04555, Nobleboro, Maine Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 04555, Nobleboro, Maine is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Damariscotta, Maine (ZIP Code 04555)

This review provides an in-depth look at the healthcare landscape surrounding Damariscotta, Maine (ZIP code 04555), focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and key performance indicators. The analysis considers flagship hospitals, their CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, offering a comprehensive “Overall Health Score” perspective for residents.

**Central Maine Healthcare System: A Regional Powerhouse**

The dominant healthcare provider in the region is Central Maine Healthcare (CMH), a system encompassing several hospitals and clinics. While no single hospital is directly within the 04555 ZIP code, CMH's facilities are the primary access points for residents seeking hospital-level care.

**Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), Lewiston:** CMMC, approximately an hour's drive from Damariscotta, serves as CMH's flagship facility. It is a major regional referral center. CMMC holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a mixed performance across various quality metrics. While CMMC excels in some areas, such as timely and effective care for heart attack patients, it faces challenges in others, including patient experience and certain measures of hospital-acquired infections. ER wait times at CMMC can fluctuate, but generally, patients can expect to wait an average of 1-2 hours, according to recent data. The hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical specialties. Telehealth services are available, expanding access to specialists and follow-up care.

**Rumford Hospital:** Located further inland, Rumford Hospital, part of the CMH system, is a smaller community hospital. Its CMS star rating is not publicly available. Rumford Hospital provides essential services, including emergency care, general surgery, and diagnostic imaging, catering to the needs of the local population.

**Stephens Memorial Hospital, Norway:** Also part of the CMH system, Stephens Memorial Hospital is another option for residents. It is a community hospital. Its CMS star rating is not publicly available. It provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and specialty clinics.

**Miles Memorial Hospital, Damariscotta:** Located directly within the 04555 ZIP code, Miles Memorial Hospital is a crucial access point for local residents. Miles Memorial is part of the MaineHealth system. It is a critical access hospital. Its CMS star rating is not publicly available. The hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient services. ER wait times are generally shorter than at larger hospitals, typically under an hour. Miles Memorial has a strong focus on community health, offering various wellness programs and preventative care services.

**MaineHealth: A Systemic Presence**

MaineHealth is another significant healthcare system in the region. While not as geographically concentrated in the immediate vicinity of 04555 as CMH, its network provides access to specialized care and resources.

**Maine Medical Center (MMC), Portland:** MMC, located approximately a two-hour drive from Damariscotta, is the flagship hospital of the MaineHealth system. It is a large, tertiary care center and a major referral hospital for the state. MMC boasts a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to CMMC. MMC excels in many areas, including complex surgical procedures, advanced cardiac care, and specialized cancer treatment. ER wait times at MMC can vary depending on the volume of patients, but average around 1-2 hours. MMC is a leader in telehealth, offering a wide range of virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs.

**Accessibility and Travel Considerations**

The geographical distribution of hospitals necessitates travel for residents of 04555. While Miles Memorial Hospital offers local access, specialized care often requires traveling to CMMC, MMC, or other regional facilities. Travel times can be a significant factor, especially during emergencies. Rural communities often face challenges in accessing specialized care, and this is a factor for residents of 04555.

**Emergency Room Performance**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of hospital efficiency and accessibility. The data suggests that ER wait times vary depending on the hospital and the time of day. Miles Memorial generally has shorter wait times compared to the larger referral centers. CMMC and MMC, as major hospitals, often experience longer wait times, particularly during peak hours. Residents should be aware of these potential delays and consider the urgency of their medical needs when choosing an ER.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

The availability of specialized services is a crucial factor in determining the overall health score. CMMC and MMC offer a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and surgical specialties. These centers provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Miles Memorial, while smaller, offers essential services and often partners with specialists from larger hospitals to provide outpatient clinics. The presence of these specialty centers reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for complex care.

**Telehealth Integration**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Both CMMC and MMC have invested in telehealth programs, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists. Miles Memorial also offers telehealth options, expanding access to care for local residents. Telehealth can reduce travel burdens, improve access to specialists, and facilitate follow-up care.

**Quality Metrics and CMS Star Ratings**

CMS star ratings provide a valuable, albeit imperfect, snapshot of hospital quality. While the ratings are not the sole determinant of quality, they offer a comparative measure of performance across various metrics. The 3-star rating for CMMC suggests areas for improvement, while the 4-star rating for MMC indicates a higher level of overall quality. Residents should consider these ratings, along with other factors, when evaluating hospital options.

**Community Health and Wellness**

Beyond hospital-based care, the availability of community health programs and wellness initiatives is a crucial aspect of the overall health score. Miles Memorial Hospital is particularly active in community outreach, offering various wellness programs and preventative care services. These programs promote healthy lifestyles and address the specific health needs of the local population.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The overall health score for residents near 04555 reflects a mixed picture. The presence of Miles Memorial Hospital provides convenient local access to essential care, with generally shorter ER wait times. The CMH system, with CMMC as its flagship, offers a broader range of specialized services, but requires travel and may involve longer wait times. MaineHealth, with MMC, provides access to high-quality care but is further away. The CMS star ratings offer a comparative measure of hospital quality, with MMC performing at a higher level than CMMC. Telehealth services are expanding access to care and reducing travel burdens. The overall health score is good, but residents must consider travel times, ER wait times, and the availability of specialized services when making healthcare decisions. The strength of the community health initiatives at Miles Memorial Hospital adds a positive dimension to the overall health landscape.