05658, Marshfield, Vermont Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 05658, Marshfield, Vermont is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 05658 (Vermont)

This review analyzes the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 05658, encompassing the town of Stowe, Vermont, and its surrounding communities. We'll assess the overall health score of hospitals in the area, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. Due to the rural nature of the region, the healthcare options are limited, but we'll examine the available resources in detail.

**Flagship Hospital: University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington)**

The primary healthcare hub for residents near 05658 is the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM Medical Center) in Burlington, approximately an hour's drive from Stowe. As a Level I trauma center, it provides a comprehensive range of services and is the most advanced medical facility within a reasonable distance.

UVM Medical Center boasts a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not the highest possible, reflects a facility that generally meets quality standards. The CMS star ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. The hospital's performance in areas like readmission rates, infection control, and patient satisfaction are all contributing factors to the overall score.

**Specialty Centers and Services at UVM Medical Center**

UVM Medical Center houses several specialized centers, including the Vermont Cancer Center, the UVM Children's Hospital, and the Heart and Vascular Center. These centers offer advanced treatments and expertise in their respective fields. The Vermont Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care, from diagnosis and treatment to supportive services. The UVM Children's Hospital offers specialized pediatric care, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The Heart and Vascular Center provides advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.

**Accessibility and Emergency Services**

For residents of Stowe and surrounding areas, accessing UVM Medical Center can be challenging, particularly during winter months. The drive can be affected by weather conditions, potentially increasing travel times. Emergency services are available at UVM Medical Center, but the distance necessitates reliance on local emergency medical services (EMS) for initial care and transport.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. While specific ER wait times can fluctuate, UVM Medical Center generally experiences moderate wait times, which can be influenced by the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions. Patients with life-threatening emergencies are prioritized, while those with less urgent needs may experience longer wait times. It is important to contact the hospital directly or check their website for up-to-date wait time information.

**Telehealth Initiatives**

UVM Medical Center has actively embraced telehealth to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Telehealth services allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel. These services include virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The hospital's telehealth programs have expanded, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing access to specialists and primary care physicians.

**Other Hospitals in the Region: Limited Options**

The immediate vicinity of 05658 offers limited hospital options. Smaller community hospitals and critical access hospitals are located further away, but they may offer fewer specialized services.

**Copley Hospital (Morrisville)**

Copley Hospital in Morrisville, Vermont, is a critical access hospital located approximately 30 minutes from Stowe. This hospital provides essential services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient services. Copley Hospital is a smaller facility than UVM Medical Center and does not offer the same breadth of specialized services. However, it plays a crucial role in providing accessible healthcare to the local community.

**Other Healthcare Providers**

In addition to hospitals, the area surrounding 05658 has a network of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care clinics. These providers offer a range of services, from routine checkups to specialized care. Patients can access these providers through referrals from their primary care physicians or by seeking care directly.

**Community Health Centers**

Community health centers are another important component of the healthcare landscape in the region. These centers provide comprehensive primary care services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health services, often serving underserved populations. Community health centers offer a valuable resource for individuals and families seeking affordable and accessible healthcare.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The overall health score for the area surrounding ZIP code 05658 is influenced by the presence of UVM Medical Center as the primary healthcare provider. While the hospital offers comprehensive services and advanced care, its distance from Stowe presents challenges for accessibility. The CMS 3-star rating indicates that the hospital generally meets quality standards, but there is always room for improvement. The presence of Copley Hospital in Morrisville provides a closer option for basic care, but it lacks the specialized services available at UVM Medical Center.

**Strengths:**

* **Access to a Level I Trauma Center:** UVM Medical Center provides access to advanced medical care and specialized services.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Telehealth programs enhance access to care for rural residents.
* **Community Health Centers:** Community health centers provide accessible and affordable healthcare options.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Distance to UVM Medical Center:** The travel time to the primary hospital can be a barrier to accessing care, especially in emergencies or during inclement weather.
* **Limited Hospital Options:** The number of hospitals in the immediate area is limited, reducing choice and potentially increasing travel times for specialized care.
* **CMS Rating of 3 Stars:** The CMS rating, while indicating that the hospital generally meets quality standards, suggests that there is room for improvement in certain areas.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

* **Enhance Telehealth Services:** Expanding telehealth programs can improve access to care and reduce the need for travel.
* **Improve Emergency Response:** Strengthening local EMS capabilities and improving coordination with UVM Medical Center can improve emergency response times.
* **Promote Preventive Care:** Encouraging preventive care and health education can help reduce the need for hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
* **Strengthen Community Partnerships:** Collaborating with community health centers and other healthcare providers can improve the overall health of the community.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 05658 is characterized by the presence of a strong, but distant, flagship hospital and limited local options. While UVM Medical Center provides comprehensive care, the distance and limited local resources pose challenges for accessibility. The overall health score is impacted by the need to travel for specialized care and the reliance on local emergency services. By focusing on enhancing telehealth services, improving emergency response, promoting preventive care, and strengthening community partnerships, the healthcare system can better serve the needs of residents in this rural Vermont region.