04987, Troy, Maine Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 04987, Troy, Maine is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Skowhegan, Maine (ZIP Code 04987)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Skowhegan, Maine (04987) area, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview to aid informed decision-making. Due to the rural nature of the region, options are somewhat limited, but understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility is crucial.

**Understanding the Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single, definitive number. It's a composite assessment, drawing on data from various sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, publicly available reports, and patient reviews. Key metrics include CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty center availability, telehealth services, and overall patient satisfaction. This score is intended to be a guide, not a substitute for professional medical advice.

**The Landscape: Key Hospitals Serving 04987**

The primary hospital serving Skowhegan and the surrounding communities is **Redington-Fairview General Hospital (RFGH)**, located in Skowhegan. Additionally, residents may seek care at hospitals further afield, including those in Waterville and Bangor, which offer more specialized services.

**Redington-Fairview General Hospital (RFGH): A Local Anchor**

Redington-Fairview General Hospital (RFGH) is the most accessible hospital for residents of 04987. As a critical access hospital, RFGH plays a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to the community. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, surgical services, and various outpatient clinics.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

RFGH's CMS star rating is currently unavailable. CMS star ratings are a valuable indicator of a hospital's overall quality, but they can sometimes be delayed. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of RFGH's quality, one can examine specific metrics. These metrics include patient safety indicators, such as infection rates and readmission rates. Publicly available data from CMS and other sources allows for a comparison of these metrics against state and national averages.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating hospital accessibility. Data on average ER wait times at RFGH should be readily available on the hospital's website or through public reporting agencies. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER system.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

RFGH offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The availability of these services within the local community is a significant advantage, reducing the need for travel to larger hospitals. Details on the specific specialists and the types of procedures performed are available on the hospital's website.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. RFGH likely offers telehealth options for certain consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability and types of telehealth services should be clearly outlined on the hospital's website. This can include video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website offer patient ratings and comments. These reviews can highlight strengths and weaknesses in areas like communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.

**Miles Memorial Hospital (Damariscotta, ME): A Regional Option**

While not directly in the 04987 zip code, Miles Memorial Hospital, located in Damariscotta, ME, offers an alternative for some residents. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours. Miles Memorial is a critical access hospital, similar to RFGH.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Miles Memorial Hospital also has a CMS star rating. This rating provides a snapshot of the hospital's overall quality. The hospital's performance on specific quality metrics, such as infection rates and patient safety indicators, should be available through CMS and other public reporting agencies.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating hospital accessibility. Data on average ER wait times at Miles Memorial Hospital should be readily available on the hospital's website or through public reporting agencies. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER system.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Miles Memorial offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The availability of these services within the local community is a significant advantage, reducing the need for travel to larger hospitals. Details on the specific specialists and the types of procedures performed are available on the hospital's website.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Miles Memorial likely offers telehealth options for certain consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability and types of telehealth services should be clearly outlined on the hospital's website. This can include video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website offer patient ratings and comments. These reviews can highlight strengths and weaknesses in areas like communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.

**MaineGeneral Medical Center (Waterville, ME): Access to Broader Services**

MaineGeneral Medical Center, located in Waterville, Maine, is another option for residents of 04987. The drive is approximately 30-45 minutes. As a larger hospital, MaineGeneral often offers a broader range of specialized services than RFGH.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

MaineGeneral Medical Center has a CMS star rating, which provides a good overview of its quality. This rating is a valuable tool for comparing hospitals. One should also consider specific quality metrics, such as infection rates, readmission rates, and patient safety indicators, to gain a more detailed understanding of the hospital's performance.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are an important factor in evaluating accessibility. Data on average ER wait times at MaineGeneral should be available on the hospital's website or through public reporting agencies. The hospital's website or other public sources should provide this information.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

MaineGeneral offers a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and advanced surgical procedures. The availability of these services is a significant advantage for patients requiring specialized care. Detailed information about the hospital's specialty centers and the expertise of its medical staff is available on its website.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

MaineGeneral has a strong telehealth program, offering various services, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. The hospital's website provides details on the telehealth services available, including how to access them.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys are important. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website provide patient ratings and comments. These reviews can highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the hospital in terms of communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.

**Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor, ME): Access to Specialized Care**

Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), located in Bangor, Maine, is a regional referral center and a Level II Trauma Center. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours. EMMC offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced medical and surgical specialties.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

EMMC has a CMS star rating. This rating is a good indicator of overall quality. One should also examine specific quality metrics, such as infection rates, readmission rates, and patient safety indicators, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the hospital's performance.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are an important factor in evaluating accessibility. Data on average ER wait times at EMMC should be available on the hospital's website or through public reporting agencies. The hospital's website or other public sources should provide this information.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

EMMC offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and advanced surgical procedures. The availability of these services is a significant advantage for patients requiring specialized care. Detailed information about the hospital's specialty centers and the expertise of its medical staff is available on its website.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

EMMC has a robust telehealth program, offering various services, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. The hospital's website provides details on the telehealth services available, including how to access them.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys are important. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website provide patient ratings and comments. These reviews can highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the hospital in terms of communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 04987 depends on individual needs. RFGH provides convenient local access, while MaineGeneral and EMMC offer a broader range of specialized services. The choice depends on the specific medical needs and priorities. Patients should consider the following:

* **Proximity:** RFGH offers the most convenient access.
* **Specialty Needs:** MaineGeneral and EMMC offer more specialized care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check the most recent data for each hospital.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Consider telehealth options for convenience.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews to assess the patient experience.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** Review the CMS star ratings and specific quality metrics.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near 04987 offers a range of options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. By carefully considering the factors outlined above, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Ongoing monitoring of hospital performance and seeking professional medical advice are essential for maintaining optimal health.