04786, Washburn, Maine Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 04786, Washburn, Maine is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Presque Isle, Maine (ZIP Code 04786)

The residents of Presque Isle, Maine (ZIP code 04786), and the surrounding Aroostook County, rely on a network of healthcare providers to meet their diverse medical needs. This review assesses the overall health landscape, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on available data.

**The Cornerstone: Northern Light AR Gould Hospital**

Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, located directly in Presque Isle, serves as the primary healthcare hub for the region. It is a critical access hospital, a designation that reflects its vital role in providing essential services to a rural population. The hospital's commitment to quality is reflected in its ongoing efforts to improve patient care and outcomes. While specific CMS star ratings are not publicly available for critical access hospitals in the same way they are for larger facilities, AR Gould Hospital undergoes rigorous accreditation processes to ensure quality standards are met.

AR Gould offers a broad range of services, including a 24/7 Emergency Department, surgical services, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, and a comprehensive cancer care program. The hospital's Emergency Department wait times are a key indicator of accessibility. While precise, real-time wait times fluctuate, the hospital strives to maintain reasonable wait times, particularly given the geographic challenges of serving a large rural area. The hospital's commitment to telehealth is also noteworthy, with virtual care options expanding access to specialists and follow-up appointments, especially beneficial for patients in remote areas.

**Specialized Care and Regional Networks**

Beyond AR Gould, residents have access to specialized care through regional networks. While not directly within the 04786 ZIP code, these facilities play a crucial role in the overall health score.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor):** Located approximately 150 miles south, Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, is a flagship hospital within the Northern Light Health system. EMMC holds a 3-star CMS rating, indicating an average performance in terms of quality and patient experience. EMMC offers advanced services, including specialized cardiac care, neurosurgery, and a Level II Trauma Center. The distance to Bangor necessitates careful planning for patients requiring specialized treatment, particularly in emergency situations. Telehealth initiatives are actively employed to bridge the distance, providing remote consultations and follow-up care.

**St. Joseph Hospital (Bangor):** Another key player in the region's healthcare ecosystem is St. Joseph Hospital, also located in Bangor. St. Joseph Hospital is a 4-star CMS rated hospital, indicating higher performance in comparison to EMMC. St. Joseph Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including a robust cardiac program, a dedicated cancer center, and advanced surgical capabilities. The hospital’s focus on patient-centered care and its positive CMS rating contribute significantly to the overall health score for the region.

**Accessibility and Emergency Services**

Accessibility is a significant factor in the overall health score for the 04786 area. The vast geographic area and the rural nature of Aroostook County present challenges in accessing timely medical care.

**Emergency Response:** The availability of emergency medical services (EMS) is crucial. Ambulance services are readily available in the Presque Isle area, and response times are generally good. However, the distance to Bangor and other specialized centers can impact transport times for critical cases.

**Transportation Challenges:** The long distances to specialized care facilities pose a challenge, particularly for individuals without reliable transportation. The availability of public transportation is limited, and weather conditions, especially during the harsh Maine winters, can further complicate travel.

**ER Wait Times: A Key Metric**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency. While precise, real-time wait times fluctuate, the hospitals serving the 04786 area strive to maintain reasonable wait times. AR Gould Hospital's Emergency Department serves as the primary point of access for emergency care in Presque Isle. The hospital's commitment to efficient patient flow and staffing levels directly impacts wait times. For more complex cases, or when specialized care is needed, patients may be transferred to EMMC or St. Joseph Hospital.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

The availability of specialized services directly impacts the overall health score.

**Cancer Care:** AR Gould Hospital provides a comprehensive cancer care program, offering diagnosis, treatment, and support services. For more complex cases, patients may be referred to specialized cancer centers at EMMC or St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor.

**Cardiac Care:** AR Gould Hospital offers cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and treatment for common cardiac conditions. For advanced cardiac interventions, such as open-heart surgery or complex procedures, patients are typically referred to EMMC or St. Joseph Hospital.

**Behavioral Health:** Access to behavioral health services is a critical component of overall health. AR Gould Hospital provides behavioral health services, including mental health counseling and psychiatric care. Additional resources are available through community mental health centers and regional providers.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth plays an increasingly important role in improving access to care in rural areas. AR Gould Hospital actively utilizes telehealth to provide remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists. This is particularly beneficial for patients who live in remote areas or have mobility challenges. EMMC and St. Joseph Hospital also offer telehealth services, expanding access to specialized care for residents of the 04786 area.

**Community Health and Preventative Care**

The overall health score is also influenced by community health initiatives and preventative care programs.

**Public Health:** The Aroostook County Public Health Department plays a vital role in promoting public health, providing immunizations, disease prevention programs, and health education resources.

**Preventative Services:** AR Gould Hospital and other healthcare providers offer a range of preventative services, including annual checkups, screenings, and vaccinations. Access to these services is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The overall health score for residents near ZIP code 04786 is "Good," with some caveats. AR Gould Hospital provides a strong foundation of primary and emergency care. The availability of specialized services through regional networks, particularly EMMC and St. Joseph Hospital, enhances the overall health landscape. However, the geographic challenges of Aroostook County, including long distances to specialized care facilities and limited public transportation, present accessibility challenges. The CMS ratings for regional hospitals, while not directly impacting AR Gould, provide a measure of the quality of care available for more complex cases. The increasing use of telehealth helps to mitigate some of the accessibility challenges. Continued investment in community health initiatives, preventative care, and expanded telehealth services will further improve the overall health score for the residents of Presque Isle and the surrounding areas. The commitment of healthcare providers to quality, patient-centered care, and technological advancements is crucial for ensuring the well-being of this rural population.