02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Fall River, MA (ZIP Code 02719)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Fall River, MA area (ZIP Code 02719), focusing on key metrics like quality, accessibility, and patient experience. The goal is to offer a clear, fact-based picture to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary hospitals considered in this review are those geographically closest to Fall River and commonly utilized by its residents. This includes hospitals in Fall River itself, as well as those in neighboring communities like Somerset, Swansea, and Taunton. While specialized facilities further afield may be relevant for specific treatments, the focus here is on the core healthcare options readily available.

**Key Metrics for Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" is derived from a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. These ratings provide a standardized benchmark.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** This is a critical factor for assessing accessibility and responsiveness. Data on average wait times is sourced from publicly available data and hospital reporting.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability and quality of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, are crucial for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The integration of telehealth services is increasingly important for convenient access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Surveys and feedback from patients provide valuable insights into the overall patient experience.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation from reputable organizations like The Joint Commission indicates adherence to high standards of care.

**The Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

**1. Saint Anne's Hospital (Fall River, MA):**

Saint Anne's Hospital, a member of Steward Health Care, is a major healthcare provider in Fall River. It is a 211-bed acute care hospital. CMS data indicates that Saint Anne's Hospital has a 3-star rating. This rating reflects the hospital's performance in various areas, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

ER wait times at Saint Anne's Hospital fluctuate, but generally fall within the regional average. Real-time wait times are often available on the hospital's website and through third-party apps.

Saint Anne's Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and a comprehensive stroke center. They have a dedicated cancer center, providing advanced treatment options.

Telehealth services are available at Saint Anne's Hospital, including virtual visits for certain specialties and follow-up appointments. The hospital continues to expand its telehealth offerings to improve patient access to care.

Patient satisfaction scores at Saint Anne's Hospital are generally in line with the national average. The hospital actively solicits patient feedback to improve its services.

Saint Anne's Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, demonstrating its commitment to quality and safety standards.

**2. Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River, MA):**

Charlton Memorial Hospital, part of Southcoast Health, is another key healthcare provider in the Fall River area. It is a 259-bed acute care hospital. CMS data indicates that Charlton Memorial Hospital has a 4-star rating. This rating reflects the hospital's solid performance in various areas, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

ER wait times at Charlton Memorial Hospital are typically comparable to those at Saint Anne's Hospital, with real-time information available through various channels.

Charlton Memorial Hospital provides a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a comprehensive stroke center. The hospital has invested in advanced technology and equipment to support these services.

Telehealth services are also available at Charlton Memorial Hospital, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring options. The hospital is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities.

Patient satisfaction scores at Charlton Memorial Hospital are generally positive, with the hospital consistently working to improve the patient experience.

Charlton Memorial Hospital is also accredited by The Joint Commission, demonstrating its commitment to quality and safety.

**3. Morton Hospital (Taunton, MA):**

Morton Hospital, part of Steward Health Care, is located in Taunton, MA, a short drive from Fall River. It is a 190-bed acute care hospital. CMS data indicates that Morton Hospital has a 3-star rating.

ER wait times at Morton Hospital vary, but the hospital strives to maintain reasonable wait times. Real-time information is often available online.

Morton Hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a dedicated cancer center. The hospital provides comprehensive care for a range of medical conditions.

Telehealth services are available at Morton Hospital, allowing patients to access care remotely. The hospital is working to expand its telehealth offerings.

Patient satisfaction scores at Morton Hospital are generally in line with the national average. The hospital is committed to improving patient experience.

Morton Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**4. Other Considerations:**

While the above hospitals represent the primary healthcare options for Fall River residents, it's important to consider other facilities that may offer specialized services or be relevant for specific needs.

* **Specialized Centers:** For specialized care, such as advanced cardiac procedures or complex cancer treatments, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals in Boston or Providence, RI. These facilities often have specialized centers of excellence.
* **Urgent Care Centers:** Several urgent care centers are located in and around Fall River. These centers provide convenient access to care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
* **Primary Care Physicians:** Access to a primary care physician is essential for preventative care and ongoing health management. Residents should establish a relationship with a primary care provider for routine checkups and referrals.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare. It allows patients to access care remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. Both Saint Anne's Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital have expanded their telehealth offerings. Telehealth services can include virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online consultations.

**Patient Experience: What Matters Most:**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare. Factors like communication, empathy, and responsiveness contribute significantly to patient satisfaction. Hospitals actively solicit patient feedback through surveys and other channels to improve the patient experience.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the metrics reviewed, both Saint Anne's Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital provide solid healthcare options for Fall River residents. Charlton Memorial Hospital, with its 4-star CMS rating, generally demonstrates a slightly higher level of performance. However, both hospitals offer a range of services and are committed to providing quality care. Morton Hospital also provides a viable option for care.

**Recommendations:**

* **Consider CMS Star Ratings:** Use CMS star ratings as a starting point for evaluating hospital quality.
* **Assess ER Wait Times:** Check real-time ER wait times before heading to the emergency room.
* **Evaluate Specialty Needs:** Consider the availability and quality of specialty services when choosing a hospital.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Utilize telehealth services for convenient access to care.
* **Prioritize Patient Experience:** Consider patient reviews and feedback when making healthcare decisions.
* **Establish a Primary Care Physician:** Develop a relationship with a primary care physician for ongoing health management.
* **Research Specific Needs:** If specialized care is needed, research hospitals and centers that offer the required services.

**Disclaimer:** This "Overall Health Score" review is based on publicly available data and information. Hospital performance can change, and individual experiences may vary. This review is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.