02777, Swansea, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02777, Swansea, Massachusetts is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 02777 (Seekonk, MA & Surrounding Areas)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Seekonk, MA (ZIP Code 02777) and surrounding areas, offering a fact-rich overview to help you make informed decisions. We'll consider factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and more. This is not a ranking, but a comprehensive look at the available options.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Seekonk. This includes facilities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, given the proximity of the area. The analysis will leverage publicly available data, including information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources.

**The CMS Star Rating System: A Key Indicator**

The CMS star rating system is a crucial tool for evaluating hospital quality. It assigns a star rating (from one to five stars) based on a variety of factors, including patient experience, mortality rates, safety of care, and readmission rates. While not a perfect metric, it provides a valuable snapshot of overall performance.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Closer Look**

Several major hospitals are within reach of Seekonk residents, each offering a diverse range of services.

**1. Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI):**

Rhode Island Hospital, a flagship facility in the Lifespan health system, is a major regional referral center. It boasts a Level I Trauma Center, a comprehensive cancer center, and a robust cardiology program. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School. As of the latest available data, Rhode Island Hospital holds a **3-star rating from CMS**. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures. Patient experience scores, as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, are a key component of this rating.

**2. Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island (Providence, RI):**

Also part of the Lifespan system, Women & Infants Hospital is a specialized facility focusing on women's health and newborn care. It is a leading provider of obstetrical and gynecological services, including high-risk pregnancy management and neonatal intensive care. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University. Women & Infants Hospital consistently receives high marks for its specialized services and patient satisfaction. While the CMS rating system doesn't apply directly to the same metrics as general hospitals, its reputation and specialized focus are significant.

**3. The Miriam Hospital (Providence, RI):**

Another Lifespan facility, The Miriam Hospital, is a comprehensive medical center with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. It is known for its cardiovascular care, behavioral health services, and geriatric medicine. The Miriam Hospital also holds a **3-star rating from CMS**. Its performance is evaluated based on the same criteria as other hospitals in the area.

**4. Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA):**

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a world-renowned teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, is within a reasonable driving distance of Seekonk. MGH is a leader in numerous specialties, including cancer care, cardiology, and neurology. It is a major research institution and attracts patients from around the globe. MGH consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation. While its CMS rating is not directly applicable, its reputation and performance are exceptionally high.

**5. Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA):**

Another Harvard-affiliated teaching hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), is also accessible to Seekonk residents. BWH is known for its excellence in surgery, women's health, and cancer care. It is a major research center and a leader in patient-centered care. Like MGH, BWH's reputation and performance are consistently high, although a direct CMS rating is not available.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times can significantly impact patient experience and outcomes. Publicly available data on ER wait times is often updated and can vary. It's essential to check the most current data available from each hospital's website or through resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website. Generally, hospitals with higher patient volumes may experience longer wait times, but efficiency and staffing levels play a crucial role.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Specific Needs**

The hospitals near Seekonk offer a wide range of specialty centers catering to specific medical needs. These include:

* **Cancer Centers:** Rhode Island Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brigham and Women's Hospital all have comprehensive cancer centers offering advanced treatments and research opportunities.
* **Cardiology Centers:** Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brigham and Women's Hospital have strong cardiology programs, providing advanced cardiac care.
* **Orthopedic Centers:** Many hospitals offer orthopedic services, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and spine care.
* **Behavioral Health Centers:** The Miriam Hospital and other hospitals provide behavioral health services, including inpatient and outpatient care for mental health and substance use disorders.
* **Women's Health Centers:** Women & Infants Hospital is a dedicated women's health center, offering a full spectrum of services.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years. Many hospitals near Seekonk offer telehealth services, allowing patients to access care remotely. These services may include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Check each hospital's website for specific telehealth offerings.

**Hospital-Specific Considerations:**

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Offers a wide range of services, including a Level I Trauma Center. ER wait times can vary, so check current data.
* **Women & Infants Hospital:** Specializes in women's health and newborn care. Focuses on patient satisfaction and specialized services.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** Known for cardiovascular care, behavioral health, and geriatric medicine.
* **Massachusetts General Hospital:** A world-renowned teaching hospital with exceptional specialties. Requires careful consideration of travel time.
* **Brigham and Women's Hospital:** Another top-tier hospital with excellence in surgery and women's health. Travel time is a factor.

**Data Limitations and Caveats:**

This review relies on publicly available data, which may have limitations. CMS star ratings are updated periodically, and ER wait times can fluctuate. It's crucial to verify information directly with the hospitals and to consider individual healthcare needs when making decisions. Patient experience is subjective and can vary.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The hospitals near Seekonk, MA (ZIP Code 02777) offer a diverse range of healthcare options. Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, with their 3-star CMS ratings, provide comprehensive care. Women & Infants Hospital excels in specialized women's health services. Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, while further away, offer access to world-class care. Consider factors like CMS ratings, ER wait times, specialty center availability, and telehealth capabilities when choosing a hospital. Remember to consult with your physician and consider your individual healthcare needs. This review provides a starting point for your research, but individual circumstances should always guide your decisions.