39428, Collins, Mississippi Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 39428, Collins, Mississippi is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Hattiesburg, MS (ZIP Code 39428)

Finding the right hospital is a critical decision, especially when facing a health crisis. For residents near Hattiesburg, Mississippi (ZIP code 39428), several healthcare facilities offer a range of services. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability, to help you make an informed choice.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Hattiesburg**

Hattiesburg, a regional hub, boasts a healthcare infrastructure that serves not only its immediate population but also surrounding communities. The primary players in this landscape are Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley. These hospitals, along with smaller clinics and specialized centers, form the core of accessible healthcare within the area.

**Forrest General Hospital: A Flagship Institution**

Forrest General Hospital, a prominent facility in Hattiesburg, is a major contender for healthcare needs. It is a large, regional referral center and offers a comprehensive array of medical services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Forrest General Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, and readmission rates. While a 3-star rating suggests areas for improvement, it's important to remember that CMS ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial factor for anyone needing immediate care. Publicly available data indicates that ER wait times at Forrest General can fluctuate. However, it generally aims to provide timely care. It's always advisable to check real-time wait times through hospital websites or third-party platforms before arriving.

**Specialty Centers:** Forrest General boasts several specialized centers, including a Heart and Vascular Institute, a comprehensive cancer center, and a women's health center. These centers provide focused care with dedicated teams and advanced technology. The hospital also has a Level II Trauma Center, equipped to handle severe injuries and emergencies.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Forrest General has embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring in certain specialties. This is particularly useful for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and accessing specialists who may not be readily available in person. The availability and scope of telehealth services are constantly evolving, so it's wise to inquire directly about specific needs.

**Merit Health Wesley: Another Key Player**

Merit Health Wesley, also located in Hattiesburg, provides another option for healthcare services. It's another significant hospital in the area, offering a broad range of medical care.

**CMS Star Rating:** Merit Health Wesley has a 2-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates that the hospital has areas for improvement in terms of quality metrics.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:** ER wait times at Merit Health Wesley are also variable, and it's essential to check for current wait times before seeking care. The hospital strives to provide efficient emergency services.

**Specialty Centers:** Merit Health Wesley provides specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and surgical care. It also has a women's health center and offers services for various medical conditions.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Merit Health Wesley has also incorporated telehealth into its services, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. The extent of telehealth offerings may vary, so it is best to contact the hospital directly for specific information.

**Comparing the Two Flagship Hospitals**

When comparing Forrest General and Merit Health Wesley, several factors come into play. Forrest General, with its 3-star CMS rating, may indicate a slightly higher performance in certain quality metrics compared to Merit Health Wesley's 2-star rating. However, the best choice depends on individual needs. Forrest General’s Level II Trauma Center makes it the better choice for trauma patients. Merit Health Wesley may be more convenient for some residents.

**Other Healthcare Options**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other healthcare providers serve the Hattiesburg area. These include:

* **Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:** Numerous clinics and urgent care centers offer immediate care for less severe illnesses and injuries. These facilities often have shorter wait times than hospital ERs but may not have the same level of resources.
* **Specialty Practices:** Various specialty practices, such as cardiology, dermatology, and gastroenterology, provide focused care for specific conditions.
* **Outpatient Facilities:** Outpatient facilities offer diagnostic testing, rehabilitation services, and other treatments that don't require an overnight hospital stay.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

Choosing the right hospital involves considering several factors:

* **Your Specific Needs:** The type of care you require is paramount. If you need specialized services, such as cardiac surgery or cancer treatment, choose a hospital with a dedicated center for that specialty.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital is in your insurance network to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
* **Location and Accessibility:** Consider the hospital's location and ease of access, especially in an emergency.
* **ER Wait Times:** If you need immediate care, check real-time ER wait times.
* **Physician Preferences:** If you have a primary care physician or specialist, ask for their recommendations.
* **Hospital Ratings and Reviews:** While CMS star ratings are a useful starting point, also consider patient reviews and other sources of information.
* **Telehealth Availability:** If you value virtual care options, inquire about the hospital's telehealth capabilities.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Based on the available information, the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP code 39428 is as follows:

* **Forrest General Hospital:** Forrest General Hospital is a strong contender, offering a wide range of services, a Level II Trauma Center, and a 3-star CMS rating. It is a solid choice for many healthcare needs. Its embrace of telehealth is also a positive factor. However, like all hospitals, it has areas for improvement.
* **Merit Health Wesley:** Merit Health Wesley provides another option for healthcare, with a range of services and telehealth capabilities. Its 2-star CMS rating suggests some areas for improvement.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Healthcare needs are unique, and the best choice depends on individual circumstances. It is always recommended to consult with your physician and conduct your own research before making any healthcare decisions. Hospital ratings and wait times can change, so it is essential to verify information directly with the hospitals.