02911, North Providence, Rhode Island Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 02911, North Providence, Rhode Island is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Rhode Island Hospitals Near 02911

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents near the 02911 ZIP code, encompassing portions of Providence, Rhode Island, access to quality medical care is paramount. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals within a reasonable radius, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. This analysis aims to provide a clear, fact-based overview to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: A Focus on Providence and Beyond**

The primary healthcare hubs for 02911 residents are concentrated in Providence, with access extending to nearby communities. This review prioritizes hospitals within a 15-mile radius, ensuring relevance for the local population. The quality of care, however, can vary significantly between institutions.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Critical Gauge**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings offer a crucial starting point. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, reflect a hospital's performance across various quality and patient safety measures.

**Rhode Island Hospital (Providence):** As the state's largest hospital and a Level I Trauma Center, Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) is a cornerstone of the healthcare system. It currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects a mixed performance, with areas of strength and areas needing improvement. RIH excels in certain specialties and offers comprehensive services, but the CMS rating suggests opportunities for enhancement in areas such as patient experience and some clinical outcomes.

**Women & Infants Hospital (Providence):** Affiliated with Rhode Island Hospital and part of the Lifespan health system, Women & Infants Hospital is a specialized facility focusing on women's health and newborn care. It boasts a **4-star rating** from CMS, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to RIH. This strong rating reflects its expertise in obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatal care.

**Miriam Hospital (Providence):** Also part of the Lifespan system, Miriam Hospital is a teaching hospital with a focus on specialized care. It currently holds a **4-star rating** from CMS, demonstrating a commitment to quality and patient safety. Miriam Hospital is known for its cancer center and other specialized programs.

**Butler Hospital (Providence):** A psychiatric hospital affiliated with the Care New England health system, Butler Hospital is a specialized facility focusing on mental health and substance use disorder treatment. CMS does not provide star ratings for psychiatric hospitals.

**Kent Hospital (Warwick):** Located outside of Providence, but within a reasonable driving distance, Kent Hospital is part of the Care New England system. It holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This hospital provides a range of services and is an option for residents in the southern part of the area.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Measure of Accessibility**

ER wait times are a critical factor for patients needing immediate care. These times can fluctuate, but average wait times provide a useful benchmark.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** RIH, being a Level I Trauma Center, often experiences higher ER volumes. Average wait times can vary, but it's essential to be prepared for potential delays. Data from the hospital's website and third-party sources should be consulted for the most up-to-date information.

**Women & Infants Hospital:** While not a general emergency room, Women & Infants Hospital has an ER for obstetric and gynecological emergencies. Wait times are generally shorter than those at RIH.

**Miriam Hospital:** Miriam Hospital's ER wait times can fluctuate. Patients should check online resources or call the hospital for current estimates.

**Kent Hospital:** Kent Hospital's ER wait times are typically shorter than those at RIH, offering a potentially quicker option for some patients.

**Specialty Centers: Expertise in Specific Areas**

The presence of specialized centers indicates a hospital's ability to provide advanced care in specific medical fields.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** RIH houses several centers of excellence, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular institute, and a transplant center. Its trauma center is a critical resource for the region.

**Women & Infants Hospital:** Women & Infants excels in women's health, with specialized programs in high-risk obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, and neonatal intensive care.

**Miriam Hospital:** Miriam Hospital is known for its cancer center, cardiovascular services, and its digestive disease center.

**Butler Hospital:** Butler Hospital specializes in mental health and substance use disorder treatment, offering inpatient and outpatient services.

**Kent Hospital:** Kent Hospital provides a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** RIH has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. The availability of specific telehealth services should be verified directly with the hospital.

**Women & Infants Hospital:** Women & Infants Hospital utilizes telehealth for certain services, including prenatal care and postpartum follow-up appointments.

**Miriam Hospital:** Miriam Hospital offers telehealth options for specific specialties, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely.

**Kent Hospital:** Kent Hospital is expanding its telehealth capabilities to improve access to care.

**Butler Hospital:** Butler Hospital offers telehealth services for mental health appointments.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis of Factors**

Creating a single "Overall Health Score" is complex, as the best hospital depends on individual needs. However, considering the factors discussed, a general assessment can be made.

**Rhode Island Hospital:** While holding a 3-star CMS rating, RIH's comprehensive services, Level I Trauma Center, and specialized centers make it a crucial resource. Its ER wait times can be a challenge.

**Women & Infants Hospital:** With a 4-star rating and specialized focus, Women & Infants Hospital excels in women's health. It is a strong choice for related needs.

**Miriam Hospital:** The 4-star rating, combined with its cancer center and other specialized programs, positions Miriam Hospital as a strong option for specific needs.

**Kent Hospital:** The 3-star rating and shorter ER wait times at Kent Hospital make it a viable option, especially for residents in the southern part of the area.

**Butler Hospital:** Butler Hospital is a vital resource for mental health services.

**The Importance of Individual Needs and Further Research**

This review provides a general overview. The best hospital for a specific individual depends on their medical needs, insurance coverage, and personal preferences. Patients should:

* **Consult with their primary care physician:** Their doctor can provide personalized recommendations.
* **Research specific specialists:** If a specific condition requires specialized care, research the qualifications and experience of doctors at each hospital.
* **Check insurance coverage:** Ensure that the chosen hospital and its providers are in-network.
* **Read patient reviews:** Online reviews can provide insights into patient experiences.
* **Contact the hospitals directly:** Inquire about specific services, wait times, and telehealth options.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

For residents near the 02911 ZIP code, access to quality healthcare is readily available. By considering the CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. This review serves as a starting point, encouraging further research and consultation with healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible care. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining optimal health.