37376, Sherwood, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37376, Sherwood, Tennessee is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Signal Mountain, TN (ZIP Code 37376)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. This review provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment of hospitals readily accessible to residents of Signal Mountain, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37376), offering a detailed look at key performance indicators to help you make informed decisions. This analysis focuses on factors like quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services, drawing on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources.

**The Landscape: Chattanooga's Healthcare Hub**

Signal Mountain, nestled in the scenic Tennessee mountains, benefits from its proximity to Chattanooga, a regional hub for healthcare. Several major hospitals serve the area, providing a range of services from primary care to complex specialized treatments. The primary hospitals considered in this review are Erlanger Health System's flagship facilities, CHI Memorial Hospital, and Parkridge Health System facilities.

**Erlanger Health System: A Regional Powerhouse**

Erlanger Health System, a non-profit academic medical center, is a dominant player in the Chattanooga healthcare market. It operates several hospitals, with the flagship facilities, Erlanger Baroness Hospital and Erlanger East Hospital, being the most relevant to the Signal Mountain community.

* **Erlanger Baroness Hospital:** Located in downtown Chattanooga, Erlanger Baroness Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center, providing the highest level of trauma care available. It is a major referral center for the region, handling complex medical cases and offering a wide array of specialized services. CMS assigns a 3-star rating to Erlanger Baroness Hospital. This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. The hospital’s emergency department sees a high volume of patients, and wait times can fluctuate. According to recent data, the average ER wait time is approximately 45-60 minutes, though this can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. Erlanger Baroness Hospital is a major center for stroke care, cardiology, and neurosurgery. It also houses a comprehensive cancer center. Telehealth services are increasingly available, with options for virtual visits for follow-up appointments and certain specialty consultations.

* **Erlanger East Hospital:** Situated in East Brainerd, Erlanger East Hospital offers a more community-focused approach while still providing a broad range of services. It is a designated Primary Stroke Center and offers a robust surgical program. Erlanger East Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. Emergency room wait times are generally shorter than those at Baroness Hospital, averaging around 30-45 minutes. Erlanger East has a strong focus on women's health, with a dedicated maternity unit and gynecological services. Telehealth options are expanding, particularly for outpatient follow-up care.

**CHI Memorial Hospital: A Catholic Healthcare Presence**

CHI Memorial Hospital, a member of CommonSpirit Health, is another significant hospital in the Chattanooga area. It provides a full spectrum of medical services and is known for its commitment to faith-based care.

* **CHI Memorial Hospital:** Located in downtown Chattanooga, CHI Memorial Hospital is a major medical center with a strong reputation. CMS gives CHI Memorial Hospital a 3-star rating. It features a comprehensive cardiovascular program, a cancer center, and a wide range of surgical specialties. ER wait times at CHI Memorial can vary, averaging around 40-55 minutes. CHI Memorial Hospital has a strong focus on community outreach and offers various programs for chronic disease management and preventative care. Telehealth services are available, with a focus on specialist consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Parkridge Health System: A Community-Focused Network**

Parkridge Health System, part of HCA Healthcare, operates several hospitals in the Chattanooga area, including Parkridge Medical Center and Parkridge East Hospital.

* **Parkridge Medical Center:** Situated in downtown Chattanooga, Parkridge Medical Center is a major hospital with a broad range of services. CMS gives Parkridge Medical Center a 3-star rating. It has a strong focus on cardiovascular care, including cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology. Emergency room wait times typically average around 35-50 minutes. Parkridge Medical Center has a dedicated bariatric surgery program and offers a wide range of surgical specialties. Telehealth services are available, including virtual visits for certain specialties.

* **Parkridge East Hospital:** Located in East Brainerd, Parkridge East Hospital provides a more community-focused approach, offering a range of services including emergency care, surgical procedures, and women's health services. CMS gives Parkridge East Hospital a 3-star rating. Emergency room wait times at Parkridge East are generally shorter than those at Parkridge Medical Center, averaging around 25-40 minutes. Parkridge East has a strong focus on behavioral health services and offers a comprehensive range of mental health and addiction treatment programs. Telehealth services are increasingly available, particularly for outpatient mental health appointments.

**Specialty Centers and Specialized Care**

Beyond the general hospitals, residents of Signal Mountain have access to specialized care centers.

* **Cancer Centers:** All major hospitals have cancer centers, offering comprehensive cancer treatment services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The centers often participate in clinical trials, providing access to cutting-edge treatments.

* **Cardiovascular Centers:** Chattanooga boasts several highly regarded cardiovascular centers, offering a full spectrum of cardiac care, from preventative cardiology to complex heart surgery.

* **Stroke Centers:** Erlanger Baroness Hospital and Erlanger East Hospital are designated Stroke Centers, providing rapid diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients. CHI Memorial and Parkridge Medical Center also offer comprehensive stroke care.

* **Behavioral Health:** Parkridge East Hospital has a strong focus on behavioral health services, offering a comprehensive range of mental health and addiction treatment programs. Other hospitals also provide behavioral health services.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant consideration when choosing a hospital. While data fluctuates, the average ER wait times for the hospitals near Signal Mountain are generally within the following ranges:

* Erlanger Baroness Hospital: 45-60 minutes
* Erlanger East Hospital: 30-45 minutes
* CHI Memorial Hospital: 40-55 minutes
* Parkridge Medical Center: 35-50 minutes
* Parkridge East Hospital: 25-40 minutes

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly prevalent, offering virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. All major hospitals in the area offer telehealth options, though the specific services available vary. Telehealth can be particularly useful for patients in remote areas like Signal Mountain, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Quick Guide to Quality**

The CMS star ratings provide a snapshot of a hospital's performance across various quality measures. While these ratings are just one factor to consider, they can be a helpful starting point. The hospitals discussed in this review generally have 3-star ratings, indicating a level of quality care that is considered average.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The hospitals near Signal Mountain, TN (ZIP Code 37376) offer a robust healthcare landscape. Erlanger Health System, CHI Memorial Hospital, and Parkridge Health System provide a wide range of services, from primary care to complex specialized treatments. When making a decision, consider the following factors:

* **Specialty Needs:** Choose a hospital that specializes in the specific area of care you need.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Consider the average wait times at each hospital, especially if you require immediate care.
* **Telehealth Availability:** If you prefer virtual appointments, check which hospitals offer the services you need.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** Use the CMS ratings as a general indicator of quality, but don't rely on them exclusively.
* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to each hospital, especially in an emergency.

By carefully considering these factors, residents of Signal Mountain can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the best possible care within their community. The healthcare landscape in Chattanooga is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments and changes in services.