39476, Richton, Mississippi Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 39476, Richton, Mississippi is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 39476 (Picayune, Mississippi)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Picayune, Mississippi (ZIP code 39476), focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions. The analysis considers factors like hospital quality, emergency room performance, specialized services, and telehealth availability. Due to the rural nature of the area, the options are limited, but this review aims to provide a clear picture of the available healthcare landscape.

**Primary Hospital: Highland Community Hospital**

Highland Community Hospital in Picayune is the primary hospital directly within the 39476 ZIP code. It's crucial to understand that as of the latest available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Highland Community Hospital *does not* have a CMS Star Rating. CMS star ratings are a crucial indicator of overall hospital quality, based on factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The absence of a rating doesn’t automatically equate to poor care, but it means there isn’t a readily available, standardized measure to compare it against other hospitals.

Highland Community Hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and diagnostic imaging. Detailed information on specific specialty services can be found on the hospital's website, which is regularly updated. It's vital to directly contact the hospital for the most current information on service availability and physician specialties.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical concern for patients. While specific, publicly available ER wait time data for Highland Community Hospital is not readily available through standardized sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website. However, patients can often find estimated wait times on third-party websites or by calling the hospital directly. It's important to note that wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

**Specialty Services and Centers:**

Highland Community Hospital provides a range of services, but it’s essential to understand the scope of its specialized offerings. Residents seeking highly specialized care, such as advanced cardiology or complex oncology treatments, may need to consider hospitals outside of Picayune. Confirm the availability of specific specialists and advanced procedures directly with the hospital.

**Telehealth Availability:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Highland Community Hospital's telehealth offerings should be verified directly with the hospital. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and mental health services, improving healthcare accessibility for residents.

**Regional Considerations: Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock**

Located approximately 20 miles south of Picayune, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock is a significant regional healthcare provider. This hospital *does* have a CMS Star Rating, earning a respectable 3 stars. This rating suggests an average level of quality compared to other hospitals nationwide.

Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock offers a broader range of services than Highland Community Hospital, including a more extensive network of specialists. The presence of a CMS Star Rating provides a benchmark for assessing the quality of care.

**Emergency Room Performance (Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock):**

Publicly available data on ER wait times for Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock is accessible via CMS Hospital Compare. This data is regularly updated, providing a valuable metric for patients. It's essential to consult the most recent data for accurate information.

**Specialty Services and Centers (Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock):**

Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock offers a more comprehensive range of specialty services compared to Highland Community Hospital. This may include cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, among others. Detailed information on these services is readily available on the Ochsner Health website.

**Telehealth Availability (Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock):**

Ochsner Health has a robust telehealth program. Patients can access virtual visits with physicians and specialists. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas.

**Regional Considerations: Forrest General Hospital (Hattiesburg)**

Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a larger, more comprehensive regional medical center, located approximately 60 miles north of Picayune. Forrest General is a flagship hospital in the area. It is a high-performing hospital, and is a Level II Trauma Center. This hospital *does* have a CMS Star Rating, earning a 4-star rating. This indicates a higher level of quality than the national average.

**Emergency Room Performance (Forrest General Hospital):**

Forrest General Hospital's ER wait times are available on CMS Hospital Compare. It is critical to consult the most up-to-date data for the most accurate information.

**Specialty Services and Centers (Forrest General Hospital):**

Forrest General Hospital offers a wide array of specialty services, including advanced cardiac care, comprehensive cancer treatment, and specialized surgical procedures. It has a strong reputation for its specialized centers.

**Telehealth Availability (Forrest General Hospital):**

Forrest General Hospital has a robust telehealth program. Telehealth options are available for various specialties, providing convenient access to care.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

When assessing the "Overall Health Score" for residents near 39476, several factors must be considered:

* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Highland Community Hospital is the closest option, offering immediate access for emergencies. However, the lack of a CMS Star Rating necessitates careful consideration of its quality metrics.
* **Quality of Care:** Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock, with its 3-star rating, and Forrest General Hospital, with its 4-star rating, offer a higher level of assessed quality.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services is crucial. Residents with specific medical needs may need to travel to access the necessary care. Forrest General Hospital offers the most comprehensive range of services.
* **Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a critical factor. Patients should check the most recent data on CMS Hospital Compare for Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock and Forrest General Hospital.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. The availability of telehealth options should be a key consideration.
* **Patient Experience:** While not directly quantified in this review, patient experience is essential. Reviews and feedback from other patients can provide valuable insights.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents near 39476 is complex. Highland Community Hospital provides local access but lacks a CMS Star Rating. Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock and Forrest General Hospital offer higher-rated care, but require travel. Residents should carefully weigh these factors, considering their individual healthcare needs and preferences. It is highly recommended that patients contact each hospital directly to confirm service availability, verify insurance coverage, and gather the most up-to-date information before making healthcare decisions. This review serves as a starting point, but individual research and consultation with healthcare providers are crucial for making informed choices.