02873, Rockville, Rhode Island Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02873, Rockville, Rhode Island is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 02873

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents near ZIP code 02873 (primarily encompassing the town of Smithfield, Rhode Island), understanding the quality and accessibility of nearby hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. This assessment aims to provide a clear picture of the healthcare options available.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The immediate vicinity of 02873 is served by a mix of large, regional hospitals and smaller community facilities. Proximity is a significant factor in healthcare access, especially in emergencies. The following institutions are key players in this area, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

* **Rhode Island Hospital (Providence):** Located approximately 15-20 minutes from Smithfield, RI, this is the flagship hospital of Lifespan Health System.
* **The Miriam Hospital (Providence):** Also part of Lifespan, The Miriam is roughly the same distance away.
* **Women & Infants Hospital (Providence):** Another Lifespan facility, specializing in women's and infant care, is also about a 20-minute drive.
* **Kent Hospital (Warwick):** This hospital, part of Care New England, is about a 30-minute drive from Smithfield.
* **Roger Williams Medical Center (Providence):** Another Care New England hospital, Roger Williams is approximately 20-25 minutes away.
* **Saint Joseph's Hospital (Providence):** Part of CharterCARE Health Partners, Saint Joseph's is about a 20-25 minute drive.
* **Fatima Hospital (North Providence):** Part of CharterCARE Health Partners, Fatima is located about 10-15 minutes away.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Quick Gauge of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a readily accessible overview of quality. These ratings are based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. It is important to note that these ratings are not the only measure of quality, but they offer a useful starting point.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Generally receives a 3- or 4-star rating from CMS.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** Often receives a 4- or 5-star rating, reflecting strong performance.
* **Women & Infants Hospital:** Typically scores well, reflecting its focus on specialized care.
* **Kent Hospital:** Generally receives a 3- or 4-star rating.
* **Roger Williams Medical Center:** Typically receives a 3-star rating.
* **Saint Joseph's Hospital:** Usually receives a 2- or 3-star rating.
* **Fatima Hospital:** Typically receives a 2- or 3-star rating.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration, especially in urgent situations. While wait times can fluctuate, they provide an indication of ER efficiency and patient flow. Data on specific wait times can be found on hospital websites and through resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Can experience longer wait times, especially during peak hours.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** Often has shorter wait times compared to Rhode Island Hospital.
* **Kent Hospital:** Wait times vary but are often moderate.
* **Fatima Hospital:** Can have moderate wait times.

**Specialty Centers: Access to Specialized Care**

The availability of specialized centers is a significant factor in overall healthcare quality. These centers provide focused care for specific conditions and populations.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, trauma, and transplant services.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** Known for its excellence in cardiology, oncology, and behavioral health.
* **Women & Infants Hospital:** Specializes in obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatal care, making it the primary choice for women's health needs.
* **Kent Hospital:** Offers various specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care.
* **Roger Williams Medical Center:** Specializes in cancer care, particularly through its comprehensive cancer center.
* **Saint Joseph's Hospital:** Offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.
* **Fatima Hospital:** Focuses on cardiac care, orthopedics, and women's health.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and chronic disease management. The availability and accessibility of telehealth options can significantly improve healthcare access.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Offers a robust telehealth program, including virtual visits and remote monitoring capabilities.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** Provides telehealth services for various specialties, including cardiology and behavioral health.
* **Kent Hospital:** Expanding its telehealth offerings to improve patient access.
* **Roger Williams Medical Center:** Offers telehealth services, particularly for oncology patients.
* **Saint Joseph's Hospital:** Offers telehealth services for a range of specialties.
* **Fatima Hospital:** Offers telehealth services for a range of specialties.

**Specific Considerations for 02873 Residents**

For residents of Smithfield (02873), proximity is a key factor. Fatima Hospital in North Providence is the closest option, providing convenient access for many residents. Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, while slightly further, offer a wider range of specialized services. Women & Infants Hospital is the premier choice for women's health and maternity care. The choice of hospital may also depend on the specific medical needs and insurance coverage.

**Overall Health Score: Summary and Recommendations**

Based on the factors discussed, an "Overall Health Score" can be assigned to each hospital, considering the factors mentioned above.

* **Rhode Island Hospital:** Scores well for its comprehensive services and telehealth capabilities but may be impacted by longer ER wait times.
* **The Miriam Hospital:** Scores highly due to its strong CMS ratings, specialty centers, and generally shorter wait times.
* **Women & Infants Hospital:** Receives a high score for its specialized focus and excellent reputation in women's health.
* **Kent Hospital:** Provides a good option with moderate wait times and a range of services.
* **Roger Williams Medical Center:** Scores well for its cancer care specialization.
* **Saint Joseph's Hospital:** Offers a range of services, but has lower CMS ratings.
* **Fatima Hospital:** Provides convenient access for Smithfield residents.

**Recommendations:**

* **For Emergencies:** Fatima Hospital is the closest option. However, for serious emergencies, Rhode Island Hospital or The Miriam Hospital offer more comprehensive resources.
* **For Specialized Care:** Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital offer a wide array of specialty centers. Women & Infants Hospital is the primary choice for women's health needs. Roger Williams Medical Center is a strong option for cancer care.
* **For Routine Care:** Consider the proximity of Fatima Hospital or Kent Hospital for routine care.
* **For Telehealth:** Explore the telehealth options offered by Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital for convenient access to care.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare options near 02873 offer a range of choices, each with its strengths. Residents should consider their individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when selecting a healthcare provider. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for making informed decisions about healthcare access in the Smithfield area. It is always recommended to consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.