07480, West Milford, New Jersey Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 07480, West Milford, New Jersey is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Ringwood, NJ (07480)

Ringwood, New Jersey, nestled in the northern reaches of Passaic County, offers residents a landscape of rolling hills and a relatively close proximity to a variety of healthcare options. Determining the "best" hospital is a nuanced process, reliant on a range of factors. This review examines the hospitals within a reasonable radius of the 07480 ZIP code, assessing their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" to aid residents in making informed healthcare decisions.

**The Flagship Hospitals: A Comparative Glance**

The dominant players in the region are often the large, well-established hospitals. Within a comfortable driving distance of Ringwood, several flagship hospitals stand out. These institutions typically boast a wider range of services and often serve as referral centers for more complex medical needs.

**St. Joseph's University Medical Center (Paterson, NJ):** Located approximately 15 miles southeast of Ringwood, St. Joseph's is a major regional healthcare provider. St. Joseph's University Medical Center is a large, complex institution with a Level II Trauma Center. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with several medical schools. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), St. Joseph's has a **3-star rating**. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While the CMS rating is a valuable benchmark, it's crucial to remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle.

**Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack, NJ):** Further south, roughly 25 miles from Ringwood, Hackensack University Medical Center is a highly regarded institution, often considered a regional leader. It is part of the Hackensack Meridian Health network. Hackensack boasts a **4-star CMS rating**, indicating a generally strong performance across the board. It's a large, technologically advanced hospital with a wide array of specialties and a reputation for innovation. Hackensack is also a teaching hospital, contributing to its research and advanced care capabilities.

**Valley Hospital (Ridgewood, NJ):** Located about 20 miles south of Ringwood, The Valley Hospital is another prominent option. Valley Hospital is known for its focus on patient-centered care and has earned a **5-star CMS rating**. This is the highest possible rating and indicates consistently high performance in quality and patient satisfaction. Valley Hospital is a well-regarded community hospital with a strong reputation for its specialized services.

**Assessing Emergency Room Performance**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration for anyone seeking immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, publicly available, real-time data on ER wait times can be inconsistent and subject to change. However, general trends can be gleaned from various sources.

**St. Joseph's:** ER wait times at St. Joseph's can vary, but historically, they have been reported to be longer than some of its competitors. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**Hackensack:** Hackensack University Medical Center typically has a more efficient ER, with wait times often reported to be shorter than at some other hospitals in the area. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the volume of patients.

**Valley Hospital:** Valley Hospital's ER is generally known for its efficiency and shorter wait times. Its focus on patient-centered care extends to the ER, aiming to provide timely and effective treatment.

**Specialty Centers: Where Expertise Lies**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized centers is a key factor in evaluating hospital quality. These centers focus on specific medical conditions or procedures, offering advanced expertise and resources.

**St. Joseph's:** St. Joseph's has a strong focus on cardiovascular care, with a dedicated heart institute. They also offer specialized services in areas such as cancer treatment, and women's health.

**Hackensack:** Hackensack University Medical Center is known for its comprehensive cancer center, the John Theurer Cancer Center, which is a nationally recognized leader in cancer care. They also have specialized centers for neurology, cardiology, and orthopedics.

**Valley Hospital:** Valley Hospital is particularly well-regarded for its women's health services, including maternity care and specialized gynecological services. They also have strong programs in cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years. It offers patients the convenience of accessing healthcare services remotely, including consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring.

**St. Joseph's:** St. Joseph's has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Hackensack:** Hackensack University Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, offering a wide range of virtual services, including specialist consultations, mental health services, and remote patient monitoring.

**Valley Hospital:** Valley Hospital has also embraced telehealth, providing virtual appointments and remote care options to its patients.

**Other Hospitals in the Area**

Several other hospitals are located within a wider radius of Ringwood, providing additional healthcare options. These may include smaller community hospitals or specialized facilities.

**Pascack Valley Medical Center (Westwood, NJ):** Located further south, Pascack Valley Medical Center is a community hospital offering a range of services.

**CarePoint Health - Christ Hospital (Jersey City, NJ):** This hospital is further south and offers comprehensive medical services.

**Comparing the Options: A Holistic View**

Choosing the "best" hospital near Ringwood depends on individual needs and preferences.

**For Comprehensive Care and Advanced Specialties:** Hackensack University Medical Center stands out due to its 4-star CMS rating, its extensive specialty centers (including the John Theurer Cancer Center), and its strong telehealth program. However, its distance from Ringwood should be considered.

**For Patient-Centered Care and High Ratings:** Valley Hospital, with its 5-star CMS rating, offers a strong focus on patient satisfaction and a range of specialized services, making it a good choice for those seeking a more personalized healthcare experience. Its proximity to Ringwood is also a positive factor.

**For Regional Access:** St. Joseph's University Medical Center, while having a lower CMS rating, offers a large, comprehensive range of services and is a major regional provider. Its location makes it a more accessible option.

**Important Considerations:**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its affiliated physicians are within your insurance network.
* **Physician Referrals:** Consult with your primary care physician for referrals to specialists and hospitals.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider factors such as hospital size, location, and patient experience when making your decision.
* **Hospital Websites:** Review the hospital websites for detailed information on services, physician directories, and patient resources.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of others.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near Ringwood, NJ offer a diverse range of healthcare options.

* **Hackensack University Medical Center:** Receives a high score for its comprehensive services, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings, though its distance is a factor.
* **Valley Hospital:** Earns a high score for its exceptional CMS rating, patient-centered care, and proximity.
* **St. Joseph's University Medical Center:** Is a solid option for its regional presence and wide range of services, but with a lower CMS rating and potentially longer ER wait times.

The "best" choice ultimately depends on individual needs and priorities. Residents of Ringwood have access to several high-quality healthcare providers, allowing them to make informed decisions based on their specific requirements. Regularly checking for updated information is recommended, as healthcare offerings and ratings can change.