37328, Elora, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37328, Elora, Tennessee is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Dayton, TN (ZIP Code 37328)

Navigating healthcare choices can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Dayton, TN (37328) area, focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This analysis aims to equip residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Dayton, TN, is situated in a region with a mix of rural and suburban healthcare access. While the immediate vicinity might offer limited options, the surrounding areas, particularly Chattanooga and Cleveland, provide a broader spectrum of hospitals and specialized care centers. Proximity to major thoroughfares like Highway 27 facilitates access to these larger facilities.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality measures. These ratings offer a valuable, albeit simplified, snapshot of hospital performance. No hospitals *directly* within the 37328 zip code have CMS star ratings. However, the closest major hospitals, located in Chattanooga and Cleveland, are the primary options for residents seeking comprehensive care.

**Erlanger Health System (Chattanooga):** Erlanger, a large regional health system, is a significant player in the Chattanooga healthcare market. It operates several hospitals, including Erlanger Baroness Hospital and Erlanger East Hospital. CMS ratings for these facilities vary. Erlanger Baroness Hospital has a mixed record, and the CMS star ratings can fluctuate. Erlanger East Hospital, tends to have better ratings.

**CHI Memorial Hospital (Chattanooga):** CHI Memorial, another major Chattanooga hospital, is part of a national Catholic healthcare system. Their CMS ratings are generally competitive. The hospital offers a wide range of services and is known for its specialized centers.

**Cleveland, TN Hospitals:** The primary hospital in Cleveland, TN, is **Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland**. Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland has a CMS star rating. This facility is a good option for basic and intermediate care needs, and is closer to the 37328 zip code than the Chattanooga hospitals.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. While real-time data can vary, publicly available information provides a general overview. Data sources like the Hospital Compare website (CMS) and local hospital websites offer insights into average ER wait times.

**Erlanger Health System:** Erlanger hospitals, particularly Erlanger Baroness, are known to experience longer ER wait times due to high patient volume. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. Erlanger East Hospital usually has shorter wait times.

**CHI Memorial:** CHI Memorial typically has shorter ER wait times compared to Erlanger Baroness, but these times can still fluctuate.

**Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland:** Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland often has shorter ER wait times, making it a more accessible option for immediate medical needs.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Beyond Basic Care**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized services is critical. The hospitals in Chattanooga and Cleveland offer a diverse range of specialty centers.

**Cardiology:** Both Erlanger and CHI Memorial have robust cardiology programs, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac surgery. Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland also provides cardiology services, though on a smaller scale.

**Oncology:** Erlanger and CHI Memorial both have comprehensive cancer centers, offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. These centers often have partnerships with national cancer research organizations.

**Orthopedics:** Orthopedic services are well-represented in the region. Erlanger, CHI Memorial, and Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland all offer orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and rehabilitation services.

**Women's Health:** Both Erlanger and CHI Memorial have dedicated women's health centers, providing obstetrics, gynecology, and specialized services like breast cancer treatment.

**Pediatrics:** Erlanger and CHI Memorial have pediatric departments, including intensive care units. Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland also offers pediatric services.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for rural communities. The hospitals in the area are expanding their telehealth capabilities.

**Erlanger Health System:** Erlanger has a well-established telehealth program, offering virtual visits for various specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and cardiology. They are actively expanding their telehealth platform to reach more patients.

**CHI Memorial:** CHI Memorial also provides telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely. Their telehealth offerings include virtual urgent care and specialty consultations.

**Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland:** Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland is growing its telehealth presence, offering virtual appointments for certain specialties and primary care.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall health. Surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) provide insights into patient satisfaction.

**Erlanger Health System:** Erlanger's HCAHPS scores can vary across its facilities. Some locations may have lower scores in areas like communication and responsiveness.

**CHI Memorial:** CHI Memorial generally scores well on HCAHPS surveys, particularly in areas related to patient communication and staff responsiveness.

**Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland:** Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland's HCAHPS scores are generally competitive, reflecting a focus on patient-centered care.

**Additional Considerations: Beyond the Basics**

**Cost and Insurance:** Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are significant factors. Patients should verify their insurance coverage with the hospital and understand their out-of-pocket expenses.

**Community Health Needs:** Hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments to identify and address local health challenges. These assessments can provide insights into the specific health needs of the Dayton, TN area.

**Access to Specialists:** While the hospitals in Chattanooga and Cleveland offer a wide range of specialties, access to highly specialized care may require travel to larger medical centers in Nashville or Atlanta.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

**Overall, residents of Dayton, TN (37328) have access to a range of healthcare options.**

* **Best Overall Access:** Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland offers the closest and most accessible care for many residents, with generally shorter ER wait times and a good range of services.
* **Best Specialized Care:** Erlanger and CHI Memorial in Chattanooga provide more comprehensive specialized services, including advanced cardiology, oncology, and pediatric care.
* **Telehealth:** All three major hospital systems are investing in telehealth, which improves access to care for rural communities.
* **Patient Experience:** CHI Memorial generally receives high marks for patient satisfaction.

**Recommendation:** Residents should consider their individual healthcare needs when choosing a hospital. For immediate medical needs, Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland may be the most convenient option. For complex medical conditions or specialized care, Erlanger or CHI Memorial in Chattanooga may be more appropriate. Telehealth options can also provide convenient access to care.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Hospital ratings and wait times can change, so it is essential to verify the latest information.