04548, Georgetown, Maine Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 04548, Georgetown, Maine is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 04548 (Damariscotta, ME)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near the 04548 ZIP code, focusing on Damariscotta, Maine, and its surrounding areas. The evaluation considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth offerings, and other critical metrics to provide a comprehensive understanding of available healthcare options. This information is intended for informational purposes and should not substitute professional medical advice.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Midcoast Maine**

The healthcare landscape around Damariscotta is primarily characterized by a network of smaller, community-focused hospitals and clinics. Residents benefit from access to a range of services, but the availability of specialized care and cutting-edge technology may be more limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. Proximity to larger medical centers in Portland and Bangor is a crucial consideration for complex medical needs.

**Miles Memorial Hospital (Damariscotta, ME)**

Miles Memorial Hospital, part of MaineHealth, serves as the primary hospital in Damariscotta. As a critical access hospital, Miles Memorial plays a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to the local community. Critical access hospitals are designated to provide a safety net for rural communities, focusing on acute care and emergency services.

Miles Memorial Hospital's CMS star rating is unavailable as of the latest data. This is not uncommon for critical access hospitals, as they are often not subject to the same rating criteria as larger facilities. The hospital's emergency room (ER) wait times are a key factor in evaluating its accessibility. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate and should be confirmed directly with the hospital, the average wait times at Miles Memorial are generally in line with other similar-sized hospitals in the region. The hospital's website or local resources can provide the most up-to-date information.

Miles Memorial offers a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, inpatient care, surgical services, and various outpatient clinics. They have a strong focus on primary care and offer specialized services like cardiology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. The hospital's telehealth offerings are expanding, providing patients with virtual access to specialists and follow-up care. The availability of telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for residents in a rural area, reducing the need for travel to access specialized medical expertise.

**LincolnHealth (Damariscotta & Boothbay Harbor, ME)**

LincolnHealth is the umbrella organization that includes Miles Memorial Hospital and St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor. This integrated system allows for a more coordinated approach to healthcare delivery, potentially improving patient outcomes and streamlining access to services.

St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor, also part of LincolnHealth, offers similar services to Miles Memorial, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. The hospital plays a crucial role in serving the Boothbay Harbor and surrounding communities. As with Miles Memorial, the CMS star rating for St. Andrews is unavailable. ER wait times are a key metric to consider; current information can be found by contacting the hospital.

LincolnHealth's integrated approach allows for resource sharing and collaboration between the two hospitals. This can lead to improved efficiency and a broader range of services available to patients. Telehealth initiatives are also expanding within the LincolnHealth system, providing patients with greater access to virtual care options.

**Specialty Care Considerations**

While Miles Memorial and St. Andrews offer a comprehensive range of services, residents may need to travel for specialized care. For instance, advanced cancer treatment, complex cardiac procedures, or specialized pediatric care may require referral to larger medical centers.

**Maine Medical Center (Portland, ME)**

Maine Medical Center (MMC), located in Portland, is the largest hospital in Maine and a major referral center for the state. MMC is a flagship hospital within the MaineHealth system. It boasts a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting its overall quality of care. This rating is based on a range of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

MMC’s ER wait times are generally longer than those at community hospitals like Miles Memorial or St. Andrews. However, the hospital’s ER is equipped to handle a high volume of patients and offers a full spectrum of emergency medical services.

MMC offers a wide array of specialty services, including advanced cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, and transplant services. They are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly specialized medical professionals. The hospital is also actively involved in medical research and education. Telehealth services are available at MMC, allowing patients to access specialist consultations and follow-up care remotely.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor, ME)**

Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), now known as Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, located in Bangor, is another major referral center serving the northern and eastern parts of Maine. It is part of the Northern Light Health system. EMMC's CMS star rating is currently unavailable.

EMMC's ER wait times fluctuate, and up-to-date information should be obtained directly from the hospital. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, inpatient care, and a wide array of specialty clinics.

EMMC offers specialized services in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and trauma care. They are equipped with advanced medical technology and have a strong focus on research and education. Telehealth services are available at EMMC, allowing patients to access specialist consultations and follow-up care remotely.

**Telehealth: A Growing Component**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in rural healthcare settings. Both Miles Memorial and LincolnHealth are expanding their telehealth offerings, providing patients with virtual access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services. This can be particularly beneficial for residents in the 04548 area, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care.

Telehealth services can include video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and secure messaging with healthcare providers. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specialty and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Other Considerations: Access and Affordability**

Beyond the quality of care, access and affordability are crucial factors. The availability of transportation, particularly for those without personal vehicles, can impact access to healthcare. The cost of healthcare, including insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, is another significant consideration.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The healthcare landscape near the 04548 ZIP code offers a mix of strengths and limitations. Miles Memorial and St. Andrews provide essential healthcare services, including emergency care and primary care, within the local community. However, for specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers like Maine Medical Center in Portland or Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

* **Miles Memorial Hospital & St. Andrews Hospital:** Offer essential services, but may require travel for specialized care. Telehealth offerings are expanding.
* **Maine Medical Center (Portland):** A major referral center with a 4-star CMS rating, providing access to a wide range of specialties.
* **Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor):** Another major referral center, offering a comprehensive range of services.

ER wait times and the availability of specific services should be confirmed directly with each hospital. Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, improving access to care for residents in the area. The overall health score for the region is good, with a solid foundation of local hospitals and access to larger referral centers for specialized needs. However, residents should be prepared for potential travel for specialized care and consider factors like transportation and insurance coverage when making healthcare decisions. The expansion of telehealth services will continue to play a vital role in improving access to care in this rural setting.