02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Fall River, MA (ZIP Code 02717)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" for hospitals readily accessible to residents of Fall River, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02717), offering a comprehensive look at their performance, services, and accessibility. We'll delve into key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized care offerings, and telehealth capabilities, providing a clear picture to inform your healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope: Key Hospitals in the Area**

The primary hospitals serving the Fall River area include Saint Anne's Hospital, Charlton Memorial Hospital, and, while slightly further afield, Rhode Island Hospital. This review will focus on these institutions, examining their strengths and weaknesses to provide a well-rounded assessment.

**Saint Anne's Hospital: A Community Anchor**

Saint Anne's Hospital, located within Fall River, is a cornerstone of the local healthcare system. It's a Catholic hospital, part of the Steward Health Care Network. Saint Anne's offers a broad range of services, including a comprehensive cancer center, a busy maternity ward, and a dedicated cardiac care unit.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

As of the most recent publicly available data, Saint Anne's Hospital holds a three-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While a three-star rating suggests areas for improvement, it’s important to remember that CMS ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for patients seeking immediate care. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate constantly, it's possible to get an average estimate. You can often find this information on hospital websites or through platforms like Google Maps, which frequently provide estimates.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Saint Anne's Hospital boasts a robust cancer center, providing advanced treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy. They also have a well-regarded maternity ward, offering comprehensive prenatal care and delivery services. The cardiac care unit is another key area, equipped to handle a range of cardiac emergencies and procedures.

**Telehealth Integration:**

The hospital has been expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly in response to the increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth appointments are becoming more common for follow-up visits, medication management, and certain specialist consultations. The availability and scope of telehealth services can vary depending on the specialty and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital: A Neighboring Option**

Charlton Memorial Hospital, part of the Southcoast Health system, is located in Fall River's neighboring town of Fall River. It provides a range of medical services, including a busy emergency department and a comprehensive surgical program.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

Charlton Memorial Hospital, like Saint Anne's, also holds a three-star rating from CMS. This indicates a similar level of overall performance, with areas of strength and potential areas for improvement.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times at Charlton Memorial are subject to the same fluctuations as other hospitals. However, the hospital's website and other online resources often provide estimated wait times, helping patients make informed decisions about where to seek care.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Charlton Memorial excels in its surgical services, offering a wide range of procedures, from general surgery to specialized operations. The hospital also has a strong focus on cardiovascular care, providing advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Charlton Memorial has also embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments for certain specialties. This allows patients to access care remotely, improving convenience and access to specialists.

**Rhode Island Hospital: A Regional Resource**

Rhode Island Hospital, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a major regional medical center, approximately a 30-45 minute drive from Fall River. It's a Level I trauma center and a teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University. Its presence provides the Fall River community with access to highly specialized care.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

Rhode Island Hospital holds a three-star rating from CMS. This rating is consistent with the other hospitals reviewed.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

As a major trauma center, Rhode Island Hospital's ER sees a high volume of patients. This can sometimes lead to longer wait times, especially during peak hours. Real-time wait time information is typically available on the hospital's website and through online platforms.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Rhode Island Hospital is renowned for its specialized services, including its comprehensive cancer center, its advanced cardiac care program, and its transplant center. The hospital also houses a dedicated burn center and a Level I trauma center, making it a critical resource for the region.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Rhode Island Hospital has invested heavily in telehealth, offering a wide range of virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs. This allows patients to access specialized care from the comfort of their homes.

**Overall Health Score: A Comparative Analysis**

Evaluating the hospitals near Fall River requires considering several factors. All three hospitals – Saint Anne's, Charlton Memorial, and Rhode Island Hospital – share a three-star CMS rating. This suggests a similar level of overall quality, but it's crucial to look beyond the rating and consider individual needs and preferences.

**Access and Convenience:**

Saint Anne's Hospital is the most conveniently located for Fall River residents. Charlton Memorial is also easily accessible. Rhode Island Hospital, while offering a broader range of specialized services, requires a longer travel time.

**Specialized Care:**

Rhode Island Hospital stands out for its extensive range of specialized services, including its Level I trauma center, transplant center, and burn center. Saint Anne's and Charlton Memorial offer strong specialty services, but Rhode Island Hospital has the edge in terms of scope.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times can vary significantly at all three hospitals. Checking real-time wait times before heading to the ER is always advisable.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

All three hospitals have invested in telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs. The specific services available may vary, so it's best to check with the individual hospital or your provider.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores are valuable sources of information. Websites like Healthgrades and Google Reviews provide patient feedback on various aspects of care, including communication, cleanliness, and overall experience.

**The Verdict:**

For residents of Fall River (ZIP code 02717), the "best" hospital depends on individual needs. Saint Anne's Hospital offers convenient access and a solid range of services. Charlton Memorial provides a similar level of care with a slightly different set of specialties. Rhode Island Hospital, while requiring a longer travel time, offers access to highly specialized care and a Level I trauma center.

**Recommendations:**

* **For routine care and general medical needs:** Saint Anne's Hospital or Charlton Memorial Hospital are excellent choices.
* **For specialized care, particularly trauma, transplants, or complex conditions:** Rhode Island Hospital is the preferred option.
* **Always check real-time ER wait times:** Before going to the ER, check the estimated wait times on hospital websites or other online platforms.
* **Consider patient reviews:** Research patient reviews and satisfaction scores to get insights into the experiences of others.
* **Discuss your healthcare needs with your primary care physician:** Your doctor can provide personalized recommendations and help you navigate the healthcare system.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare options available near Fall River. Remember that healthcare needs are unique, and the "best" hospital is the one that best meets your individual requirements.