37821, Newport, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 37821, Newport, Tennessee is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Kodak, TN (ZIP Code 37821)

Finding the right healthcare in the Kodak, Tennessee area (ZIP code 37821) involves understanding the landscape of available hospitals, their strengths, and potential weaknesses. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, evaluating key factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth options. This information will help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Proximity and Major Players:**

The primary hospitals serving the 37821 ZIP code are located in nearby Knoxville and Sevierville. While no hospitals are directly within Kodak, residents benefit from convenient access to a range of facilities. The major players include University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC), Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, and LeConte Medical Center. These hospitals are the cornerstones of healthcare in the region, each with its own distinct profile.

**University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC): A Flagship Institution**

UTMC, located in Knoxville, is a flagship facility and the most comprehensive healthcare provider in the area. It holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not perfect, indicates a generally above-average performance in various quality metrics. UTMC is a teaching hospital, affiliated with the University of Tennessee, which often translates to advanced care and access to clinical trials.

UTMC boasts a Level I Trauma Center, a critical asset for the region. This designation signifies the highest level of trauma care available, providing immediate and specialized treatment for severe injuries. The hospital’s emergency room (ER) sees a high volume of patients, and while wait times fluctuate, they are generally in line with, or slightly above, national averages. Data from recent months suggests average ER wait times can range from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the time of day and patient volume. It's crucial to understand that these are averages and individual wait times can vary.

UTMC excels in several specialties. It has a highly regarded cardiology program, offering advanced cardiac procedures and treatments. The hospital’s cancer institute is another significant strength, providing comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. UTMC also has a strong reputation in neurosurgery, offering cutting-edge treatments for neurological conditions.

Telehealth services are increasingly important, and UTMC has embraced this technology. They offer a variety of telehealth options, including virtual appointments with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and online access to medical records. This is particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas who may have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

**Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center: A Community Focus**

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, also located in Knoxville, is another major hospital serving the area. It is part of Covenant Health, a large healthcare system. Fort Sanders Regional has a 3-star CMS rating, indicating an average performance. While the rating is lower than UTMC's, it still provides a solid foundation of care.

Fort Sanders Regional is known for its strong focus on community health. It has a well-regarded women's health program, offering a range of services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and breast cancer treatment. The hospital also has a comprehensive heart institute, providing a full spectrum of cardiac care.

ER wait times at Fort Sanders Regional are generally comparable to UTMC, often fluctuating between 45 minutes and an hour. However, these times can increase significantly during peak hours or in periods of high patient volume.

Telehealth services are also available at Fort Sanders Regional, though perhaps not as extensively as at UTMC. They offer virtual appointments and remote monitoring options, allowing patients to access care from the comfort of their homes.

**LeConte Medical Center: Serving Sevier County**

LeConte Medical Center, located in Sevierville, provides healthcare closer to the 37821 ZIP code. It is also part of Covenant Health. LeConte has a 3-star CMS rating, similar to Fort Sanders Regional. This hospital is a vital resource for residents of Sevier County and the surrounding areas.

LeConte Medical Center focuses on serving the needs of its local community. It has a strong emergency department, providing immediate care for a wide range of medical conditions. ER wait times at LeConte are generally shorter than at the Knoxville hospitals, often averaging around 30 to 45 minutes. However, these times can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume.

The hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. It has a growing cancer center, providing comprehensive cancer care close to home.

Telehealth services are available at LeConte, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options. This is particularly beneficial for residents in the more rural areas of Sevier County, who may have limited access to healthcare facilities.

**Other Considerations: Clinics, Urgent Care, and Outpatient Services**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents of the 37821 area have access to a network of clinics, urgent care centers, and outpatient services. These facilities provide convenient access to primary care, minor illness and injury treatment, and specialized services.

Several primary care clinics are located in and around Kodak, providing routine checkups, vaccinations, and management of chronic conditions. These clinics are often the first point of contact for healthcare needs.

Urgent care centers offer a convenient alternative to the ER for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They typically have shorter wait times and are open during evenings and weekends. Several urgent care centers are located in the vicinity of Kodak.

Outpatient services, such as physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, and specialized consultations, are also readily available. These services are often provided by the hospitals and clinics, or by independent providers.

**Comparing ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for many patients. While all three major hospitals – UTMC, Fort Sanders Regional, and LeConte Medical Center – provide emergency care, wait times can vary. Data from recent months indicates that UTMC and Fort Sanders Regional, both in Knoxville, often have longer wait times, typically ranging from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. LeConte Medical Center, in Sevierville, generally has shorter wait times, often averaging 30 to 45 minutes. However, these are averages, and individual wait times can fluctuate based on the time of day, patient volume, and the severity of the condition.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Advanced Care**

The availability of specialized medical centers is a significant advantage for residents of the 37821 area. UTMC's cardiology program and cancer institute are leading examples of advanced care. Fort Sanders Regional also has a strong heart institute and women's health program. LeConte Medical Center is expanding its cancer center and offers a range of specialty services. These centers provide access to cutting-edge treatments and experienced specialists.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important aspect of healthcare delivery. UTMC, Fort Sanders Regional, and LeConte Medical Center all offer telehealth services, including virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and online access to medical records. This technology is particularly beneficial for residents of the 37821 area, allowing them to access care from the comfort of their homes and reducing the need for travel.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The 37821 ZIP code area offers a solid foundation of healthcare options. UTMC, with its 4-star CMS rating and Level I Trauma Center, provides the most comprehensive care. However, residents should also consider Fort Sanders Regional and LeConte Medical Center, both of which offer valuable services and shorter wait times in some cases.

* **UTMC:** Offers the highest level of care, particularly for trauma and complex conditions. Expect longer ER wait times. Strong in cardiology, cancer care, and neurosurgery. Extensive telehealth options.
* **Fort Sanders Regional:** Provides a strong community focus, particularly in women's health and cardiology. ER wait times are generally comparable to UTMC. Telehealth options are available.
* **LeConte Medical Center:** Offers convenient access to care in Sevierville, with generally shorter ER wait times. Expanding cancer center and a range of specialty services. Telehealth options available.

The "Overall Health Score" for the 37821 area is **Good**. The area benefits from access to a flagship hospital with a high CMS rating, a Level I Trauma Center, and a range of specialized services. The presence of multiple hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers ensures that residents have access to a variety of healthcare options. However, residents should be aware of potential ER wait times and consider the specific needs of their situation when choosing a healthcare provider. The increasing availability of telehealth services further enhances the accessibility of care in this region. Residents should research specific providers, compare wait times, and consider their individual healthcare needs when making decisions.