04092, Westbrook, Maine Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 04092, Westbrook, Maine is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near York, Maine (04092)

The coastal town of York, Maine (ZIP code 04092), and its surrounding communities have access to a range of healthcare options, from small community hospitals to larger regional medical centers. Determining the "best" hospital is subjective and depends on individual needs and priorities. However, an objective assessment can be made by considering factors like quality of care, patient safety, accessibility, and specialized services. This review analyzes hospitals within a reasonable radius of York, Maine, focusing on key metrics to provide an "Overall Health Score" perspective.

**Proximity and Primary Choices:**

The closest hospital to York, Maine, is York Hospital, located within the town itself. Other significant choices within a reasonable driving distance include Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC) in Biddeford, Maine. These three institutions serve as the primary healthcare hubs for residents of the 04092 ZIP code and surrounding areas.

**York Hospital: A Community Focus**

York Hospital, a community hospital, is a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. While it doesn't have the sprawling campus or extensive specialty offerings of larger institutions, it provides essential services and a strong emphasis on patient-centered care. York Hospital is a critical access hospital, a designation that recognizes its importance in a rural community.

**York Hospital's Performance Metrics:**

York Hospital's performance can be assessed using publicly available data. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides star ratings based on various quality measures. As of the latest available data, York Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects a generally average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor for many patients. York Hospital's ED wait times are generally moderate, with average wait times for patients to be seen by a provider. These wait times can fluctuate based on the time of day, day of the week, and seasonal variations in patient volume.

**Specialty Services at York Hospital:**

York Hospital offers a range of core services, including primary care, cardiology, orthopedics, general surgery, and women's health. It has a dedicated cancer care center that provides a range of services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The hospital also provides rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

**Telehealth at York Hospital:**

York Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years, offering virtual visits for certain specialties and primary care appointments. This expansion has improved access to care, particularly for patients who live in remote areas or have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital: A Regional Hub**

Portsmouth Regional Hospital, located across the state line in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a larger facility with a broader range of services and a higher patient volume. It is part of the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) network, a large for-profit hospital system.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital's Performance Metrics:**

Portsmouth Regional Hospital typically receives a higher CMS star rating than York Hospital, often achieving a 4-star rating. This indicates a generally higher level of performance across a range of quality metrics.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:**

Portsmouth Regional Hospital's ED is a busy one. Wait times can be longer than at York Hospital, reflecting the higher patient volume. However, the hospital has invested in strategies to improve ED efficiency and reduce wait times.

**Specialty Services at Portsmouth Regional Hospital:**

Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers a comprehensive array of specialty services, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and a dedicated heart and vascular institute. It has a Level II Trauma Center, providing advanced trauma care for seriously injured patients. The hospital also has a comprehensive women's health center, including a labor and delivery unit.

**Telehealth at Portsmouth Regional Hospital:**

Portsmouth Regional Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments across numerous specialties. This has improved access to specialists for patients in the surrounding communities.

**Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC): A Regional Network**

Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC), with its main campus in Biddeford, Maine, is another major healthcare provider serving the York area. SMHC is part of MaineHealth, a large integrated health system.

**SMHC's Performance Metrics:**

SMHC, as a system, generally receives a solid CMS star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety. Individual facilities within the SMHC network may have slightly varying ratings.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:**

SMHC's ED wait times vary depending on the specific location and patient volume. The Biddeford campus's ED is a major hub, and wait times can be longer than at York Hospital.

**Specialty Services at SMHC:**

SMHC offers a wide range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and behavioral health. It has a comprehensive cancer care center and a network of primary care physicians throughout the region. SMHC also has a strong focus on community health and wellness programs.

**Telehealth at SMHC:**

SMHC has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual visits for a wide range of specialties and primary care. This has improved access to care for patients across its service area.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the primary hospitals, residents of York, Maine, may also access specialized care at hospitals further afield, such as Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, or Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. These larger institutions offer highly specialized services and cutting-edge treatments. However, they are located at a greater distance, which can impact accessibility.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

When evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near York, Maine, several factors should be considered:

* **Quality of Care:** CMS star ratings, infection rates, patient satisfaction scores, and mortality rates are critical indicators.
* **Accessibility:** Geographic proximity, wait times in the ED, and the availability of appointments are important.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specific specialties, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, is crucial for patients with complex needs.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews, satisfaction surveys, and the hospital's overall reputation contribute to the patient experience.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas.

**Conclusion:**

The "best" hospital near York, Maine, depends on individual needs and priorities. York Hospital provides a valuable community-focused service. Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers a broader range of services and a Level II Trauma Center. Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC) provides a comprehensive network of care. Residents should consider their specific healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when choosing a hospital. It is recommended to research each hospital's performance metrics, review patient feedback, and consult with their primary care physician to make an informed decision. The proximity of these hospitals and their varied strengths create a reasonably robust healthcare landscape for the residents of York, Maine, and the surrounding communities.