28376, Raeford, North Carolina Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 28376, Raeford, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 28376

Finding the right healthcare, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, is crucial. This review analyzes hospital options near ZIP code 28376, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment. The goal is to empower individuals in this area with the information needed to make informed decisions about their care.

**Understanding the Landscape**

ZIP code 28376 primarily covers the town of Raeford, North Carolina, and surrounding areas in Hoke County. The healthcare landscape here is shaped by a mix of community hospitals, regional medical centers, and access to larger facilities in nearby cities like Fayetteville. Proximity and accessibility are critical factors, especially for those with hypertension, who may require frequent check-ups and potential emergency care.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Closer Look**

One of the primary healthcare providers in the region is **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center** in Fayetteville, roughly a 30-minute drive from Raeford. This is a large, regional medical center, and its performance is a significant factor for residents in the 28376 area. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center currently holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's important to delve deeper into specific areas to understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

Another important facility is **UNC Health Southeastern** in Lumberton, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from Raeford. It has a **3-star CMS rating**.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric**

For individuals with hypertension, timely access to emergency care can be life-saving. ER wait times are a key indicator of a hospital's ability to manage patient flow and provide prompt treatment. Unfortunately, specific, real-time ER wait times are dynamic and change frequently. However, general data is available. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, being a larger facility, typically has a higher volume of patients, which can sometimes translate to longer wait times. It's essential to check the hospital's website or use online tools like Google to get the most up-to-date information on current wait times. UNC Health Southeastern has similar challenges.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management**

Beyond general emergency care, the availability of specialized centers is crucial for hypertension management. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has a cardiology department that offers a range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. The hospital also has a dedicated cardiac catheterization lab for interventional procedures. UNC Health Southeastern also has a strong cardiology department.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, facilitating virtual check-ups, medication management, and educational sessions. Both Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and UNC Health Southeastern offer telehealth options. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center provides telehealth consultations through its various specialty clinics. UNC Health Southeastern offers similar services, including virtual appointments with cardiologists and primary care physicians. The availability of telehealth services is a significant advantage for patients in the 28376 area, especially those who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

**Other Hospitals and Clinics**

While Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and UNC Health Southeastern are the major players, smaller hospitals and clinics also serve the 28376 area. These facilities may offer primary care services and limited specialty care. It's crucial to research the specific services offered by these smaller facilities to determine if they meet individual healthcare needs.

**Assessing the "Hypertension Score"**

To create a "Hypertension Score," we need to consider several factors:

* **CMS Star Rating:** This provides a general overview of hospital quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Crucial for emergency care access.
* **Cardiology Services:** Availability of specialized care for hypertension.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Facilitates convenient and ongoing care.
* **Proximity:** Travel time to the hospital.

**Cape Fear Valley Medical Center** scores reasonably well on cardiology services and telehealth capabilities, but its 3-star CMS rating and potentially longer ER wait times are areas of concern. Its proximity to Raeford is good.

**UNC Health Southeastern** also scores reasonably well on cardiology services and telehealth capabilities, but its 3-star CMS rating and potentially longer ER wait times are areas of concern. Its proximity to Raeford is not as good as Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

**Recommendations**

For individuals in the 28376 area with hypertension, the following recommendations are offered:

1. **Establish a Relationship with a Primary Care Physician:** A primary care physician can provide ongoing monitoring, medication management, and referrals to specialists as needed.
2. **Consider Cardiology Services:** If hypertension is complex or requires specialized care, consider a cardiologist.
3. **Utilize Telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth services for virtual check-ups, medication refills, and educational resources.
4. **Understand ER Options:** Familiarize yourself with the ER wait times and services offered by the nearest hospitals.
5. **Be Proactive:** Regularly monitor blood pressure, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations, and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing concerning symptoms.

**The Importance of Individualized Care**

This review provides a general overview of healthcare options near ZIP code 28376. However, individual healthcare needs vary. Factors such as the severity of hypertension, other health conditions, and personal preferences should be considered when making healthcare decisions. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

**Data Limitations and Ongoing Research**

It's important to acknowledge that healthcare data is constantly evolving. Hospital ratings and wait times can change, and new services may become available. This review is based on the most current information available at the time of writing. Patients should always consult official hospital websites and healthcare providers for the most up-to-date information.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 28376 requires careful consideration of available resources. While both Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and UNC Health Southeastern offer essential services, individuals should evaluate their specific needs and preferences to determine the best fit. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility, individuals can make informed decisions that support their health and well-being. Regular communication with healthcare providers, proactive self-management, and utilization of available resources are key to effectively managing hypertension and living a healthy life.