02739, Mattapoisett, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02739, Mattapoisett, Massachusetts is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Fall River, MA (ZIP Code 02739)

The pursuit of quality healthcare is a critical concern for residents of Fall River, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas. Evaluating the available options requires a comprehensive understanding of hospital performance, accessibility, and specialized services. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the major hospitals serving the 02739 ZIP code, factoring in key metrics such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth availability. This analysis aims to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape of Care:**

Fall River, situated in Bristol County, has a healthcare landscape dominated by a few key players. These hospitals serve a diverse population with varying healthcare needs, making the evaluation of their performance essential. Proximity, accessibility, and the availability of specialized care are crucial factors for residents. The following analysis focuses on the most prominent hospitals in the region.

**Saint Anne's Hospital (Fall River, MA): A Community-Focused Approach**

Saint Anne's Hospital, a member of Steward Health Care Network, is a significant presence in Fall River. The hospital offers a range of services, including a busy emergency department, comprehensive surgical options, and specialized care in areas like cardiology and oncology. While it is a community hospital, Saint Anne's has made investments in technology and facility upgrades.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Saint Anne's Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a moderate performance level across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times at Saint Anne's can fluctuate, but historical data suggests an average wait time that aligns with the national average. This is a critical factor for residents seeking immediate medical attention.
* **Specialty Centers:** Saint Anne's features a dedicated cardiac center, offering a range of diagnostic and interventional cardiology services. The hospital also operates a cancer center providing comprehensive oncology care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are available, allowing patients to access consultations and follow-up appointments remotely. The hospital has been expanding its telehealth offerings to improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management.
* **Overall Health Score:** Considering its CMS rating, ER wait times, and specialty offerings, Saint Anne's Hospital provides a solid foundation of care for the community. However, improvements in patient experience and outcomes could enhance its overall score.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River, MA): A Steward Health Care Facility**

Charlton Memorial Hospital, also part of the Steward Health Care Network, is another major provider in the Fall River area. This hospital offers a wide range of services, including a comprehensive emergency department, surgical services, and specialized care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Charlton Memorial Hospital also holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating, similar to Saint Anne's, indicates a middle-of-the-road performance in terms of quality metrics.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times at Charlton Memorial are typically comparable to those at Saint Anne's, often fluctuating depending on the volume of patients.
* **Specialty Centers:** Charlton Memorial has a strong focus on women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology. The hospital also offers a range of surgical specialties.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are available, offering remote consultations and follow-up care.
* **Overall Health Score:** Charlton Memorial provides a good level of care, particularly in women's health. Its CMS rating and ER wait times are comparable to other local hospitals.

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI): A Regional Powerhouse**

While located in Providence, Rhode Island, Rhode Island Hospital is a major regional medical center that serves patients from the Fall River area. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University and offers a wide array of advanced medical services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Rhode Island Hospital generally receives a higher CMS star rating than the community hospitals in Fall River, often scoring 4 or 5 stars. This reflects its strong performance in various quality metrics.
* **Emergency Department:** As a Level I Trauma Center, Rhode Island Hospital's ER is exceptionally busy. Wait times can be longer than those at community hospitals, particularly during peak hours. However, the hospital is equipped to handle complex and critical cases.
* **Specialty Centers:** Rhode Island Hospital boasts a vast array of specialty centers, including centers for cancer care, heart and vascular services, neurosurgery, and transplantation. It is a regional leader in many areas of advanced medicine.
* **Telehealth:** Rhode Island Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.
* **Overall Health Score:** Rhode Island Hospital earns a high Overall Health Score due to its superior CMS rating, extensive specialty offerings, and advanced medical capabilities. However, longer ER wait times can be a drawback for some patients.

**Butler Hospital (Providence, RI): A Specialized Approach**

Butler Hospital, also located in Providence, RI, is a specialized psychiatric hospital affiliated with Brown University. It provides comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Butler Hospital does not receive a CMS star rating, as it is a specialized psychiatric facility.
* **Emergency Department:** Butler Hospital does not have a traditional emergency department. It has an intake process for patients seeking mental health services.
* **Specialty Centers:** Butler Hospital focuses exclusively on mental health and addiction treatment, offering a range of programs, including inpatient and outpatient care, and specialized programs for various conditions.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are available, allowing patients to access therapy and medication management remotely.
* **Overall Health Score:** Butler Hospital provides a critical service for mental health needs. Its Overall Health Score is high for its specialty, but it is not comparable to general hospitals.

**Comparison and Considerations:**

Choosing the right hospital depends on individual needs and circumstances. For routine care and common medical issues, Saint Anne's and Charlton Memorial offer convenient options within Fall River. Their ERs are readily accessible, and they provide a good range of services.

For more complex medical needs, Rhode Island Hospital in Providence is a strong choice. Its advanced specialty centers and higher CMS rating make it a regional leader. However, patients should be prepared for potentially longer ER wait times.

Butler Hospital is the clear choice for those seeking mental health services.

**Telehealth's Growing Role:**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery. All the hospitals mentioned offer telehealth services, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. This is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues, chronic conditions, or limited access to transportation.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in assessing hospital performance. While all hospitals strive to minimize wait times, they can fluctuate depending on patient volume and the severity of cases. Patients should be aware of potential wait times and consider alternative options, such as urgent care centers, for non-emergency situations.

**Access to Specialists:**

The availability of specialized care is another key consideration. Rhode Island Hospital offers a broader range of specialists than the community hospitals in Fall River. Patients with complex medical conditions may need to travel to Providence to access the specialized care they require.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

* **Saint Anne's Hospital:** 3-star CMS rating, moderate ER wait times, good range of services. Overall Health Score: Good.
* **Charlton Memorial Hospital:** 3-star CMS rating, moderate ER wait times, good range of services. Overall Health Score: Good.
* **Rhode Island Hospital:** 4- or 5-star CMS rating, longer ER wait times, extensive specialty centers. Overall Health Score: Excellent.
* **Butler Hospital:** Specialized psychiatric care. Overall Health Score: Excellent for its specialty.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of Fall River (02739) have access to a range of healthcare options. The Overall Health Scores reflect the strengths and weaknesses of each hospital, enabling informed decision-making. Patients should consider their individual needs, the severity of their condition, and their preferences when choosing a hospital. Telehealth services are expanding, improving access to care. By understanding the available resources and their performance metrics, residents can navigate the healthcare landscape effectively and prioritize their well-being.