37691, Trade, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37691, Trade, Tennessee is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 37691 (Johnson City, TN)

This review provides an in-depth look at the healthcare landscape surrounding the 37691 ZIP code, encompassing Johnson City, Tennessee, and its surrounding areas. We'll delve into the key players, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and offer an "Overall Health Score" based on available data. This score is not a single, definitive number but rather a composite assessment considering various factors important to patient care.

**The Big Players: Ballad Health System**

The dominant force in the region is Ballad Health, a large integrated healthcare system. Ballad's presence significantly impacts the availability and accessibility of care in the 37691 area. Understanding Ballad's performance is crucial to evaluating the overall health score.

**Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC): The Flagship**

Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) serves as Ballad Health's flagship hospital in the area. It's a Level I Trauma Center, indicating its capacity to handle the most critical emergencies. JCMC boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects performance across various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 4-star rating is commendable, it's important to note that it doesn't place JCMC in the top tier nationally.

**Specialty Centers at JCMC:**

JCMC houses several specialized centers, including a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, a cancer center, and a dedicated women's health pavilion. These specialized units offer advanced treatments and technologies, enhancing the hospital's ability to cater to complex medical needs. The presence of these centers contributes positively to the overall health score.

**ER Wait Times at JCMC:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Data suggests that ER wait times at JCMC fluctuate, but generally, patients can expect to wait a reasonable amount of time before being seen by a medical professional. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition. Patients should check the hospital's website or call ahead for the most current estimates.

**Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN): Another Key Player**

While not directly in the 37691 ZIP code, Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN, is a significant part of the Ballad Health system and serves a large population in the region. It also holds a 4-star CMS rating, similar to JCMC. This suggests a consistent level of quality across the Ballad Health network. Holston Valley also offers a range of specialty services, including a heart institute, a cancer center, and comprehensive surgical capabilities.

**Telehealth Initiatives within Ballad Health:**

Ballad Health has invested in telehealth services, which are becoming increasingly important for healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to access medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services from the comfort of their homes. This expands access to care, reduces travel burdens, and can improve patient outcomes. Specific data on telehealth usage and patient satisfaction within the Ballad Health system would further enhance the assessment.

**Other Hospitals and Healthcare Providers:**

Beyond JCMC and Holston Valley, the healthcare landscape in the area includes smaller hospitals, urgent care clinics, and numerous physician practices. These providers offer various services, from primary care to specialized treatments.

**Sycamore Shoals Hospital (Elizabethton, TN):**

Sycamore Shoals Hospital, another Ballad Health facility, is located a short drive from Johnson City. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and diagnostic imaging. While it may not have the same breadth of specialized services as JCMC or Holston Valley, it provides crucial care for residents in the surrounding communities.

**Urgent Care Clinics:**

Several urgent care clinics are located near the 37691 ZIP code. These clinics offer convenient access to care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They often have shorter wait times than emergency rooms and can be a valuable resource for patients needing immediate medical attention.

**Physician Practices:**

A wide array of physician practices, including primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers, serve the 37691 area. The availability of these practices is crucial for providing ongoing care, preventative services, and managing chronic conditions. The quality and accessibility of these practices significantly impact the overall health score.

**Specific Considerations for the 37691 Area:**

The 37691 ZIP code encompasses a diverse population. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and health literacy can influence healthcare outcomes. It's essential to consider these factors when evaluating the overall health score.

**Access to Specialists:**

The availability of specialists is a critical factor in healthcare. The presence of specialized centers at JCMC and Holston Valley is a positive aspect. However, the availability of specific specialists, such as neurologists, cardiologists, and oncologists, and their wait times for appointments, should be assessed.

**Preventative Care and Wellness Programs:**

The emphasis on preventative care and wellness programs is crucial for improving overall health. Ballad Health and other providers in the area likely offer such programs, including screenings, vaccinations, and health education initiatives. The availability and utilization of these programs are essential for preventing disease and promoting healthy lifestyles.

**Mental Health Services:**

Mental health services are an integral part of overall healthcare. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial. The accessibility of mental health services, including wait times for appointments and the availability of crisis intervention services, should be evaluated.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience:**

Patient satisfaction and experience are crucial indicators of healthcare quality. Patient feedback, as measured through surveys and online reviews, provides valuable insights into the quality of care provided. The responsiveness of healthcare providers to patient concerns and complaints is also essential.

**Financial Considerations:**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage significantly impact access to care. The affordability of healthcare services, including the availability of financial assistance programs, is a critical factor. The acceptance of various insurance plans by healthcare providers is also essential.

**Data Availability and Transparency:**

The availability of data and transparency regarding healthcare quality metrics is crucial for informed decision-making. The willingness of healthcare providers to share data on outcomes, wait times, and patient satisfaction is essential for improving the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the available information, the overall health score for the area surrounding the 37691 ZIP code is **Good**.

**Strengths:**

* **Flagship Hospital with a 4-star CMS rating:** JCMC provides a high level of care with a good track record.
* **Comprehensive Services:** JCMC and Holston Valley offer a wide range of specialty services, including heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, and women's health.
* **Level I Trauma Center:** JCMC's designation as a Level I Trauma Center ensures the ability to handle the most critical emergencies.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Ballad Health's investment in telehealth expands access to care.
* **Network of Providers:** A network of hospitals, urgent care clinics, and physician practices provides diverse healthcare options.

**Weaknesses:**

* **4-Star CMS Rating:** While good, a 4-star rating indicates room for improvement in some areas.
* **ER Wait Times:** Fluctuating ER wait times can be a concern for patients.
* **Data Gaps:** Limited data on specific metrics, such as specialist appointment wait times and patient satisfaction, hinders a more comprehensive assessment.
* **Rural Considerations:** The area's rural nature may present challenges in access to care for some residents.

**Recommendations:**

* **Increased Transparency:** Healthcare providers should strive for greater transparency by sharing more data on outcomes, wait times, and patient satisfaction.
* **Focus on Preventative Care:** Increased investment in preventative care and wellness programs is crucial.
* **Mental Health Access:** Improving access to mental health services is essential.
* **Address Access Barriers:** Efforts should be made to address barriers to care, such as transportation and financial constraints.
* **Monitor and Improve ER Wait Times:** Hospitals should continually monitor and work to reduce ER wait times.
* **Patient Feedback:** Encourage and utilize patient feedback to improve care quality.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near the 37691 ZIP code offers a good level of care, with a strong foundation provided by Ballad Health. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in areas such as transparency, access to specialists, and mental health services. By addressing these areas, healthcare providers can further enhance the overall health score and improve the well-being of the community. This assessment is based on available data and is subject to change as new information becomes available. Patients are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care.