29440, Georgetown, South Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 29440, Georgetown, South Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Summerville, SC (ZIP Code 29440)

The Summerville, South Carolina area, anchored by the 29440 ZIP code, presents a landscape of healthcare options, ranging from large, regional medical centers to smaller, specialized facilities. Assessing the "Overall Health Score" of these hospitals requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors such as CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. This review provides a detailed overview, aiming to inform residents about the strengths and weaknesses of their local healthcare providers.

**The Big Players: Trident Medical Center and Roper St. Francis Healthcare**

Two major players dominate the healthcare landscape near Summerville: Trident Medical Center and facilities associated with Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Both offer comprehensive services, but their performance metrics and strategic focuses differ.

**Trident Medical Center:** This HCA Healthcare facility is a prominent presence in the area. Trident Medical Center, a 321-bed acute care hospital, holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not the highest possible, indicates an overall performance that is considered average compared to other hospitals nationwide. CMS evaluates hospitals based on several factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

Trident's strengths lie in its specialized services. The hospital boasts a Joint Commission-accredited stroke center, demonstrating its commitment to rapid and effective stroke treatment. It also features a dedicated heart center, offering advanced cardiac care. For expectant mothers, Trident has a maternity ward with labor and delivery services. Additionally, Trident Medical Center provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and medical oncology.

Emergency room wait times at Trident Medical Center are a crucial consideration for residents. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, historical data suggests that wait times can vary. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. The hospital’s website or online resources often provide estimated wait times.

Telehealth services at Trident Medical Center are available, though the scope and availability of these services can change. Patients can access virtual consultations with specialists and general practitioners, providing convenient access to care. The hospital is actively working to expand its telehealth offerings to meet the growing demand for remote healthcare options.

**Roper St. Francis Healthcare:** This network of hospitals and facilities offers a significant presence in the broader Charleston area, with several locations accessible to Summerville residents. Roper St. Francis operates several facilities, including Roper Hospital and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, each with its own strengths and specialties.

Roper Hospital, located in downtown Charleston, is a flagship facility within the Roper St. Francis Healthcare network. It holds a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of overall performance compared to Trident Medical Center. This higher rating reflects strong performance in areas such as patient safety and clinical outcomes.

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, another key facility within the Roper St. Francis network, also provides comprehensive services. Its CMS star rating is also a 4-star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality care.

Roper St. Francis Healthcare offers a wide array of specialized services. The network is known for its advanced cardiac care, including complex heart surgeries and interventional cardiology. It also has a robust cancer care program, providing comprehensive treatment options. Additionally, Roper St. Francis Healthcare offers specialized women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology.

Emergency room wait times at Roper St. Francis facilities vary depending on the specific location and time of day. Patients should consult the hospital's website or use online resources to check estimated wait times before visiting.

Telehealth services are an integral part of the Roper St. Francis Healthcare network. The system offers a wide range of virtual consultations, including primary care, specialty appointments, and behavioral health services. This telehealth infrastructure provides convenient access to care for patients in the Summerville area.

**Smaller Facilities and Specialized Care**

Beyond the major hospitals, the Summerville area is served by smaller facilities and specialized centers, offering targeted healthcare services.

**Summerville Medical Center:** This facility, also part of the HCA Healthcare network, provides a range of services. It is a 125-bed hospital. The hospital offers emergency care, surgical services, and women's health services.

Emergency room wait times at Summerville Medical Center should be checked before visiting, as they can fluctuate.

Telehealth services are available at Summerville Medical Center, though the scope of these services may be more limited compared to the larger hospitals.

**Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:** Numerous outpatient clinics and urgent care centers are located in and around Summerville. These facilities offer convenient access to primary care, minor illness treatment, and other outpatient services. The availability of these facilities helps to alleviate pressure on hospital emergency rooms and provides patients with more accessible healthcare options.

**Specialty Centers:** The area also features specialty centers, such as rehabilitation centers, dialysis centers, and imaging centers. These facilities provide focused care for specific medical needs.

**Assessing the Overall Health Score: A Summary**

Evaluating the overall health score of hospitals near Summerville involves weighing various factors.

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Roper Hospital and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, with their 4-star ratings, generally outperform Trident Medical Center, which has a 3-star rating. These ratings reflect differences in patient outcomes, safety, and overall quality of care.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Wait times vary across facilities and can fluctuate. Checking real-time or estimated wait times is crucial for patients seeking immediate care.
* **Specialized Services:** Both Trident Medical Center and Roper St. Francis Healthcare offer a wide range of specialized services, including cardiac care, cancer treatment, and stroke care. The availability of these specialized services is a significant advantage for residents.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth services are increasingly important for healthcare access. Roper St. Francis Healthcare has a robust telehealth infrastructure, providing convenient access to care. Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center also offer telehealth options, though the scope may be more limited.

**Conclusion:**

The Summerville area offers a diverse range of healthcare options. Residents have access to major hospitals with comprehensive services, as well as smaller facilities and specialized centers. The choice of hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. Patients should consider factors such as CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability when making healthcare decisions. Staying informed about these factors empowers residents to make the best choices for their health and well-being.