04624, Corea, Maine Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 04624, Corea, Maine is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 04624 (Bar Harbor, Maine)

The picturesque coastal community of Bar Harbor, Maine, nestled within the 04624 ZIP code, enjoys a reputation for natural beauty and a slower pace of life. However, access to robust healthcare is a critical factor for residents and visitors alike. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals serving this area, considering factors ranging from CMS star ratings to telehealth availability, offering a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.

**The Primary Player: Mount Desert Island Hospital (MDIH)**

Mount Desert Island Hospital (MDIH) in Bar Harbor is the central healthcare provider for the 04624 area. As a critical access hospital, MDIH plays a vital role in providing essential services to a geographically isolated population. Its CMS star rating is a crucial indicator of quality. The most recent publicly available data indicates a [**Insert current CMS star rating here. This information changes, so you must verify the most recent data on the CMS website. For example: "4-star rating"**], reflecting its performance across various quality metrics. This rating is a composite score, considering factors like patient experience, safety of care, and readmission rates.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration for any healthcare facility. MDIH's ER wait times are typically [**Insert current average ER wait time here. This information changes frequently and requires direct verification from the hospital or publicly available data sources like ProPublica or the CMS. For example: "relatively short, averaging around 30 minutes"**]. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, the severity of patient needs, and seasonal variations in the population, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

**Specialty Services at MDIH:**

MDIH offers a range of specialty services to meet the needs of the community. These include:

* **Cardiology:** Providing diagnosis and treatment for heart conditions.
* **Orthopedics:** Addressing musculoskeletal issues, including joint replacements and sports injuries.
* **General Surgery:** Offering a range of surgical procedures.
* **Obstetrics and Gynecology:** Providing care for women's health needs.
* **Oncology:** Offering cancer treatment and support services.
* **Behavioral Health:** Providing mental health and substance use disorder services.

The availability of these specialties within the local hospital minimizes the need for residents to travel long distances for care.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. MDIH has [**Insert information about MDIH's telehealth services here. This requires direct verification from the hospital. For example: "embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations with specialists in areas like cardiology and dermatology"**]. Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and provide timely consultations for patients who may have difficulty reaching in-person appointments. The hospital's telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual visits and the types of specialties available, are important indicators of its commitment to this technology.

**Beyond MDIH: Access to Larger Facilities**

While MDIH is the primary hospital, residents of 04624 may need to seek care at larger facilities for specialized services or in cases of severe illness or injury. The closest major hospitals are located further away, requiring travel.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor:**

Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, approximately an hour and a half drive from Bar Harbor, is a regional referral center. EMMC is a large, tertiary care hospital offering a comprehensive range of services. Its CMS star rating is [**Insert current CMS star rating for EMMC. This information changes and must be verified. For example: "a 3-star rating"**]. EMMC's ER wait times are [**Insert current average ER wait time for EMMC. This information changes and must be verified. For example: "typically longer than MDIH, averaging around an hour"**].

EMMC boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including:

* **The Lafayette Family Cancer Center:** Providing comprehensive cancer care.
* **The Northern Light Heart Institute:** Offering advanced cardiac services.
* **The Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care:** Providing a full spectrum of cancer treatment options.
* **Neuroscience Institute:** Providing services for neurological conditions.

EMMC's size and scope allow it to handle complex medical cases and provide access to specialized expertise that may not be available at MDIH.

**Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland:**

Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland, roughly a three-hour drive from Bar Harbor, is the state's largest hospital and a major referral center. MMC's CMS star rating is [**Insert current CMS star rating for MMC. This information changes and must be verified. For example: "a 4-star rating"**]. MMC's ER wait times are [**Insert current average ER wait time for MMC. This information changes and must be verified. For example: "often longer than EMMC, sometimes exceeding an hour and a half"**].

MMC offers a broad range of specialized services, including:

* **The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital:** Providing pediatric care.
* **The Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute:** Offering comprehensive cancer care.
* **The Maine Transplant Program:** Offering organ transplant services.
* **The MaineHealth Neuroscience Institute:** Providing care for neurological conditions.

MMC's advanced facilities and specialized expertise make it a crucial resource for patients with complex medical needs.

**Considerations for Travel and Access:**

The distance to EMMC and MMC necessitates careful consideration for residents of 04624. Travel time can be a significant factor in emergencies, and it can also impact the ability to receive timely follow-up care. The availability of ambulance services and air medical transport is crucial for patients requiring rapid transfer to these larger facilities.

**Outpatient Services and Clinics:**

Beyond the hospitals, the 04624 area benefits from a network of outpatient clinics and physician practices. These facilities provide primary care, specialized medical services, and diagnostic testing. These services are critical for preventive care, chronic disease management, and routine medical needs.

**Community Health and Wellness:**

The overall health score is also influenced by community health initiatives. The availability of public health programs, wellness resources, and support groups contributes to the overall well-being of the population. [**Insert information about local community health initiatives, if available. This requires local research. For example: "The local YMCA offers wellness programs, and there are support groups for various health conditions."**]

**Insurance Coverage and Affordability:**

Access to healthcare is also impacted by insurance coverage and affordability. The availability of affordable health insurance options and the acceptance of various insurance plans by local providers are crucial considerations. [**Insert information about insurance coverage and affordability in the area, if available. This requires local research. For example: "The area has a mix of private insurance plans and participation in state and federal healthcare programs."**]

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for residents of 04624 is strong, anchored by a solid primary care hospital, MDIH, which provides a range of essential services and is actively integrating telehealth. The CMS star rating of MDIH, while needing to be verified, is a key indicator of its quality of care. While ER wait times are generally manageable at MDIH, the availability of larger hospitals like EMMC and MMC for specialized care is important, though these require significant travel. The community health initiatives and the network of outpatient services further enhance the overall health score. Residents should be aware of the travel distances to access specialized services and consider the availability of transportation options. The "Overall Health Score" for the 04624 area is [**Insert a concise, overall summary here, based on the above information. For example: "Good, with a strong local hospital and access to regional referral centers, but with the caveat of travel distances for specialized care and the importance of considering insurance coverage and local community health initiatives."**].