37713, Bybee, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37713, Bybee, Tennessee is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 37713 (Alcoa, TN)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Alcoa, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37713), access to quality medical care is a critical consideration. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals in the vicinity, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to offer a clear, concise overview to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The primary hospital serving Alcoa and the surrounding area is **Blount Memorial Hospital** located in Maryville, TN, approximately a 10-15 minute drive from Alcoa. While other hospitals exist further afield, Blount Memorial is the most geographically accessible option for most residents of 37713.

**Blount Memorial Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Blount Memorial Hospital is the cornerstone of healthcare in Blount County. It is a 204-bed facility offering a comprehensive range of services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Blount Memorial Hospital currently holds a **3-star rating** from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a hospital's overall performance based on a variety of quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's essential to understand the context and specific areas where the hospital excels or faces challenges.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial metric for assessing hospital efficiency and responsiveness. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but generally, Blount Memorial Hospital strives to keep wait times within reasonable limits. Patients should expect to be triaged and assessed quickly, with the most critical cases receiving immediate attention. It's recommended to check real-time wait times on the hospital's website or through online tools before arriving at the ER.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Blount Memorial Hospital boasts a diverse array of specialty centers. Its **Heart Center** provides comprehensive cardiac care, including diagnostic testing, interventional cardiology, and cardiac rehabilitation. The **Cancer Center** offers a range of oncology services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support services. The hospital also features a **Women's Health Center**, providing obstetrical and gynecological care. Other notable services include a **surgical services** department, a **rehabilitation center**, and a **behavioral health unit**.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Blount Memorial Hospital has embraced telehealth to enhance access to care. Telehealth services may include virtual consultations with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and behavioral health support. The availability and scope of telehealth offerings are constantly evolving, so patients should check the hospital's website or contact them directly to learn about current telehealth options.

**Other Considerations for Blount Memorial:**

* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Reviewing patient feedback can help potential patients understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses from a patient perspective.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare is a sign of a hospital's commitment to quality and safety. Blount Memorial Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Community Involvement:** A hospital's role in the community extends beyond medical care. Blount Memorial Hospital actively participates in community health initiatives and outreach programs.

**Other Hospitals in the Region (and their limitations for 37713 residents):**

While Blount Memorial is the primary choice, residents of 37713 may occasionally consider hospitals in Knoxville, TN, which is a short drive away. However, these options often involve longer travel times, potentially increased traffic congestion, and the need to navigate a larger city.

**University of Tennessee Medical Center (Knoxville):** Located approximately 20-30 minutes from Alcoa, the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) is a major tertiary care facility. UTMC is a teaching hospital and a Level I Trauma Center. It is an excellent choice for highly specialized care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UTMC generally receives a **3-star rating** from CMS.
* **ER Performance:** ER wait times can vary, and UTMC's ER is often busy.
* **Specialty Centers:** UTMC has a wide range of specialty centers, including advanced cardiac care, comprehensive cancer treatment, a transplant center, and a dedicated children's hospital.
* **Telehealth:** UTMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Parkwest Medical Center (Knoxville):** Parkwest Medical Center, part of Covenant Health, is another option in Knoxville, approximately a 25-35 minute drive from Alcoa.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Parkwest Medical Center generally receives a **4-star rating** from CMS.
* **ER Performance:** ER wait times can vary, but are generally competitive.
* **Specialty Centers:** Parkwest offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a comprehensive cancer center.
* **Telehealth:** Parkwest offers telehealth services.

**Methodology for Overall Health Score:**

Calculating a precise "Overall Health Score" is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of various factors. This review uses a qualitative approach, considering the following:

* **CMS Star Rating:** A significant indicator of overall quality, but not the sole determinant.
* **ER Wait Times:** A crucial factor for timely access to care.
* **Specialty Center Availability:** Reflects the range of services offered.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Demonstrates a commitment to modern healthcare delivery.
* **Geographic Accessibility:** Proximity to 37713 is a key consideration.
* **Patient Feedback and Accreditation:** Provides additional context for quality and safety.

**Overall Health Score Assessment (Based on proximity to 37713):**

* **Blount Memorial Hospital:** Considered the primary option for residents of 37713. While the 3-star CMS rating is average, the hospital's comprehensive services, including its Heart Center, Cancer Center, and Women's Health Center, coupled with its geographic proximity, make it a solid choice for most healthcare needs. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. The "Overall Health Score" for Blount Memorial is **Good**.
* **University of Tennessee Medical Center (Knoxville):** A strong option for specialized care, but its distance from Alcoa makes it less convenient for routine care. The "Overall Health Score" for UTMC is **Good**, but with a caveat of longer travel times.
* **Parkwest Medical Center (Knoxville):** Offers a higher CMS star rating than Blount Memorial, but also involves a longer drive. The "Overall Health Score" for Parkwest is **Good**.

**Important Considerations and Caveats:**

* **Individual Needs:** This review provides a general overview. Individual healthcare needs vary. Patients should consider their specific health conditions, insurance coverage, and personal preferences when choosing a hospital.
* **Data Fluctuations:** Hospital performance data can change. It's essential to verify information directly with the hospitals and consult with your physician.
* **Emergency Situations:** In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
* **Financial Considerations:** Healthcare costs can vary significantly. Inquire about pricing and insurance coverage before receiving care.
* **Telehealth Limitations:** Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Consult with your doctor to determine if telehealth is appropriate for your needs.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of ZIP Code 37713, Blount Memorial Hospital is the most accessible and practical choice for most healthcare needs. The University of Tennessee Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville offer excellent specialty care options, but with the added consideration of increased travel time. Patients should research the hospitals, consider their individual needs, and consult with their physicians to make informed healthcare decisions. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for navigating the healthcare landscape in the Alcoa area.