05764, Poultney, Vermont Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 05764, Poultney, Vermont is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 05764

This review analyzes the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 05764 (Rutland, Vermont), providing an “Overall Health Score” based on available data. This score considers factors like hospital quality, accessibility, specialty services, and telehealth options. Due to the rural nature of the area, the options are limited, but the analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available to residents.

**The Landscape:**

The primary healthcare provider for residents of 05764 is Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC). While other facilities exist in the broader region, RRMC serves as the primary hub for acute care, offering a range of services. This review will focus primarily on RRMC, with considerations for other regional options where relevant.

**Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC): The Core Provider**

RRMC is the cornerstone of healthcare in Rutland County. It’s a non-profit community hospital serving a large geographic area. Understanding its performance is crucial for assessing the overall health score for the region.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on a variety of quality measures. As of the most recent data, RRMC has a CMS star rating of **three stars**. This rating reflects performance across several categories, including patient experience, safety of care, and effectiveness of care. While a three-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific metrics to understand strengths and weaknesses.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient experience is a significant component of the CMS star rating. RRMC's scores in this area, as reflected in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, show areas for improvement. Specific areas to consider include communication with nurses and doctors, responsiveness of hospital staff, and pain management. Residents should review the HCAHPS scores on the CMS website to understand the specific areas where RRMC excels and where it faces challenges.

**Safety of Care:**

Safety of care metrics, such as rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and complications, are critical indicators of hospital quality. RRMC's performance in this area should be closely monitored. Data on HAIs, like catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), is publicly available on the CMS website and should be reviewed. Complication rates for common procedures are also important to consider.

**Effectiveness of Care:**

Effectiveness of care focuses on the delivery of evidence-based treatments and the achievement of positive patient outcomes. Metrics to examine include readmission rates for specific conditions, mortality rates for certain procedures, and adherence to recommended treatment guidelines. RRMC’s performance in these areas is a key factor in determining the overall health score.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical factor for residents seeking urgent care. Unfortunately, specific ER wait time data for RRMC can fluctuate. General trends suggest that wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. It is recommended to check real-time wait times, if available, through RRMC’s website or other platforms.

**Specialty Centers and Services at RRMC:**

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

**Cardiology:** RRMC has a cardiology department offering diagnostic and treatment services for heart conditions. The scope and capabilities of this department, including the availability of interventional cardiology procedures, are important factors.

**Oncology:** The Foley Cancer Center at RRMC provides comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support services. The center's accreditation and the availability of advanced treatment options are critical considerations.

**Orthopedics:** RRMC’s orthopedic department offers a range of services, including joint replacements, sports medicine, and fracture care. The expertise of the orthopedic surgeons and the availability of advanced surgical techniques are key.

**Women's Health:** RRMC provides a range of women's health services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography. The quality of these services, including the availability of specialized care for conditions like breast cancer, is essential.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. RRMC has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, allowing patients to access care remotely. The availability of telehealth appointments for various specialties, including primary care and mental health, is a positive indicator. Remote patient monitoring programs, where patients' vital signs are monitored remotely, can also improve access to care and help manage chronic conditions. Information on the specific telehealth services offered and the ease of access to these services is essential.

**Other Regional Healthcare Options:**

While RRMC is the primary provider, residents may seek care at other facilities in the region.

**University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM Medical Center):** Located in Burlington, Vermont, UVM Medical Center is a larger, tertiary care center offering a broader range of specialized services. However, it is a significant distance from 05764, making it less accessible for routine care. It has a CMS star rating of **three stars**.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center:** Located in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Dartmouth-Hitchcock is another regional referral center. It offers a wide range of specialties and advanced treatments. Accessibility is a factor, as it is located some distance from Rutland. It has a CMS star rating of **four stars**.

**Comparison and Accessibility Considerations:**

The presence of these larger regional hospitals provides access to specialized care that may not be available at RRMC. However, the distance and travel time to these facilities must be considered. The availability of transportation assistance programs for patients needing to travel for care is a relevant factor.

**Mental Health Services:**

Mental health services are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, in the Rutland area is a key factor. The accessibility of these services, including wait times for appointments and the availability of telehealth options, should be evaluated. RRMC offers mental health services, and the scope and quality of these services are important.

**Preventive Care and Community Health:**

Preventive care, including routine checkups, screenings, and vaccinations, is crucial for maintaining good health. The availability of primary care physicians and the accessibility of preventive services in the Rutland area are important considerations. RRMC's role in providing community health programs and promoting wellness initiatives contributes to the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, the overall health score for residents of 05764 is **moderate**. RRMC serves as a critical provider with a three-star CMS rating, offering a range of essential services. The availability of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, is a positive factor. However, areas for improvement exist, including patient experience, safety of care metrics, and potentially ER wait times. The limited access to higher-level tertiary care centers like UVM Medical Center and Dartmouth-Hitchcock, due to distance, presents a challenge. The expansion of telehealth services is a positive development, improving access to care. The availability and accessibility of mental health services and preventive care are also important factors to consider. Residents are encouraged to research specific metrics, such as HCAHPS scores and hospital-acquired infection rates, to form their own informed opinions. The Overall Health Score will improve with ongoing efforts to enhance quality, improve access, and expand services.