05669, Roxbury, Vermont Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 05669, Roxbury, Vermont is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 05669 (Stowe, VT)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Stowe, Vermont (ZIP code 05669), focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions about their care. We'll examine the facilities within a reasonable radius, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings. Given the rural nature of the area, access to comprehensive healthcare is crucial.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus will be on hospitals readily accessible from Stowe. This includes facilities in the immediate vicinity and those within a practical driving distance, considering Vermont's mountainous terrain. The review will concentrate on hospitals with a significant presence in the region, providing a range of services.

**The Challenge of Rural Healthcare:**

Healthcare access in rural areas like Stowe presents unique challenges. Limited population density can translate to fewer specialists, longer travel times for specialized care, and potentially reduced access to cutting-edge technology. This review will consider these factors when evaluating each facility.

**Key Metrics for Evaluation:**

Our "Overall Health Score" will be derived from a combination of factors:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), offer a standardized measure of hospital quality based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** Timely access to emergency care is critical. We will analyze publicly available data on ER wait times, reflecting the time from patient arrival to a physician's assessment.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence and scope of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, will be assessed.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially in rural areas. We'll examine the availability and range of telehealth offerings, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Information from patient surveys and feedback will be considered, where available.
* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission indicates a commitment to quality and safety.
* **Hospital Capacity and Staffing:** The size of the hospital, the number of beds, and staffing levels will be considered in relation to the needs of the community.

**Hospital Profiles and Analysis:**

**1. Copley Hospital (Morrisville, VT):**

Copley Hospital, located in Morrisville, is a critical access hospital serving the Lamoille County area. It is the closest full-service hospital to Stowe. Copley Hospital is a crucial healthcare provider for the region.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Copley Hospital's CMS star rating is not publicly available. This can make it challenging to compare the hospital's quality to others using this metric.
* **ER Wait Times:** Publicly available data on ER wait times is not readily available. However, as a critical access hospital, Copley Hospital is likely to prioritize prompt emergency care.
* **Specialty Centers:** Copley offers a range of services, including a family birth center, cardiology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation services.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Copley Hospital likely offers telehealth services, especially for follow-up appointments and specialist consultations. This is common among rural hospitals.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction data is not readily available.
* **Overall Assessment:** Copley Hospital is a vital resource for the Stowe area. It provides a range of essential services and is a primary point of access for emergency care. While a CMS star rating is unavailable, the hospital's commitment to serving the community is evident.

**2. University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT):**

The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) in Burlington is a major tertiary care center and a flagship hospital for the state. It is located approximately an hour's drive from Stowe.

* **CMS Star Rating:** The University of Vermont Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at UVMMC can vary. Data is available on the hospital's website.
* **Specialty Centers:** UVMMC boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including a nationally recognized cancer center, a heart and vascular center, and advanced surgical services.
* **Telehealth Availability:** UVMMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists across a wide range of disciplines.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are available through the hospital's website and public surveys.
* **Overall Assessment:** UVMMC offers a high level of care and a broad range of services. It is a good option for complex medical needs, but the distance from Stowe may be a factor. The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, but the hospital's comprehensive services make it a valuable resource.

**3. Central Vermont Medical Center (Berlin, VT):**

Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin, VT, is another hospital option, located approximately an hour's drive from Stowe.

* **CMS Star Rating:** CVMC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at CVMC can vary. Data is available on the hospital's website.
* **Specialty Centers:** CVMC offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a birthing center.
* **Telehealth Availability:** CVMC likely offers telehealth services, especially for follow-up appointments and specialist consultations.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are available through the hospital's website and public surveys.
* **Overall Assessment:** CVMC is a good option for a range of medical needs. The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, but the hospital's services make it a valuable resource.

**4. Northwestern Medical Center (St. Albans, VT):**

Northwestern Medical Center (NMC) in St. Albans is located approximately an hour and a half drive from Stowe.

* **CMS Star Rating:** NMC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at NMC can vary. Data is available on the hospital's website.
* **Specialty Centers:** NMC offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a birthing center.
* **Telehealth Availability:** NMC likely offers telehealth services, especially for follow-up appointments and specialist consultations.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are available through the hospital's website and public surveys.
* **Overall Assessment:** NMC is a good option for a range of medical needs. The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, but the hospital's services make it a valuable resource.

**Telehealth's Role in Rural Healthcare:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in rural areas. It allows patients to access specialists and receive care remotely, reducing the need for long travel times. Hospitals in the Stowe area are likely to be investing in telehealth to improve access to care.

**Emergency Care Considerations:**

In emergency situations, time is critical. The closest hospital with a fully equipped ER is the primary choice. However, the level of care required may necessitate a transfer to a larger facility like UVMMC.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Stowe, VT, is influenced by several factors. Copley Hospital is the closest and most accessible option, providing essential services. UVMMC offers a higher level of specialized care but requires a longer drive. CVMC and NMC offer a good range of services. The CMS star ratings for the larger hospitals indicate areas for improvement, but the availability of specialty centers and telehealth services is a significant advantage. Residents of Stowe should consider their individual healthcare needs, the urgency of the situation, and the availability of transportation when making healthcare decisions. The increasing availability of telehealth services is a positive development for the region.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Healthcare needs vary, and individuals should consult with their physicians to determine the best course of treatment. Hospital ratings and services can change, so it is essential to verify information directly with the hospitals.