37813, Morristown, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37813, Morristown, Tennessee is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 37813 (Blount County, TN)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the 37813 ZIP code (primarily Blount County, Tennessee), focusing on key metrics relevant to patient care and accessibility. This analysis incorporates data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital websites, and other reputable sources. It's important to note that this is a snapshot in time, and hospital performance can fluctuate.

**Primary Hospital: Blount Memorial Hospital**

The cornerstone of healthcare in Blount County is Blount Memorial Hospital (BMH), located in Maryville. BMH is a 250-bed facility and the primary choice for residents of 37813. BMH holds a **3-star rating from CMS**, which indicates average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating isn't exceptional, it signifies a hospital meeting basic standards.

**Emergency Services at Blount Memorial:**

Emergency care is a critical aspect of hospital performance. BMH's emergency department (ED) is a vital resource for the community. **ER wait times are a key indicator of ED efficiency.** Publicly available data indicates that average ER wait times at BMH fluctuate. Patients should expect to be triaged promptly upon arrival, but wait times for a doctor's assessment can vary. It's wise to check current wait times on hospital websites or through online resources like the ED wait time tracker.

**Specialty Services at Blount Memorial:**

BMH offers a range of specialty services. Key departments include cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and women's health. The hospital has a dedicated cardiac catheterization lab, providing interventional cardiology services. The orthopedics department offers surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. BMH also houses a cancer center, providing comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The women's health services encompass obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography.

**Telehealth at Blount Memorial:**

Telehealth is increasingly important for healthcare access. BMH has expanded its telehealth offerings, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely for consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Specific details on available telehealth programs and how to access them are typically available on the hospital's website.

**Other Hospitals to Consider: Proximity and Alternatives**

While Blount Memorial is the primary hospital, residents of 37813 may also consider hospitals in neighboring counties, particularly for specialized care or if seeking alternative options.

**University of Tennessee Medical Center (Knoxville):**

Located approximately 20 miles from Maryville, the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) in Knoxville is a major regional referral center. UTMC is a **5-star rated hospital by CMS**, signifying excellent performance. UTMC's higher rating reflects its strong performance across a broad range of quality measures.

**UTMC's Strengths:**

UTMC excels in several areas. It is a Level I Trauma Center, equipped to handle the most severe trauma cases. The hospital has specialized centers for cardiology, neurology, oncology, and transplant services. UTMC also has a dedicated children's hospital, offering comprehensive pediatric care.

**UTMC Emergency Department:**

UTMC's ED is a high-volume facility. ER wait times can be longer than at smaller hospitals, reflecting the complexity of cases handled. Patients can access real-time wait time information through UTMC's website or other online resources.

**Parkwest Medical Center (Knoxville):**

Parkwest Medical Center, also in Knoxville, is another option. It is a **4-star rated hospital by CMS**, indicating above-average performance. Parkwest is known for its comprehensive cardiac care, cancer services, and women's health programs.

**Parkwest Emergency Department:**

Parkwest's ED provides a high level of care. ER wait times are generally competitive with other hospitals in the region.

**Methodology and Caveats:**

This review is based on publicly available data and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. CMS star ratings are a valuable benchmark, but they don't tell the whole story. Individual patient experiences can vary. Hospital websites and patient reviews can provide additional insights. When choosing a hospital, consider your specific healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences.

**Specialty Centers: A Deeper Dive**

Beyond general hospital services, the availability of specialized centers is a crucial factor in assessing healthcare options.

**Cardiology:**

Both BMH and UTMC offer robust cardiology programs. UTMC, as a regional referral center, often handles more complex cardiac cases. Patients with specific cardiac conditions may benefit from the advanced services available at UTMC.

**Oncology:**

BMH's cancer center provides local access to cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. UTMC has a comprehensive cancer institute, offering advanced treatment options and clinical trials. Parkwest also provides comprehensive cancer care.

**Orthopedics:**

BMH's orthopedic department provides local access to orthopedic services. UTMC and Parkwest also have well-established orthopedic programs.

**Mental Health:**

Access to mental health services is a critical consideration. BMH offers mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient care. UTMC and Parkwest also provide mental health services, including specialized programs for specific conditions.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a vital component of overall health. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into how patients perceive their care. These surveys assess various aspects of the patient experience, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment. While data is not always available at the individual hospital level, it is important to research patient reviews.

**Insurance and Cost Considerations:**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are crucial factors in accessing care. Patients should verify that their insurance plan is accepted by the hospitals they are considering. Out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and co-pays, can vary significantly. It is advisable to contact the hospitals' billing departments to obtain cost estimates for specific procedures or services.

**Community Health and Preventative Care:**

Beyond acute care, the availability of preventative care and community health programs is important. BMH and other hospitals in the region offer various wellness programs, health screenings, and educational initiatives. These programs aim to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent disease.

**Telehealth Expansion: A Growing Trend**

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth. Hospitals are increasingly offering telehealth services for a wider range of conditions and appointments. Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The specific telehealth offerings of each hospital should be researched.

**Conclusion: Weighing the Options**

For residents of 37813, Blount Memorial Hospital is the primary healthcare provider. However, the proximity of UTMC and Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville provides access to a broader range of specialty services and higher-rated facilities. When choosing a hospital, patients should consider their individual healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences. Evaluate the CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth options. Consider the patient reviews and the hospital's commitment to community health. By carefully weighing these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare.