37733, Rugby, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37733, Rugby, Tennessee is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Kodak, TN (ZIP Code 37733)

Navigating healthcare can be a daunting task. This review provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Kodak, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37733), offering a data-driven perspective on quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities to provide a comprehensive overview. The goal is to empower residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Defining the Scope:**

The geographical scope for this review encompasses hospitals generally within a 30-mile radius of Kodak, TN. This area includes major medical centers in Knoxville and surrounding communities. The selection prioritizes hospitals with significant service offerings and accessibility for residents of the specified ZIP code.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable metric: the star rating system. This system, based on a variety of quality measures, offers a readily understandable snapshot of hospital performance.

**University of Tennessee Medical Center (Knoxville):** This is a major tertiary care center and a flagship hospital in the region. As of late 2023, it holds a CMS star rating of four stars. UT Medical Center offers a wide array of services, including comprehensive cardiac care, advanced cancer treatment, and a Level I trauma center. The hospital is a teaching hospital, which often indicates a commitment to cutting-edge medical practices and research.

**Parkwest Medical Center (Knoxville):** Another significant player in the Knoxville healthcare landscape, Parkwest Medical Center, part of Covenant Health, also holds a four-star CMS rating. Parkwest is known for its comprehensive services, including a heart institute, a comprehensive stroke center, and a robust women's health program. Its proximity to the I-40 corridor makes it relatively accessible from Kodak.

**Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge):** Located approximately 20 miles from Kodak, Methodist Medical Center is a crucial healthcare provider for the surrounding communities. It currently holds a three-star CMS rating. The hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and specialized care for conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. While wait times fluctuate, publicly available data provides a general sense of performance.

**UT Medical Center:** As a Level I trauma center, UT Medical Center often experiences higher patient volumes, which can impact wait times. Data suggests that average wait times can vary, but it's advisable to check real-time updates on their website or through readily available apps like Google Maps before heading to the ER.

**Parkwest Medical Center:** Parkwest Medical Center generally demonstrates relatively shorter ER wait times compared to UT Medical Center, making it a potentially more accessible option for non-critical emergencies. Again, real-time information is crucial.

**Methodist Medical Center:** Methodist Medical Center's ER wait times are generally competitive within the region. Its location outside of the immediate Knoxville city center may contribute to slightly shorter wait times compared to the larger Knoxville hospitals.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care:**

Beyond general services, specialized centers are critical for addressing complex medical needs.

**Cardiac Care:** Both UT Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center have established cardiac centers offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, and rehabilitation. These centers are vital for residents with heart-related conditions.

**Cancer Treatment:** UT Medical Center's Thompson Cancer Survival Center is a leading cancer treatment facility in the region, providing comprehensive care, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology.

**Stroke Centers:** Both Parkwest Medical Center and UT Medical Center are certified stroke centers, equipped to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients. The promptness of care is critical in stroke cases.

**Women's Health:** Parkwest Medical Center has a well-regarded women's health program, offering services ranging from obstetrics and gynecology to specialized care for breast health.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access:**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly for residents in rural or semi-rural areas.

**UT Medical Center:** UT Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services. This can be especially beneficial for patients in areas like Kodak, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

**Parkwest Medical Center:** Parkwest Medical Center also offers telehealth services, including virtual visits with specialists and primary care physicians. The availability of telehealth can improve access to care and convenience for patients.

**Methodist Medical Center:** Methodist Medical Center has also embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and consultations. This is particularly valuable for residents in the Oak Ridge area.

**Other Considerations:**

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS and other organizations, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Reviewing these surveys can offer a sense of the hospital's culture, communication, and overall patient care.

**Hospital Affiliations:** The affiliation of hospitals with larger healthcare systems can influence access to resources, specialists, and advanced technologies. UT Medical Center is affiliated with the University of Tennessee, providing access to research and academic expertise. Parkwest Medical Center is part of Covenant Health, a regional health system.

**Cost of Care:** Healthcare costs vary depending on the hospital, the services provided, and the patient's insurance coverage. Researching the cost of specific procedures and services is crucial. Patients should always check with their insurance providers for coverage details.

**Community Resources:** The availability of community resources, such as support groups, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare services, can significantly impact a patient's overall care experience.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near Kodak, TN, offer a range of healthcare options. UT Medical Center, with its four-star CMS rating and comprehensive services, is a major regional resource. Parkwest Medical Center, also with a four-star rating, provides a strong alternative with potentially shorter ER wait times. Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, though with a three-star rating, provides crucial services to the surrounding communities.

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 37733 is **Strong**. The presence of multiple high-quality hospitals, access to specialized centers, and the increasing availability of telehealth services contribute to a robust healthcare environment. However, residents should consider factors such as ER wait times, specific specialty needs, and patient satisfaction when making healthcare decisions. It is crucial to utilize the available resources, including hospital websites, CMS data, and insurance provider information, to make the most informed choices. The ongoing development of telehealth capabilities further enhances the accessibility and convenience of healthcare for residents in the Kodak area.