23185, Williamsburg, Virginia Arthritis Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Arthritis Score in 23185, Williamsburg, Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Arthritis Care in the 23185 Area: A Detailed Hospital Review

The search for quality arthritis care can be daunting. This review focuses on hospitals near the 23185 ZIP code (Williamsburg, Virginia) to provide a factual overview of available resources, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options. This information is intended to aid in making informed decisions about your healthcare.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The 23185 area is served by a mix of hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses regarding arthritis treatment. Proximity is a key factor, but it shouldn't be the sole determinant. Assessing the quality of care, the availability of specialists, and the overall patient experience is crucial.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center (Newport News, VA)**

While not directly in the 23185 ZIP code, Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News is a major regional healthcare provider and a significant player in the arthritis care landscape. Riverside is a large hospital with a wide range of services. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Riverside Regional Medical Center has a 3-star rating. This rating reflects a complex assessment of various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

Riverside's emergency room wait times can fluctuate. Publicly available data suggests average wait times, but it's always best to check current conditions. The hospital's website often provides real-time updates.

Riverside boasts a robust orthopedic department, which is crucial for arthritis treatment. They offer comprehensive services, including diagnosis, medical management, physical therapy, and surgical interventions like joint replacements. They have a dedicated team of rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and other specialists. The hospital also offers advanced imaging capabilities, which are essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of arthritis.

Telehealth is available at Riverside. They offer virtual appointments with specialists. This can be a convenient option for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Check their website for specifics on rheumatology telehealth availability.

**Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (Williamsburg, VA)**

Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center is located within the 23185 ZIP code and is a primary healthcare provider for the local community. It's a smaller hospital compared to Riverside Regional Medical Center. Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating.

Emergency room wait times at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center are generally shorter than at larger hospitals. However, it's important to remember that wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the cases being treated.

Sentara Williamsburg offers a range of orthopedic services, including treatment for arthritis. They have a team of orthopedic surgeons and other specialists. While the hospital is smaller than Riverside, it provides essential care for common arthritis conditions.

Telehealth options are available at Sentara Williamsburg, allowing patients to connect with specialists remotely. The availability of rheumatology telehealth services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital (Newport News, VA)**

Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, located in Newport News, is another option for residents near 23185. It is a Catholic hospital and has a 3-star CMS rating.

Emergency room wait times at Mary Immaculate can vary, so it's advisable to check current conditions.

Mary Immaculate has an orthopedic department that provides care for arthritis. They offer a range of services, including joint replacement surgery. The hospital's website provides information on its orthopedic services.

Telehealth services are available at Mary Immaculate. Patients can access virtual appointments with specialists. Rheumatology telehealth services are available.

**Specialty Centers and Considerations**

Beyond the main hospitals, it's important to consider specialized centers and other factors that may influence your choice of care.

* **Rheumatology Practices:** Several rheumatology practices in the Williamsburg and Newport News area offer specialized care for arthritis. These practices often have close relationships with the hospitals mentioned above. Researching local rheumatologists and their affiliations is a good starting point.
* **Physical Therapy:** Physical therapy is a crucial component of arthritis management. Ensure the hospital or practice you choose has a strong physical therapy program.
* **Pain Management:** Chronic pain is a common symptom of arthritis. Look for hospitals or practices that offer pain management services.
* **Support Groups:** Connecting with other people who have arthritis can be beneficial. Inquire about support groups offered by the hospitals or in the community.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and specialists you choose are in your insurance network.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Caveat**

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor, especially for acute arthritis flares. However, it's crucial to remember that these times are averages and can change. Factors like the number of patients, the severity of their conditions, and staffing levels all play a role. Always check the hospital's website or call ahead to get the most up-to-date information.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly common in healthcare, including arthritis treatment. It offers convenience and accessibility, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management. However, it's important to confirm the availability of telehealth services with the specific rheumatologist or hospital you are considering.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Guide, Not a Guarantee**

The CMS star ratings provide a valuable overview of hospital performance. However, they are not the only factor to consider. They are based on a complex set of metrics and should be viewed as a starting point for your research. Consider factors like the experience of the rheumatologists, the availability of specialized services, and your personal preferences.

**Patient Experience: The Human Factor**

Beyond the technical aspects of care, the patient experience is critical. Consider factors like the hospital's reputation for patient satisfaction, the responsiveness of the staff, and the overall environment. Read online reviews, talk to other patients, and visit the hospital if possible to get a sense of the atmosphere.

**Making Your Decision**

Choosing the right hospital and rheumatologist for arthritis care is a personal decision. This review provides a factual overview of the available resources in the 23185 area.

**Key steps to take:**

1. **Research rheumatologists:** Identify rheumatologists in the area and investigate their affiliations.
2. **Check CMS ratings:** Use the CMS star ratings as a guide.
3. **Inquire about wait times:** Contact hospitals for current ER wait times.
4. **Explore telehealth options:** Determine if telehealth services are available.
5. **Consider specialty centers:** Research physical therapy, pain management, and other specialized services.
6. **Read patient reviews:** Gather information about patient experiences.
7. **Verify insurance coverage:** Confirm that the hospital and specialists are in your network.
8. **Schedule consultations:** Meet with potential rheumatologists to discuss your needs and concerns.

By taking these steps, you can make an informed decision and find the best possible care for your arthritis. Remember that this information is subject to change, and it's always best to verify the details directly with the hospitals and specialists.