38554, Crawford, Tennessee Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 38554, Crawford, Tennessee is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Cookeville, TN (ZIP Code 38554)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Cookeville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38554), focusing on key metrics like quality, accessibility, and specialized services. This analysis aims to equip residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Flagship Hospital: Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC)**

Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) stands as the primary healthcare provider for the region. It is a 269-bed facility and a significant employer in Putnam County. CRMC's performance is crucial to the overall health score of the area.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Indicators:**

CRMC currently holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific metrics. The CMS rating is based on factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**Patient Safety:**

CRMC's performance on patient safety indicators is a critical aspect of its overall score. Data on hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), is publicly available and should be considered. The hospital's adherence to best practices in medication safety and surgical site infection prevention also contributes to its safety score.

**Readmission Rates:**

Readmission rates within 30 days of discharge are a key indicator of quality of care. High readmission rates can suggest issues with post-discharge care, inadequate patient education, or underlying health conditions. CRMC's performance on readmission rates for conditions like heart failure, pneumonia, and heart attack should be examined.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient experience is measured through surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). These surveys assess patient satisfaction with communication from doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, pain management, and the overall hospital environment. CRMC's HCAHPS scores provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial factor in accessibility. Long wait times can be detrimental to patient outcomes, especially in cases of serious illness or injury. The average ER wait time at CRMC should be assessed and compared to regional and national averages. The hospital's ability to handle a high volume of patients while maintaining reasonable wait times contributes to its overall accessibility score.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

CRMC offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The quality and availability of these specialized services significantly impact the overall health score.

**Cardiology:**

The availability of comprehensive cardiac care, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures (e.g., angioplasty, stenting), and cardiac rehabilitation, is essential. CRMC's cardiology program should be evaluated based on its outcomes, the expertise of its cardiologists, and its adherence to national guidelines.

**Oncology:**

Cancer care is a critical need in any community. CRMC's oncology services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology, should be assessed. The hospital's affiliation with cancer centers, access to clinical trials, and patient support services are also important considerations.

**Orthopedics:**

Orthopedic services, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and fracture care, are vital for the community. CRMC's orthopedic program should be evaluated based on its surgical outcomes, the expertise of its orthopedic surgeons, and its access to rehabilitation services.

**Women's Health:**

Comprehensive women's health services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography, are essential. CRMC's women's health program should be assessed based on its services, including the availability of labor and delivery services, gynecological care, and breast cancer screening and treatment.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

The increasing importance of telehealth and remote monitoring services should be assessed. CRMC's telehealth capabilities, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists via telehealth platforms, contribute to its accessibility and ability to provide care to patients in remote areas.

**Other Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities in the Area:**

While CRMC is the primary hospital, other healthcare facilities contribute to the overall health score of the area.

**Putnam County Health Department:**

The Putnam County Health Department provides a range of public health services, including immunizations, disease prevention, and health education. The department's effectiveness in addressing public health needs, such as infectious disease control and chronic disease prevention, is a factor in the overall health score.

**Physician Practices and Outpatient Clinics:**

The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and outpatient clinics is crucial for accessible healthcare. The number of physicians per capita, the availability of specialists, and the accessibility of outpatient services contribute to the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed above, the overall health score for the Cookeville area is a complex assessment. While CRMC is the primary provider, its CMS 3-star rating suggests areas for improvement. The hospital's performance on patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience should be carefully examined. The availability and quality of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health, are also critical. The accessibility of healthcare, including ER wait times and telehealth services, is a key factor. The contributions of the Putnam County Health Department and the availability of physician practices and outpatient clinics also play a role.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

Residents of the Cookeville area should consider the following when assessing their healthcare options:

* **Research CRMC's performance on specific quality metrics:** Review data on patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.
* **Assess the availability and quality of specialty services:** Determine if the hospital offers the specialized care needed.
* **Consider ER wait times and accessibility:** Evaluate the hospital's ability to provide timely care in emergencies.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Determine if telehealth services are available to meet healthcare needs.
* **Seek second opinions when necessary:** Don't hesitate to consult with other healthcare providers for additional perspectives.
* **Utilize the resources of the Putnam County Health Department:** Take advantage of public health services and educational programs.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for the Cookeville area is a reflection of the quality, accessibility, and availability of healthcare services. While CRMC is the primary provider, residents should carefully evaluate its performance and consider other healthcare options in the area. By taking an informed approach to healthcare decisions, residents can improve their overall health and well-being. This review provides a starting point for this critical evaluation. The health landscape is dynamic, so continuous monitoring of hospital performance and healthcare trends is recommended.