St. Joseph’s Hospital-North earns 4-star rating
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz earned a 4-star rating in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Quality Star Ratings Report.
The star rating system allows people to find and compare information about the quality of care at more than 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals across the country. The categories used to determine the ratings are mortality, readmissions, patient experience, safety, and timely and effective care.
The highest rating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services report is 5 stars and only 40% of hospitals nationally earned a 4 or 5-star rating.
“The CMS Hospital Quality Star Ratings Report is a rigorous evaluation of care at hospitals,” said Sara Dodds, president of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. “We are proud that we are in the upper echelon with four stars. When evaluating hospitals, it is important for people to know that we are considered to be of the highest standards as determined by one of the government’s most important health care entities.”
Laura Arline, chief quality officer for BayCare, said hospital star ratings not only help people decide where to receive their health care, but they also help hospitals identify where they excel and can improve.
Health care partnership to benefit San Antonio, Wesley Chapel
TAMPA – Metro Development Group and BayCare launched a partnership to enhance the health and well-being of residents at Epperson and Mirada, two of Metro’s cornerstone master planned communities within Connected City.
Through the partnership, residents will have access to a personal concierge service accessible by phone or internet. Services could include locating and scheduling assistance for primary care or specialists, labs, urgent care, wellness services, support groups and health classes, along with assistance with online services.
BayCare will provide a range of customizable care services accessible by residents in the convenience of their homes, BayCareAnywhere telehealth app for 24/7 virtual consultations, doctor-on-demand, at-home AI-driven symptom checker for prompt health evaluations and online wellness and nutritional content.
The partnership will include a dedicated medical office near Epperson, providing comprehensive primary and acute care services including a freestanding emergency department. This HealthHub, supported by BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, located seven miles away, ensures residents have convenient access to a full spectrum of exclusive health care options.
Get your questions answered about Medicare
PASCO COUNTY – Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.
Volunteers will be available to answer questions about Medicare at several Pasco County events:
- Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. Details: 727- 834-3204
- Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. Details: 727-853-1279
- Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. at the Genesis Center MOW, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. Details: 813-782-7859
- Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. Details: 813-788-6375
- Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. Details: 813-929-1214
- Oct. 24 at noon at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. Details: 352-567-3576
- Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey. Details: 727-861-3049
SHINE counselors can also be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
Hillsborough County observes National Adult Day Services Week
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Adult Day Service celebrated National Adult Day Services Week from Sept. 15 to 21.
The celebration included several events that recognize the older adults they serve, the caregivers who receive respite, and the staff at Hillsborough County’s four Adult Day Service Centers.
Centers allow caregivers to receive respite or continue employment while their loved ones enjoy a supervised and socially stimulating setting. The centers offer mental, social and physical activities for people who have frailties, physical or cognitive impairments, or chronic health conditions.
Hillsborough County’s four Adult Day Service Centers are as follows:
- Phyllis Busansky Specialized Alzheimer’s Adult Day Care Center , 4102 W. Spruce St., Tampa
- Bloomingdale Adult Day Care Center, 3940 Canoga Park Drive, Brandon
- Plant City Adult Day Care Center, 1205 S. Waller St., Plant City
- Wimauma Senior Center , 16621 Lagoon Shore Blvd., Wimauma
