average level compared to other hospitals nationally. While not the highest possible rating, it still signifies a level of quality and commitment to patient care.

The ER at Cape Cod Hospital is typically busier than Falmouth Hospital's, reflecting its role as a regional referral center. ER wait times can vary, so it's advisable to check online resources or call the hospital for estimated wait times. Cape Cod Hospital's ED is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, including trauma cases.

Cape Cod Hospital has a more extensive range of specialty centers than Falmouth Hospital, including a comprehensive stroke center, a level II trauma center, and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The stroke center provides rapid diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients, while the trauma center is equipped to handle severe injuries. The NICU provides specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns.

Cape Cod Hospital offers a robust telehealth program, with a variety of virtual care options. Patients can access virtual consultations with specialists, participate in remote monitoring programs, and receive mental health services via telehealth. The hospital is continually expanding its telehealth offerings to improve patient access to care.

**Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth**

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth (BID Plymouth), located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is another option, roughly a 45-minute drive from Falmouth. This hospital is part of the Beth Israel Lahey Health system, a large network of hospitals and healthcare providers.

BID Plymouth has a 4-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates that the hospital performs above average compared to other hospitals nationally.

The ER at BID Plymouth is well-equipped and staffed to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. ER wait times can fluctuate, so it's recommended to check online resources or call the hospital for estimated wait times.

BID Plymouth offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology. The hospital has a modern surgical suite and provides a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services.

BID Plymouth has been investing in telehealth services, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring programs. The hospital is working to expand its telehealth offerings to improve patient access to care.

**Beyond the Hospitals: Considerations for Overall Health**

Assessing the overall health landscape requires considering factors beyond just the hospitals. The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers is crucial. The presence of community health centers, mental health services, and rehabilitation facilities also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community.

Falmouth and the surrounding areas have a network of primary care physicians and specialists, but access to certain specialists may require travel to larger hospitals like Cape Cod Hospital or BID Plymouth. Urgent care centers are available in the area, providing convenient access to care for non-emergency medical needs.

Mental health services are also an important consideration. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for addressing mental health needs. The Cape Cod area has a network of mental health providers, but access to care can sometimes be challenging due to high demand.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

Determining an “Overall Health Score” is complex and subjective. It requires weighing various factors and considering the specific needs of the individual. The absence of a CMS star rating for Falmouth Hospital makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the availability of Cape Cod Hospital (3-star) and BID Plymouth (4-star) provides a benchmark for comparison.

**Factors Favoring a Higher Score:**

* **Proximity:** Falmouth Hospital's close proximity is a significant advantage for residents of 02538, particularly in emergency situations.
* **Comprehensive Services:** Falmouth Hospital provides a broad range of services, including a fully equipped ED, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.
* **Access to Care:** The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers in the area contributes to accessibility.
* **Telehealth Options:** The availability of telehealth services at Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Hospital, and BID Plymouth enhances access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues or living in remote areas.
* **Higher Rated Hospitals Nearby:** The availability of higher-rated hospitals (Cape Cod Hospital and BID Plymouth) within a reasonable driving distance provides access to a wider range of specialized services.

**Factors Potentially Lowering the Score:**

* **Lack of CMS Rating for Falmouth Hospital:** The absence of a CMS star rating makes it difficult to directly compare Falmouth Hospital's quality against other hospitals.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be a concern, particularly at Cape Cod Hospital, which is a regional referral center.
* **Specialty Access:** Access to certain specialists may require travel to larger hospitals.
* **Mental Health Access:** Access to mental health services can be challenging due to high demand.

**Conclusion: An Informed Approach**

The overall health landscape for residents of 02538 is generally favorable. Falmouth Hospital provides a vital service as the primary healthcare provider. The availability of Cape Cod Hospital and BID Plymouth, with their higher CMS ratings, offers access to a wider range of specialized services. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care centers, and telehealth options further enhances the accessibility of care.

The “Overall Health Score” for residents of 02538 is positive, but with caveats. Residents should be aware of potential ER wait times and the need to travel for certain specialized services. The absence of a CMS rating for Falmouth Hospital necessitates further investigation into its performance through other means, such as patient reviews and consultations with healthcare providers. Residents should also proactively manage their health by establishing relationships with primary care physicians, seeking preventive care, and utilizing available telehealth options. By taking an informed and proactive approach to their healthcare, residents of Falmouth and the surrounding areas can navigate the healthcare system effectively and maintain their overall well-being.