02791, Westport Point, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02791, Westport Point, Massachusetts is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 02791 (Seekonk, MA)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Seekonk, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02791), focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions about their care. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Seekonk, MA, benefits from its proximity to both Rhode Island and Massachusetts healthcare systems. This geographic advantage provides residents with a wider range of choices, from large academic medical centers to community hospitals. The following hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance and will be evaluated:

* **Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI)**
* **Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island (Providence, RI)**
* **Miriam Hospital (Providence, RI)**
* **Sturdy Memorial Hospital (Attleboro, MA)**
* **Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA)**
* **Boston Children's Hospital (Boston, MA)**
* **Care New England (Providence, RI)**

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance across various quality measures. These ratings offer a standardized way to compare hospitals. However, it's crucial to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle and shouldn't be the sole determinant of choosing a hospital.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** This flagship hospital in Providence, RI, is part of the Lifespan health system. It has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island:** This hospital, also part of the Care New England system, is rated 4 stars by CMS.
* **Miriam Hospital:** Another Care New England hospital, Miriam Hospital, has a CMS star rating of 4 stars.
* **Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** Located in Attleboro, MA, Sturdy Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **Massachusetts General Hospital:** One of the nation's leading hospitals, Massachusetts General Hospital, is not assigned a CMS star rating. This is because of their affiliation with the Mass General Brigham health system.
* **Boston Children's Hospital:** Boston Children's Hospital is not assigned a CMS star rating.
* **Care New England:** Care New England is a healthcare system, not a hospital. The CMS star ratings for its hospitals (Women & Infants, Miriam) have been listed above.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor in patient experience. Shorter wait times often correlate with more efficient care. It's important to note that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume. Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can be used to gauge ER wait times.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** The average ER wait time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
* **Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island:** This hospital does not have an ER.
* **Miriam Hospital:** The average ER wait time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
* **Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** The average ER wait time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
* **Massachusetts General Hospital:** The average ER wait time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
* **Boston Children's Hospital:** The average ER wait time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
* **Care New England:** The average ER wait time at Care New England hospitals varies.

**Specialty Centers: Access to Specialized Care**

Access to specialized care is crucial for patients with specific health needs. The presence of specialized centers indicates a hospital's ability to address complex medical conditions.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Offers a comprehensive range of specialties, including a Level I Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and specialized centers for cardiology, cancer treatment, and transplant services.
* **Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island:** Focuses on women's health, including obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive medicine. It is a leading center for maternal-fetal medicine and neonatal care.
* **Miriam Hospital:** Known for its cardiovascular services, cancer care, and behavioral health programs. It also has a strong focus on geriatric medicine.
* **Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** Provides services in various specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care.
* **Massachusetts General Hospital:** A world-renowned hospital with centers of excellence in virtually every medical specialty, including cancer, cardiology, neurology, and transplantation.
* **Boston Children's Hospital:** A leading pediatric hospital with specialized centers for all pediatric conditions, including cardiology, cancer, neurology, and surgery.
* **Care New England:** Care New England is a health system, not a hospital. Specialty centers depend on the hospital.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years. It allows patients to access care remotely, improving convenience and access to specialists. The availability and scope of telehealth services vary between hospitals.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for certain specialties.
* **Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for certain specialties.
* **Miriam Hospital:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for certain specialties.
* **Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for certain specialties.
* **Massachusetts General Hospital:** Has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits, remote monitoring, and other digital health tools.
* **Boston Children's Hospital:** Provides extensive telehealth services, including virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online consultations.
* **Care New England:** Care New England is a health system. Telehealth offerings depend on the hospital.

**Other Important Considerations:**

Beyond the core metrics, several other factors should influence your decision:

* **Patient Satisfaction:** Consider patient reviews and ratings available on websites like Healthgrades and Google Reviews.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital is in your insurance network to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
* **Physician Credentials:** Research the credentials and experience of the physicians at the hospital.
* **Hospital Accreditation:** Check if the hospital is accredited by recognized organizations like The Joint Commission.

**Overall Health Score Summary and Recommendations:**

Based on the available data, here's a summary of the hospitals near Seekonk, MA:

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** A solid choice with a Level I Trauma Center, and a wide range of specialties. The 3-star CMS rating is a factor to consider.
* **Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island:** Excellent for women's health needs, with a 4-star CMS rating.
* **Miriam Hospital:** Strong in cardiovascular, cancer, and behavioral health, with a 4-star CMS rating.
* **Sturdy Memorial Hospital:** A community hospital option, with a 3-star CMS rating.
* **Massachusetts General Hospital:** A top-tier hospital with exceptional specialty centers, but located further away.
* **Boston Children's Hospital:** The best option for pediatric care, but located further away.
* **Care New England:** The parent company of Women & Infants and Miriam Hospitals.

**Recommendations:**

* For general medical needs, Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, and Sturdy Memorial Hospital are viable options.
* For women's health, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island is the clear choice.
* For complex medical conditions or specialized care, Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, despite the distance, offer world-class expertise.
* Always consider your specific healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and personal preferences when making your decision.
* Contact the hospitals directly to inquire about specific services, physician availability, and current wait times.

This "Overall Health Score" provides a starting point for your research. It is recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with your primary care physician to determine the best hospital for your individual needs.