39571, Pass Christian, Mississippi Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 39571, Pass Christian, Mississippi is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Ocean Springs, MS (ZIP Code 39571)

Ocean Springs, Mississippi, residents have a relatively limited, yet crucial, selection of hospitals serving their healthcare needs. Evaluating the overall health score of these facilities requires a deep dive into factors ranging from patient safety and quality of care to accessibility and specialized services. This review focuses on the key players in the area, assessing their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data, including Medicare.gov's Hospital Compare data, and other reputable sources.

**Singing River Health System: A Regional Powerhouse**

The dominant healthcare provider in the region is Singing River Health System (SRHS), a multi-hospital system serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast. SRHS operates several facilities relevant to the 39571 ZIP code, with the flagship being **Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, Mississippi.**

**Singing River Hospital, Pascagoula:** This hospital is the cornerstone of SRHS and the closest major hospital to Ocean Springs. Unfortunately, Singing River Hospital does not have a current CMS star rating. This rating, based on a composite of various quality measures, provides a snapshot of overall performance, and its absence requires a deeper analysis of other available metrics.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, publicly available data often reveals insights into average wait times. Tracking these times, and comparing them to regional and national averages, provides a valuable perspective for patients.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Singing River Hospital offers a range of specialty services. SRHS is known for its cardiac care, with a focus on interventional cardiology and heart surgery. They also provide comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology and chemotherapy. Other important specialties include orthopedics, women's health, and a robust surgical program.

**Telehealth Integration:** The adoption of telehealth services is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. SRHS has invested in telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring for certain conditions. The extent of telehealth availability, including the specialties offered, the ease of access, and patient satisfaction, are all important factors in evaluating overall health score.

**Other SRHS Facilities:** Besides Singing River Hospital, SRHS operates other facilities in the region, including clinics and urgent care centers. These facilities provide convenient access to primary care and urgent care services, helping to alleviate the burden on the main hospital and improve overall healthcare access.

**Ochsner Health System: Expanding Presence**

Ochsner Health System, a major healthcare provider with a presence throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, is another important player in the region. Ochsner has a significant presence in the Gulf Coast area, offering various services to residents near Ocean Springs.

**Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock:** Located in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, this facility provides a range of services to residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock does not have a current CMS star rating.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times at Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock should be considered. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, publicly available data often reveals insights into average wait times. Tracking these times, and comparing them to regional and national averages, provides a valuable perspective for patients.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock offers a range of specialty services. Ochsner is known for its cardiac care, with a focus on interventional cardiology and heart surgery. They also provide comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology and chemotherapy. Other important specialties include orthopedics, women's health, and a robust surgical program.

**Telehealth Integration:** The adoption of telehealth services is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Ochsner has invested in telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring for certain conditions. The extent of telehealth availability, including the specialties offered, the ease of access, and patient satisfaction, are all important factors in evaluating overall health score.

**Other Ochsner Facilities:** Besides Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock, Ochsner operates other facilities in the region, including clinics and urgent care centers. These facilities provide convenient access to primary care and urgent care services, helping to alleviate the burden on the main hospital and improve overall healthcare access.

**Smaller Facilities and Considerations**

Beyond the major hospital systems, smaller clinics and urgent care centers play a vital role in providing healthcare access to the residents of 39571. These facilities often offer primary care, minor illness treatment, and basic diagnostic services. Their accessibility, wait times, and range of services contribute to the overall health score of the area.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score**

Several key factors contribute to the overall health score for hospitals near 39571. These include:

* **Patient Safety:** This is paramount. Metrics such as infection rates, medication errors, and patient falls are critical indicators.
* **Quality of Care:** This encompasses a wide range of measures, including the effectiveness of treatment, patient outcomes, and adherence to best practices.
* **Accessibility:** This involves factors like ER wait times, the availability of appointments, and the proximity of facilities.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, is crucial.
* **Telehealth Integration:** The use of telehealth services can improve access to care, especially for those in remote areas.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient feedback is a valuable indicator of the overall experience.
* **Cost of Care:** The affordability of healthcare services is a significant factor.
* **Hospital Compare Data:** CMS Hospital Compare data provides a wealth of information on hospital performance.

**Specific Considerations for 39571**

Residents of Ocean Springs and the surrounding areas face unique healthcare considerations. The aging population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the potential for natural disasters all impact healthcare needs. The availability of specialized care for these conditions, as well as the ability of hospitals to handle emergencies, are critical.

**The Importance of Research and Comparison**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Patients should research the available options, considering their individual healthcare needs and preferences. Comparing the performance of different facilities, based on the factors outlined above, is essential.

**Conclusion: A Complex Landscape**

The healthcare landscape near 39571 is complex. While the presence of Singing River Health System and Ochsner Health System provides a significant base of services, there are areas where improvements could be made. The absence of CMS star ratings for some key facilities necessitates a deeper dive into other performance metrics. Residents should actively research their options, considering factors like ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth availability, and patient satisfaction. Ongoing monitoring of these factors, along with the evolution of healthcare services in the region, is crucial for maintaining a high overall health score.