27858, Greenville, North Carolina Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 27858, Greenville, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 27858**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, particularly when dealing with a condition like hypertension, requires informed choices. This review examines hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 27858 (Rocky Mount, North Carolina), focusing on their capabilities in managing hypertension, their overall quality of care, and the accessibility of services. The aim is to provide a factual, data-driven assessment to assist individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Defining the Scope: Geographic Considerations**

The analysis concentrates on hospitals within a 50-mile radius of Rocky Mount, NC. This geographic area encompasses a blend of urban and rural settings, allowing for a diverse comparison of healthcare providers. Proximity is a crucial factor, especially in emergency situations or for regular follow-up appointments, which are vital for hypertension management.

**Key Metrics: The Hypertension Score Framework**

This review employs a "Hypertension Score," a composite metric that weighs several critical factors relevant to hypertension care. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare star ratings provide a readily available indicator of overall hospital quality. Higher star ratings (up to 5 stars) generally indicate better performance across various quality measures.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Prolonged ER wait times can be detrimental, especially in hypertensive crises. Data on average ER wait times is a crucial factor.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence of specialized cardiology centers, vascular surgery departments, and nephrology units is essential for comprehensive hypertension management.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The availability of telehealth services, including remote blood pressure monitoring and virtual consultations, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare signifies adherence to stringent quality and safety standards.
* **Physician Expertise:** The number of board-certified cardiologists, nephrologists, and vascular surgeons on staff is an indicator of the hospital's capacity to treat hypertension-related complications.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, often derived from surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), offer valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Hospital Profiles: A Comparative Analysis**

**Vidant Edgecombe Hospital (Tarboro, NC):** Located approximately 20 miles east of Rocky Mount, Vidant Edgecombe Hospital is a critical access hospital. Its CMS star rating is currently unavailable. ER wait times are reported to be around 30-45 minutes. The hospital has a cardiology department and offers some telehealth services, but the scope is limited. It is accredited by The Joint Commission. Physician expertise in cardiology and nephrology is moderate. Patient satisfaction scores are generally average.

**Nash UNC Health Care (Rocky Mount, NC):** Situated directly within the 27858 ZIP code, Nash UNC Health Care is a primary provider for the region. It currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. ER wait times are reported to be around 45-60 minutes. The hospital boasts a comprehensive cardiology program, including interventional cardiology services. Telehealth services are available, including remote blood pressure monitoring. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. Physician expertise is considered good, with a robust cardiology and nephrology staff. Patient satisfaction scores are generally average.

**UNC Health Southeastern (Lumberton, NC):** Located approximately 80 miles south of Rocky Mount, UNC Health Southeastern is a regional hospital. It currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. ER wait times are reported to be around 60-90 minutes. The hospital has a cardiology department and offers some telehealth services, but the scope is limited. It is accredited by The Joint Commission. Physician expertise in cardiology and nephrology is moderate. Patient satisfaction scores are generally average.

**WakeMed North Hospital (Raleigh, NC):** Located approximately 60 miles west of Rocky Mount, WakeMed North Hospital is a regional hospital. It currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS. ER wait times are reported to be around 30-45 minutes. The hospital has a comprehensive cardiology program, including interventional cardiology services and a dedicated vascular surgery department. Telehealth services are widely available, including remote blood pressure monitoring and virtual consultations. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. Physician expertise is considered excellent, with a large team of board-certified specialists. Patient satisfaction scores are generally high.

**Duke Health Raleigh Hospital (Raleigh, NC):** Located approximately 60 miles west of Rocky Mount, Duke Health Raleigh Hospital is a regional hospital. It currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS. ER wait times are reported to be around 30-45 minutes. The hospital has a comprehensive cardiology program, including interventional cardiology services and a dedicated vascular surgery department. Telehealth services are widely available, including remote blood pressure monitoring and virtual consultations. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. Physician expertise is considered excellent, with a large team of board-certified specialists. Patient satisfaction scores are generally high.

**Key Considerations for Hypertension Patients**

For individuals managing hypertension, several factors are of paramount importance. The availability of specialized cardiology and nephrology services is critical for managing complications. Access to telehealth services can facilitate regular monitoring and medication adjustments, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those residing in rural areas. Shorter ER wait times are crucial in the event of a hypertensive crisis.

**Specific Recommendations Based on the Hypertension Score**

Based on the data, Nash UNC Health Care offers a convenient option for residents of Rocky Mount, NC, with its proximity and established cardiology services. However, individuals seeking a higher level of care and more specialized services might consider WakeMed North Hospital or Duke Health Raleigh Hospital, despite the longer travel distance. These hospitals offer higher CMS star ratings, shorter ER wait times, and more comprehensive cardiology and vascular services, including telehealth options. Vidant Edgecombe Hospital provides a local option, but its resources are more limited.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth plays an increasingly important role in hypertension management. Remote blood pressure monitoring allows for more frequent and accurate readings, enabling physicians to make timely adjustments to medication. Virtual consultations provide convenient access to specialists, reducing the need for in-person visits. Hospitals with robust telehealth programs, such as WakeMed North Hospital and Duke Health Raleigh Hospital, offer a significant advantage in this regard.

**Accreditation and Quality Standards**

Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission is a good indicator of a hospital's commitment to quality and safety. Accreditation signifies that the hospital adheres to rigorous standards for patient care, medication safety, and infection control. All hospitals mentioned in this review are accredited, indicating a baseline level of quality.

**Patient Satisfaction: The Human Element**

Patient satisfaction scores, as measured by HCAHPS, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. While these scores should not be the sole determinant of hospital choice, they offer a glimpse into the quality of communication, responsiveness, and overall care.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care requires careful consideration of various factors. This review provides a factual overview of hospitals near ZIP code 27858, focusing on key metrics relevant to hypertension management. While Nash UNC Health Care offers a convenient local option, WakeMed North Hospital and Duke Health Raleigh Hospital, with their higher CMS star ratings, shorter ER wait times, and comprehensive services, are strong contenders for those seeking a higher level of care. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and the severity of the condition. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians and cardiologists to determine the most appropriate healthcare provider for their specific circumstances.