05663, Northfield, Vermont Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 05663, Northfield, Vermont is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Stowe, Vermont (ZIP Code 05663)

The picturesque town of Stowe, Vermont, nestled in the Green Mountains, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a popular tourist destination. But beyond the stunning scenery, residents and visitors alike need access to quality healthcare. This review analyzes the available hospital options near ZIP code 05663, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Players and Proximity**

The primary healthcare providers serving Stowe and the surrounding communities are located within a reasonable driving distance. The closest hospital with a significant presence is **Copley Hospital** in Morrisville, approximately 15 miles away. Further afield, but still accessible, are **University of Vermont (UVM) Medical Center** in Burlington (around 40 miles) and **Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC)** in Berlin (approximately 45 miles). These institutions form the core of the healthcare landscape for residents of Stowe.

**Copley Hospital: A Community-Focused Approach**

Copley Hospital, a critical access hospital, is the closest option for residents of Stowe. It plays a vital role in providing essential services to the community. As a critical access hospital, Copley is designed to serve a rural population and has a limited number of beds.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** Copley Hospital currently does not have a CMS star rating. This absence doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it does mean that the hospital's performance data hasn't been comprehensively evaluated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

**Emergency Room (ER) Services:** Copley Hospital's ER is a critical resource for the community. While specific wait time data is not publicly available, the hospital emphasizes its commitment to providing timely and efficient emergency care. The ER is equipped to handle a range of medical emergencies, from minor injuries to serious conditions.

**Specialty Services:** Copley Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. The hospital also has a comprehensive surgical program. These services are essential for addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the population.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Copley Hospital is actively involved in telehealth initiatives. Telehealth services can be particularly valuable in rural areas, providing access to specialists and consultations without requiring patients to travel long distances. The hospital likely offers telehealth appointments for various specialties, enhancing access to care.

**University of Vermont Medical Center: A Regional Hub**

The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM Medical Center) in Burlington is a major academic medical center and the largest hospital in Vermont. It serves as a regional referral center, providing specialized care and advanced treatments.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** UVM Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's important to remember that this is a snapshot in time and that hospitals are constantly striving to improve.

**Emergency Room (ER) Services:** UVM Medical Center's ER is a high-volume facility, handling a large number of patients each day. While specific wait times can fluctuate, the hospital is committed to providing timely emergency care. The ER is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including trauma and critical illnesses.

**Specialty Services:** UVM Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and surgery. The hospital is a leader in research and innovation, providing access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. UVM Medical Center also has specialized centers for cancer care, heart and vascular care, and other complex conditions.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UVM Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. Telehealth is used to improve access to specialists, particularly for patients in rural areas. The hospital offers telehealth appointments for a wide range of specialties, including primary care, mental health, and chronic disease management.

**Central Vermont Medical Center: Serving the Central Region**

Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin is another important healthcare provider in the region. CVMC is a community hospital serving the central Vermont area.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** CVMC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures.

**Emergency Room (ER) Services:** CVMC's ER is a vital resource for the central Vermont community. While specific wait times can vary, the hospital strives to provide efficient and timely emergency care. The ER is equipped to handle a variety of medical emergencies.

**Specialty Services:** CVMC offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The hospital provides essential care for the community.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** CVMC is involved in telehealth initiatives, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. Telehealth helps to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas.

**Assessing the Overall Health Score: A Comparative Analysis**

Evaluating the hospitals near Stowe requires a holistic approach. Copley Hospital, while lacking a CMS star rating, provides essential services and is the closest option. UVM Medical Center offers a higher level of specialized care and advanced treatments, but is located further away. CVMC offers a middle ground, providing a range of services and is located in between the other two.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** While specific wait time data is not readily available for all hospitals, it's essential to consider this factor when making healthcare decisions. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER, which can be crucial in emergency situations.

**Specialty Services:** The availability of specialty services is a critical factor, especially for patients with complex medical needs. UVM Medical Center offers the most comprehensive range of specialty services, followed by Copley Hospital and CVMC.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It improves access to specialists and reduces the need for travel. UVM Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, followed by Copley Hospital and CVMC.

**Considerations for Stowe Residents and Visitors**

For residents of Stowe and visitors, the choice of hospital will depend on individual needs and circumstances. For routine care and less serious conditions, Copley Hospital is a convenient option. For specialized care and advanced treatments, UVM Medical Center is the preferred choice. CVMC offers a middle ground.

**Recommendations and Final Thoughts**

The healthcare landscape near Stowe offers a range of options. Residents and visitors should familiarize themselves with the services offered by each hospital and consider factors such as proximity, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

* **Copley Hospital:** Provides essential community-based care. Lacks a CMS star rating, but is the closest option.
* **UVM Medical Center:** Offers a comprehensive range of specialty services and advanced treatments. Has a 3-star CMS rating.
* **Central Vermont Medical Center:** Provides a range of services. Has a 3-star CMS rating.

The best choice will depend on the individual's specific needs. It's always recommended to consult with a primary care physician to determine the most appropriate healthcare provider.