37329, Englewood, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37329, Englewood, Tennessee is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Dayton, TN (ZIP Code 37329)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an objective "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Dayton, Tennessee (ZIP code 37329), offering insights into quality, accessibility, and patient experience. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, telehealth availability, and overall reputation. This information is intended to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**Methodology:** The "Overall Health Score" is a composite, not a single numerical value. It reflects a balanced assessment of multiple data points, recognizing that no single metric perfectly captures a hospital's overall performance. Data sources include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital websites, and reputable third-party sources like Healthgrades and U.S. News & World Report. The review emphasizes readily available, verifiable information.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**1. CHI Memorial Hospital (Chattanooga, TN):** While not directly in Dayton, CHI Memorial in Chattanooga is a major regional healthcare provider, drawing patients from a wide area. It's a large, multi-campus system, and its main campus, located approximately 40 miles from Dayton, is a significant player.

* **CMS Star Rating:** CHI Memorial Hospital – Chattanooga (Main Campus) holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times at CHI Memorial can vary. Publicly available data suggests average wait times often fluctuate, and it's wise to check current conditions on their website or through apps like MyHealth.
* **Specialty Centers:** CHI Memorial boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. These include a well-regarded heart institute, a cancer center, and specialized programs for stroke, orthopedics, and women's health. They have a strong focus on advanced technologies and minimally invasive procedures.
* **Telehealth:** CHI Memorial has expanded its telehealth services. They offer virtual visits for a range of specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and follow-up appointments. This can be particularly valuable for residents in rural areas seeking convenient access to specialists.
* **Overall Assessment:** CHI Memorial offers a broad scope of services and is a significant regional resource. The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, but the hospital's investment in specialized centers and telehealth initiatives is noteworthy.

**2. Erlanger Health System (Chattanooga, TN):** Erlanger is another major hospital system in Chattanooga, also approximately 40 miles from Dayton, offering a wide array of services. It operates multiple campuses, including a Level I Trauma Center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Erlanger Baroness Hospital, the flagship campus, has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating is similar to CHI Memorial, indicating a need for improvement in certain areas while still providing essential care.
* **Emergency Room:** Erlanger's ER wait times are often tracked and reported. Publicly available data can be found on their website or through third-party sources. It's advisable to check current wait times before visiting.
* **Specialty Centers:** Erlanger is known for its Level I Trauma Center, its comprehensive stroke center, and its specialized pediatric services at Children's Hospital at Erlanger. They also offer advanced cardiovascular care, oncology services, and a wide range of surgical specialties.
* **Telehealth:** Erlanger has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits across many specialties. They provide remote monitoring services and virtual consultations, aiming to improve access to care for patients in the region.
* **Overall Assessment:** Erlanger is a major regional healthcare provider with a strong focus on trauma care and specialized services. The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, but the hospital's commitment to advanced care and telehealth is a positive factor.

**3. Parkridge Health System (Chattanooga, TN):** Parkridge Health System, also located in Chattanooga, offers another option for residents in the Dayton area. It operates multiple campuses, providing a range of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Parkridge Medical Center, the flagship hospital, has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Parkridge can fluctuate. It's advisable to check real-time data available on their website or through other sources.
* **Specialty Centers:** Parkridge offers specialized services, including a heart institute, a cancer center, and programs for women's health. They also have a focus on orthopedics and surgical specialties.
* **Telehealth:** Parkridge has implemented telehealth services, offering virtual visits for certain specialties.
* **Overall Assessment:** Parkridge provides a range of services, and the 3-star CMS rating reflects the need for improvement in some areas.

**Hospitals Closer to Dayton:**

**1. Rhea Medical Center (Dayton, TN):** Located directly in Dayton, Rhea Medical Center is the closest hospital to the 37329 ZIP code. It serves as a crucial local resource.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Rhea Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Room:** As the local hospital, ER wait times are a key consideration for residents of Dayton. Data on wait times is available through their website or other sources.
* **Specialty Centers:** Rhea Medical Center offers a range of services, including emergency care, general surgery, and a focus on primary care.
* **Telehealth:** Rhea Medical Center has begun to incorporate telehealth services.
* **Overall Assessment:** Rhea Medical Center provides essential local healthcare services. The 3-star rating indicates areas for improvement.

**Factors Beyond Star Ratings:**

CMS star ratings provide a valuable snapshot, but they don't tell the whole story. Other factors to consider include:

* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores are crucial. Websites like Healthgrades and hospital websites often feature patient testimonials.
* **Physician Availability:** The quality and availability of specialists are critical. Researching the hospital's medical staff and their expertise is recommended.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Accessibility:** Consider the hospital's location, parking, and ease of access.
* **Specific Needs:** If you have specific healthcare needs, research hospitals with specialized centers or programs.

**Telehealth's Growing Role:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, particularly for rural communities. It offers access to specialists, reduces travel time, and improves convenience. When evaluating hospitals, assess their telehealth offerings, including the specialties covered, ease of use, and technical support.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration:**

ER wait times can vary significantly. Checking current wait times before visiting an ER is essential, especially for urgent medical needs. Hospitals often provide this information on their websites or through apps.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of the 37329 ZIP code, the choice of hospital involves balancing proximity, services, and quality. CHI Memorial, Erlanger, and Parkridge in Chattanooga offer comprehensive services, but require travel. Rhea Medical Center in Dayton provides local access. Evaluating each hospital based on the factors discussed, including CMS ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and patient reviews, is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions. The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic assessment, and it's recommended to stay updated on hospital performance and services.