37366, Pelham, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37366, Pelham, Tennessee is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Navigating Healthcare in the 37366 Area: An Overall Health Score Review

The 37366 ZIP code, encompassing the city of Ooltewah, Tennessee, and its surrounding areas, presents a diverse landscape of healthcare options. This review delves into the key players, evaluating their performance based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide an "Overall Health Score" assessment, offering residents a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare choices.

**The Flagship: CHI Memorial Hospital – Chattanooga**

While not directly within the 37366 ZIP code, CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga (approximately 15-20 minutes away) serves as a major regional healthcare hub and is a primary destination for many Ooltewah residents. As of late 2023, CHI Memorial holds a respectable **3-star rating** from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

CHI Memorial boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including a robust cardiology program, a well-regarded cancer institute, and a dedicated stroke center. They are known for their advanced surgical capabilities and a commitment to minimally invasive procedures.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at CHI Memorial can fluctuate. Data from the hospital's website and third-party sources suggest an average wait time that hovers around the national average, often ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. However, these times can be significantly impacted by the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions.

**Telehealth:** CHI Memorial has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly in areas like primary care and specialist consultations. This provides convenient access to healthcare services for patients, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for follow-up appointments or minor health concerns.

**Other Key Players: Parkridge Health System**

Parkridge Health System, another significant player in the Chattanooga area, offers multiple facilities that serve residents of the 37366 ZIP code. Parkridge East Hospital, in particular, is a frequently utilized facility.

**Parkridge East Hospital:** Parkridge East Hospital also has a **3-star rating** from CMS. This hospital is known for its focus on women's health, including a dedicated maternity center and a comprehensive range of gynecological services.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Parkridge East Hospital are generally comparable to those at CHI Memorial, with averages often falling within the 30-60 minute range.

**Specialty Centers:** Parkridge East Hospital features specialty centers for cardiology, orthopedics, and behavioral health. They have invested in advanced imaging technology and surgical suites.

**Telehealth:** Parkridge Health System has been actively developing its telehealth platform, providing virtual visits for various specialties. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up care and consultations.

**Other Parkridge Facilities:** Parkridge Medical Center and Parkridge North Hospital, while slightly further afield, also offer services that are relevant to the 37366 area. These facilities provide a broader range of services, including specialized care for specific conditions.

**Smaller Facilities and Urgent Care Centers**

The 37366 area also benefits from a network of smaller facilities and urgent care centers, providing convenient access to immediate medical attention.

**Urgent Care Options:** Several urgent care centers operate within the Ooltewah area, offering treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. These centers typically have shorter wait times than hospital ERs and are often a good option for non-life-threatening conditions.

**Primary Care Physicians:** A variety of primary care physicians and family medicine practices are located in and around Ooltewah. These practices provide essential preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and serve as a gateway to specialist care when needed.

**Evaluating the Overall Health Score**

Assessing the "Overall Health Score" requires a multi-faceted approach, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the available healthcare options.

**Accessibility:** The proximity of major hospitals like CHI Memorial and Parkridge East, coupled with the availability of urgent care centers and primary care practices, provides good accessibility to healthcare services for residents of the 37366 ZIP code.

**Quality of Care:** The CMS star ratings of 3 stars for both CHI Memorial and Parkridge East suggest a level of quality that is at least average. However, patients should consider individual experiences and the specific needs of their care when evaluating quality.

**Specialty Services:** The presence of specialized centers for cardiology, cancer treatment, stroke care, and women's health at CHI Memorial and Parkridge East provides access to advanced medical expertise.

**Wait Times:** ER wait times are a significant factor in patient satisfaction. While wait times can vary, the averages in the area are generally in line with national standards.

**Telehealth Integration:** The increasing availability of telehealth services offers convenience and flexibility, allowing patients to access care remotely.

**Cost Considerations:** While this review focuses on quality and access, it is important to consider the cost of healthcare services. Patients should check with their insurance providers to understand their coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

**Areas for Improvement**

Several areas could be improved to enhance the overall health score for the 37366 area.

**CMS Star Ratings:** Striving for higher CMS star ratings at all hospitals would signify improved quality of care.

**ER Wait Time Reduction:** Continued efforts to reduce ER wait times would improve patient satisfaction and access to timely care.

**Expanded Telehealth Options:** Further expansion of telehealth services, particularly in areas like mental health and chronic disease management, would benefit residents.

**Community Health Initiatives:** Promoting community health initiatives, such as preventative care programs and health education campaigns, would contribute to overall wellness.

**Conclusion: A Solid Foundation with Room for Growth**

The 37366 ZIP code offers residents a solid foundation of healthcare options. CHI Memorial and Parkridge East Hospital serve as major regional providers, offering a wide range of services. The presence of urgent care centers, primary care practices, and expanding telehealth capabilities enhances accessibility. While the CMS star ratings for the major hospitals are adequate, there is room for improvement. Residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs, research their options, and utilize available resources to make informed decisions. The healthcare landscape in the 37366 area is dynamic, and ongoing efforts to improve quality, access, and patient experience will continue to shape the "Overall Health Score" for the community.