04922, Burnham, Maine Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 04922, Burnham, Maine is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Farmington, Maine (ZIP Code 04922)

Finding the right healthcare in a rural area like Farmington, Maine (ZIP code 04922) requires careful consideration. This review assesses the overall health landscape, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and available services. It considers the flagship hospitals, their performance metrics, and the broader context of healthcare access in the region.

**The Anchor: Franklin Memorial Hospital**

The primary hospital serving Farmington and the surrounding area is Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH), a member of MaineHealth. FMH is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special funding and has specific limitations on the number of beds and the scope of services it provides. This designation reflects the hospital's vital role in serving a geographically isolated community.

**CMS Star Ratings and Performance:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality measures. As of the latest available data, FMH does not have a CMS star rating. This is not uncommon for critical access hospitals, as the CMS rating system focuses on larger hospitals with more extensive data sets.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of hospital efficiency and patient access. While specific, regularly updated ER wait time data for FMH is not readily available in a centralized, public database. However, local sources and patient reviews can provide anecdotal insights. It's advisable to check the hospital's website or call the ER directly for the most current estimates.

**Specialty Services at Franklin Memorial Hospital:**

FMH offers a range of essential services, including:

* **Medical-Surgical Care:** Providing inpatient and outpatient care for a variety of medical conditions.
* **Obstetrics and Gynecology:** Delivering maternal care and women's health services.
* **Cardiology:** Offering diagnostic and treatment services for heart conditions.
* **Orthopedics:** Addressing musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
* **Laboratory and Imaging Services:** Providing diagnostic testing and imaging capabilities.
* **Rehabilitation Services:** Supporting patients recovering from illness or injury.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. FMH likely offers telehealth services, potentially including virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring, and patient education. Details on specific telehealth offerings can be found on the hospital's website or by contacting the hospital directly.

**Accessibility and Geographic Considerations:**

Farmington's location in western Maine necessitates consideration of travel distances to other hospitals. While FMH serves as the primary provider, residents may need to travel to larger hospitals for specialized care or advanced treatments.

**Regional Hospital Options:**

**Central Maine Medical Center (Lewiston):**

Located approximately an hour's drive from Farmington, Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston is a larger, regional hospital. CMMC has a 3-star CMS rating. This hospital provides a broader range of specialty services than FMH, including:

* **Advanced Cardiac Care:** Offering interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.
* **Comprehensive Cancer Care:** Providing medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services.
* **Neurosciences:** Addressing neurological conditions and offering neurosurgical interventions.
* **Trauma Center:** Serving as a designated trauma center for serious injuries.

**ER Wait Times at CMMC:**

Like FMH, real-time ER wait times for CMMC can fluctuate. Checking the hospital's website or calling the ER directly is the best way to obtain the most up-to-date information.

**Maine Medical Center (Portland):**

Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Farmington, is the state's largest hospital and a tertiary care center. MMC is a 4-star CMS-rated hospital. It offers the most comprehensive range of specialized services in the state, including:

* **Advanced Specialty Care:** Providing highly specialized services in various fields, including transplant surgery, complex cardiology, and advanced cancer treatments.
* **Level I Trauma Center:** Serving as the state's only Level I trauma center.
* **Research and Education:** Hosting research programs and training medical professionals.

**ER Wait Times at MMC:**

Due to its size and complexity, ER wait times at MMC can vary. Consulting the hospital's website or calling the ER directly is recommended for current wait time estimates.

**Other Considerations:**

**Primary Care Physicians:**

Access to primary care physicians is essential for preventive care and managing chronic conditions. Farmington and the surrounding areas have primary care practices, including those affiliated with FMH. It's important to establish a relationship with a primary care physician for ongoing health management.

**Specialty Clinics and Services:**

Beyond hospitals, the area may have specialty clinics and services, such as:

* **Mental Health Services:** Addressing mental health needs through outpatient clinics and potentially inpatient facilities.
* **Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:** Providing rehabilitation services for various conditions.
* **Dental Care:** Offering dental services for the community.
* **Urgent Care Centers:** Providing immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

**Insurance Coverage and Financial Assistance:**

Navigating healthcare costs requires understanding insurance coverage and available financial assistance programs. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and explore options for financial assistance if needed.

**Community Health Needs Assessment:**

Local health departments and community organizations often conduct health needs assessments to identify the specific health challenges and priorities of the community. These assessments can provide valuable insights into the health landscape and the availability of resources.

**Overall Health Score Summary for 04922:**

The overall health score for the Farmington area (04922) reflects a mixed picture. FMH serves as a critical access hospital, providing essential services. However, residents may need to travel to larger hospitals like CMMC or MMC for specialized care.

* **Strengths:** The presence of FMH ensures local access to essential healthcare services. Proximity to CMMC and MMC provides access to a wider range of specialty care.
* **Weaknesses:** Limited CMS star ratings for FMH. Potential for longer travel times to access certain specialized services. ER wait times can vary.
* **Recommendations:** Residents should establish a relationship with a primary care physician. Investigate telehealth options for convenient access to care. Be prepared for potential travel to access specialized services. Verify insurance coverage and explore financial assistance options.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Farmington, Maine, offers a blend of local access and regional resources. While FMH provides essential services, residents should be aware of the need to potentially travel for specialized care. Careful planning, understanding insurance coverage, and proactive engagement with healthcare providers are crucial for navigating the healthcare system in this rural area.