28533, Cherry Point, North Carolina Arthritis Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Arthritis Score in 28533, Cherry Point, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Arthritis Care in the Jacksonville, NC Area: A Comprehensive Hospital Review

Finding the right medical care for arthritis can be a complex undertaking. This review focuses on hospitals near the 28533 ZIP code (Jacksonville, North Carolina), offering a fact-based assessment of their arthritis-related services, performance metrics, and accessibility. This information will help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Scope of Arthritis Care**

Arthritis encompasses over 100 different conditions, all marked by joint inflammation. Effective treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving rheumatologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and potentially surgeons. Key factors to consider when evaluating a hospital's arthritis care include the availability of these specialists, the scope of diagnostic and treatment options, and patient satisfaction data.

**Navigating the Healthcare Landscape: Key Hospitals Near 28533**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Jacksonville area are:

* **Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune (NHCL):** While primarily serving active-duty military personnel and their families, NHCL provides a range of medical services, including rheumatology. Access to care is determined by eligibility and referral pathways within the military healthcare system (TRICARE).

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Located in Jacksonville, Onslow Memorial Hospital is a key community hospital. It offers a variety of medical services, including rheumatology consultations and treatment.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital: A Closer Look**

Onslow Memorial Hospital is a vital resource for residents of Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. It is important to note that CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) does not assign overall star ratings to all hospitals, particularly smaller community hospitals. However, Onslow Memorial Hospital's performance can be assessed using other available data.

**Rheumatology Services at Onslow Memorial:** Onslow Memorial Hospital offers rheumatology services, providing diagnosis and treatment for various arthritis conditions. Patients can expect to see a rheumatologist for consultation, diagnosis, and management of their condition.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility. While specific real-time data fluctuates, it's important to inquire about average wait times during your visit.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Onslow Memorial Hospital offers a range of specialty services. Inquire about the availability of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management programs, which are often integral to arthritis care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important for healthcare access. Check if Onslow Memorial Hospital offers telehealth consultations with rheumatologists or other specialists, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication management.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction data is a valuable indicator of the quality of care. Look for publicly available patient satisfaction surveys, such as those collected by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), to gauge patient experiences.

**Beyond the Immediate Area: Exploring Regional Options**

While Onslow Memorial Hospital is the primary hospital in Jacksonville, it's important to consider regional options for specialized care or second opinions. Hospitals in nearby cities may offer a broader range of services or specialized programs.

**New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, NC):** Located approximately 70 miles from Jacksonville, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) is a larger regional hospital. NHRMC is part of Novant Health and offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including rheumatology.

**CMS Star Rating:** NHRMC has a CMS star rating, which is a publicly available metric that reflects the hospital's overall performance based on various quality measures. Check the latest CMS data to ascertain the current star rating.

**Rheumatology Services at NHRMC:** NHRMC has a dedicated rheumatology department, providing diagnosis, treatment, and management of various arthritis conditions. They have a team of rheumatologists and support staff.

**Emergency Room Wait Times at NHRMC:** Emergency room wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website or other sources for average wait times, as this can be a significant factor in choosing a hospital.

**Specialty Centers and Services at NHRMC:** NHRMC offers a wide range of specialty centers and services. Inquire about the availability of physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management programs, and other services relevant to arthritis care. They may also have specialized programs for certain types of arthritis.

**Telehealth Capabilities at NHRMC:** NHRMC likely has telehealth capabilities, which can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and medication management. Check their website or contact them directly to inquire about telehealth options.

**Patient Satisfaction at NHRMC:** Patient satisfaction data is publicly available through HCAHPS and other surveys. Review these data to understand patient experiences at NHRMC.

**UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill, NC):** Located approximately 150 miles from Jacksonville, UNC Medical Center is a major academic medical center. It offers a highly specialized rheumatology department and access to cutting-edge treatments and research.

**CMS Star Rating:** UNC Medical Center has a CMS star rating, which reflects its overall performance.

**Rheumatology Services at UNC Medical Center:** UNC Medical Center's rheumatology department is known for its expertise and comprehensive services. They have a large team of rheumatologists and specialists, offering diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex arthritis cases.

**Emergency Room Wait Times at UNC Medical Center:** Emergency room wait times can be longer at a major academic medical center. Check the hospital's website or contact them directly for average wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services at UNC Medical Center:** UNC Medical Center offers a wide range of specialty centers and services, including advanced imaging, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management programs. They may also have specialized programs for specific types of arthritis.

**Telehealth Capabilities at UNC Medical Center:** UNC Medical Center likely has extensive telehealth capabilities, including video consultations and remote monitoring. Check their website or contact them directly for telehealth options.

**Patient Satisfaction at UNC Medical Center:** Patient satisfaction data is publicly available through HCAHPS and other surveys. Review these data to understand patient experiences at UNC Medical Center.

**Additional Considerations for Choosing a Hospital**

Beyond the specific services and metrics discussed, consider these factors:

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its specialists accept your insurance plan.
* **Physician Referrals:** Your primary care physician can provide referrals to rheumatologists and other specialists.
* **Hospital Accreditation:** Check for accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission, which indicates adherence to quality standards.
* **Accessibility:** Consider the hospital's location, parking, and ease of access.
* **Personal Preferences:** Choose a hospital where you feel comfortable and that aligns with your values.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for arthritis care requires careful consideration of your individual needs and preferences. By evaluating the services, performance metrics, and accessibility of hospitals near the 28533 ZIP code, you can make an informed decision that supports your health and well-being. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and rheumatologist to determine the best course of action for your specific condition. This review provides a starting point for your research, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.