39216, Jackson, Mississippi Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 39216, Jackson, Mississippi is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 39216 (Jackson, MS)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near the 39216 ZIP code in Jackson, Mississippi, focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions. This analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, offering a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility and quality.

**Defining the Scope**

The 39216 ZIP code is located in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, primarily concentrating on those within the city limits and immediate surrounding areas. While specialized care may necessitate travel further afield, the primary focus is on readily accessible options.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

The cornerstone of healthcare in this region is the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), located at 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216. UMMC is the state's only academic medical center, serving as a Level I trauma center and a hub for complex medical cases. Its size and scope are unparalleled in the region. UMMC's performance is a significant indicator of the overall health of the area's healthcare system. Unfortunately, UMMC does not have a CMS star rating.

Another major player is St. Dominic Hospital, located at 969 Lakeland Dr, Jackson, MS 39216. St. Dominic is a private, non-profit hospital offering a wide range of services. St. Dominic Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a readily accessible overview of hospital quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, are based on a variety of factors, including patient experience, readmission rates, safety of care, and timely and effective care. While not a perfect measure, they offer a valuable starting point for comparison.

As mentioned, UMMC does not have a CMS star rating. St. Dominic Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating suggests a level of quality that is considered average.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: The Critical First Step**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to handle urgent medical needs. Shorter wait times often correlate with more efficient care and better patient outcomes. Unfortunately, publicly available, real-time data on ER wait times can be inconsistent and often unavailable. However, local sources and patient reviews can provide some insight. It is recommended to call the hospital directly or check their website for up-to-date information on current wait times. UMMC's ER is a very busy emergency room, so expect longer wait times. St. Dominic Hospital's ER wait times can vary, so it is recommended to call the hospital for more information.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Diverse Needs**

Beyond general medical services, specialized care is essential for addressing specific health conditions. Both UMMC and St. Dominic Hospital offer a range of specialty centers.

UMMC boasts a comprehensive network of specialty centers, including the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, a dedicated children's hospital. UMMC also has specialized centers for cancer treatment (the Cancer Institute), heart care (the Cardiovascular Center), and neurological disorders.

St. Dominic Hospital also offers a variety of specialty services, including a heart center, a women's health center, and a comprehensive cancer program.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas and for patients with mobility limitations. Telehealth services allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, often via video conferencing.

UMMC has been a leader in telehealth, leveraging its academic resources to provide virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. They offer a wide array of telehealth services, including primary care, specialty consultations, and behavioral health support.

St. Dominic Hospital has also expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. This is an important development for accessibility.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. This includes factors like communication with healthcare providers, responsiveness to patient needs, and the overall hospital environment. Patient experience is difficult to quantify, but patient reviews and surveys offer some insights.

UMMC, as a large teaching hospital, may have a more complex environment for patients to navigate. However, the hospital is committed to improving patient experience.

St. Dominic Hospital, with its smaller size and focus on patient-centered care, often receives positive feedback regarding patient experience.

**Specific Considerations for ZIP Code 39216**

Residents of the 39216 ZIP code have convenient access to both UMMC and St. Dominic Hospital. The proximity of these two major hospitals provides a degree of choice and competition, which can benefit patients.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

When selecting a hospital, consider the following:

* **Your specific healthcare needs:** Do you require specialized care for a particular condition?
* **Insurance coverage:** Ensure the hospital is in your insurance network.
* **Location and accessibility:** How easy is it to get to the hospital?
* **Patient reviews and ratings:** Research patient experiences and satisfaction.
* **Emergency room wait times:** If you anticipate needing emergency care, consider wait times.
* **Telehealth availability:** If telehealth is important to you, check the hospital's offerings.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 39216 offers a mix of strengths and areas for potential improvement. UMMC, as the state's only academic medical center, provides a comprehensive range of services and specialized care. St. Dominic Hospital offers a good alternative with a 3-star CMS rating. Both hospitals are working to expand telehealth offerings, which is crucial for improving access to care.

**Recommendations**

* **Research specific needs:** If you have a specific medical condition, research the specialty centers and services offered by each hospital.
* **Check insurance coverage:** Confirm that the hospital is in your insurance network.
* **Consider patient reviews:** Read patient reviews to get a sense of the hospital's culture and patient experience.
* **Utilize telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for routine appointments and follow-up care.
* **Stay informed:** Healthcare is constantly evolving. Stay updated on hospital performance and service offerings.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare options near ZIP code 39216. By considering these factors and conducting further research, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic assessment, and it's crucial to stay informed about changes and developments in the healthcare landscape.