28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Havens: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28460

Navigating hypertension, or high blood pressure, requires consistent care, and access to quality healthcare is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near the 28460 ZIP code, offering insights into their capabilities for managing hypertension, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options. Understanding these aspects is crucial for residents seeking the best possible care.

**Defining the Geographic Scope:**

The 28460 ZIP code encompasses the town of Shallotte, North Carolina, and surrounding areas in Brunswick County. This review will prioritize hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, primarily focusing on facilities in Brunswick County and neighboring New Hanover County, which includes the city of Wilmington.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a star rating system to evaluate hospitals based on various quality metrics. This system provides a readily accessible indicator of overall hospital performance.

**New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC):** Located in Wilmington, approximately 25-30 minutes from Shallotte, NHRMC is a major healthcare provider in the region. While CMS star ratings can fluctuate, NHRMC has historically maintained a respectable rating, reflecting its commitment to quality care. Patients should check the most current CMS ratings for the most up-to-date information. NHRMC boasts a comprehensive cardiovascular program, critical for hypertension management. This includes cardiology specialists, diagnostic services like echocardiograms and stress tests, and interventional cardiology capabilities for procedures like angioplasty.

**Brunswick Novant Medical Center:** Situated in Bolivia, NC, Brunswick Novant Medical Center is closer to Shallotte, offering convenient access for residents. This hospital also provides a range of services relevant to hypertension management, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, and access to diagnostic testing. The hospital’s CMS star rating, which can change, should be consulted for the most recent assessment of its performance.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration:**

In a hypertensive crisis, timely access to emergency care is vital. ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume.

**NHRMC ER:** NHRMC's emergency department is a high-volume facility. Wait times can fluctuate, but generally, patients should anticipate some waiting time. It is important to note that patients with severe conditions, including those experiencing hypertensive emergencies, are prioritized. Real-time wait times are often available on the hospital's website or through online platforms.

**Brunswick Novant Medical Center ER:** Brunswick Novant Medical Center's emergency department typically experiences shorter wait times compared to NHRMC, offering a potentially quicker route to care for residents of Shallotte and surrounding areas. Again, real-time updates on wait times should be consulted.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

Effective hypertension management often requires the expertise of specialists. Hospitals in the area offer access to various specialists.

**Cardiology:** Both NHRMC and Brunswick Novant Medical Center have cardiology departments staffed by cardiologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension. These specialists can provide comprehensive care, including medication management, lifestyle recommendations, and advanced procedures when necessary.

**Endocrinology:** Hypertension can sometimes be linked to underlying endocrine disorders. Both hospitals offer access to endocrinologists who can evaluate and manage these conditions.

**Nephrology:** Kidney disease is a common complication of uncontrolled hypertension. Nephrologists, specializing in kidney health, are available at both hospitals to provide care for patients with kidney-related issues.

**Diabetes Centers:** Hypertension and diabetes often co-exist. Hospitals may have dedicated diabetes centers or programs that offer comprehensive care for patients with both conditions, including education, nutritional counseling, and medication management.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care:**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

**NHRMC Telehealth:** NHRMC has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and medication management services. This can be especially beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty accessing in-person appointments.

**Brunswick Novant Medical Center Telehealth:** Brunswick Novant Medical Center also offers telehealth services, including virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists. This allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans.

**Specific Services and Programs:**

Beyond general services, hospitals often offer specialized programs tailored to hypertension management.

**NHRMC's Cardiovascular Institute:** This institute at NHRMC provides a comprehensive range of services, including diagnostic testing, interventional cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and educational programs. The institute's focus on cardiovascular health makes it a valuable resource for patients with hypertension.

**Brunswick Novant Medical Center's Cardiac Services:** Brunswick Novant Medical Center offers a range of cardiac services, including diagnostic testing, cardiac rehabilitation, and access to cardiology specialists.

**Medication Management:** Both hospitals have pharmacists and medication management programs to assist patients in understanding their medications, managing side effects, and ensuring adherence to their treatment plans.

**Cardiac Rehabilitation:** Cardiac rehabilitation programs are available at both hospitals. These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and counseling to help patients recover from cardiac events and improve their overall cardiovascular health.

**Lifestyle Modification Programs:** Hospitals often offer programs that focus on lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, exercise, and stress management, which are essential components of hypertension management.

**Patient Education and Support:**

Effective hypertension management requires patient education and support.

**NHRMC's Patient Education:** NHRMC provides patient education materials and resources on hypertension, including information on medication, lifestyle modifications, and self-monitoring. They may also offer support groups for patients with cardiovascular conditions.

**Brunswick Novant Medical Center's Patient Education:** Brunswick Novant Medical Center offers similar educational resources and support programs to help patients understand and manage their hypertension.

**Insurance Coverage and Cost Considerations:**

The cost of healthcare can be a significant concern. Patients should verify their insurance coverage for services related to hypertension management, including doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and medications. Hospitals often have financial assistance programs for eligible patients.

**Accessibility and Convenience:**

The proximity of a hospital to a patient's home is a key factor in accessibility. Brunswick Novant Medical Center's location in Bolivia provides convenient access for residents of Shallotte and surrounding areas. NHRMC, while located in Wilmington, offers a broader range of specialized services and may be preferred by some patients.

**Conclusion:**

Residents near the 28460 ZIP code have access to several hospitals that offer comprehensive services for managing hypertension. NHRMC, with its broader range of specialized services and cardiology program, and Brunswick Novant Medical Center, with its convenient location and shorter ER wait times, are both valuable options. Patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage when choosing a hospital. Consulting with their primary care physician is also essential to ensure they receive the most appropriate care. Always check the most current CMS star ratings and ER wait times for the most up-to-date information.