02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Fall River, MA (ZIP Code 02744)

The pursuit of optimal health often begins with choosing the right healthcare provider. For residents of Fall River, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02744) and its surrounding areas, several hospitals stand out, each offering a unique blend of services, specialties, and performance metrics. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering key factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, to help individuals make informed decisions.

**St. Anne's Hospital: A Community Anchor**

St. Anne's Hospital, located in Fall River, is a prominent healthcare provider serving the community. It's a member of Steward Health Care. Unfortunately, St. Anne's Hospital does not have a CMS star rating available. This rating, assigned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provides a snapshot of a hospital's quality of care based on various metrics. The absence of a rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor performance, but it limits the ability to compare it directly with other facilities.

St. Anne's offers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. Their emergency department is a critical resource for the community. However, specific ER wait times are not readily available, making it difficult to assess the efficiency of their emergency care. Telehealth services are available, offering patients remote access to consultations and follow-up appointments, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital: A Partner in Care**

Charlton Memorial Hospital, part of the Southcoast Health system, is another key player in the region. Similar to St. Anne's, Charlton Memorial Hospital currently does not have a CMS star rating. This lack of a rating makes it challenging to compare its overall performance with other hospitals that have received a rating.

Charlton Memorial boasts a broad spectrum of specialties, including a robust cancer center and a dedicated heart and vascular program. Their emergency department is a vital component of their services. Specific ER wait times are not publicly available, which makes it difficult to assess the efficiency of their emergency services. Telehealth is integrated into their services, allowing patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, expanding access to care.

**Rhode Island Hospital: A Regional Leader (Outside of 02744)**

While not directly within the 02744 ZIP code, Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI, is a significant regional resource for residents of Fall River and surrounding areas. Rhode Island Hospital is a flagship hospital and is a Level I trauma center. It has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, and readmission rates.

Rhode Island Hospital excels in several specialty areas, including cardiology, neurology, and trauma care. It houses a renowned cancer center and a comprehensive surgical program. ER wait times are variable, but the hospital's high volume and complex cases can contribute to longer wait times. Telehealth services are widely available, offering patients remote access to specialists and follow-up care.

**Butler Hospital: A Specialized Approach**

Butler Hospital, also located in Providence, RI, focuses on behavioral health and addiction treatment. It is an affiliate of the Care New England Health System. Butler Hospital, like Rhode Island Hospital, is outside of the 02744 ZIP code. Butler Hospital does not have a CMS star rating, as it is a psychiatric hospital and the CMS star ratings are not applicable.

Butler Hospital provides specialized care for mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. They offer inpatient and outpatient services, including individual and group therapy. ER wait times are not applicable as Butler Hospital does not have an emergency room. Telehealth services are available, providing patients with convenient access to mental health professionals.

**Comparing ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare access. Unfortunately, consistent, publicly available data for ER wait times across all hospitals in the area is limited. This makes it challenging to compare the efficiency of emergency departments. Individuals seeking emergency care should consider calling ahead to inquire about current wait times, if possible, or utilizing online resources that may provide real-time updates.

**Specialty Centers: Tailoring Care to Specific Needs**

The availability of specialized centers is another key consideration. St. Anne's and Charlton Memorial offer a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. Rhode Island Hospital boasts a comprehensive array of specialty programs, including a renowned cancer center and a Level I trauma center. Butler Hospital specializes in behavioral health and addiction treatment. The choice of a hospital often depends on the specific healthcare needs of the individual.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access and Convenience**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery. St. Anne's, Charlton Memorial, and Rhode Island Hospital all offer telehealth services, providing patients with remote access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and other healthcare services. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations, those living in rural areas, or those seeking convenient access to care. Butler Hospital also provides telehealth services for mental health appointments.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

**St. Anne's Hospital:** Lacks a CMS star rating, making direct comparison difficult. Offers a broad range of services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. Telehealth services are available. ER wait times are not readily available.

**Charlton Memorial Hospital:** Lacks a CMS star rating. Provides a comprehensive range of services, including a cancer center and a heart and vascular program. Telehealth services are available. ER wait times are not readily available.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** Located outside of the 02744 ZIP code, but a significant regional resource. 3-star CMS rating. Excels in cardiology, neurology, and trauma care. Telehealth services are widely available. ER wait times can be variable.

**Butler Hospital:** Located outside of the 02744 ZIP code. Focuses on behavioral health and addiction treatment. No CMS star rating. Telehealth services are available. No ER wait times applicable.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision, dependent on individual needs and preferences. While CMS star ratings offer a valuable benchmark, the absence of a rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality. Residents of Fall River (02744) and surrounding areas have access to a range of healthcare providers, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Considering factors like specialty services, ER wait times (when available), and telehealth options will help individuals make informed choices that align with their healthcare needs. It is crucial to research and consider all available information, including consulting with primary care physicians, to determine the best fit for individual healthcare requirements.