28543, Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 28543, Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare for High Blood Pressure Near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28543)

Living with hypertension, or high blood pressure, demands proactive healthcare. Access to quality medical facilities, particularly those equipped to manage cardiovascular conditions, is paramount. This review focuses on hospitals near Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28543), evaluating their suitability for hypertension management, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape: Key Hospitals and Their Standing**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Jacksonville area are primarily clustered around the city itself and a few surrounding towns. The most prominent players include:

* **Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL):** While primarily serving military personnel and their families, NMCCL can be a crucial resource for those eligible. It is important to note that access is determined by eligibility and availability.
* **Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH):** Located in Jacksonville, this hospital is a central point of care for the community.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a readily accessible gauge of overall quality. These ratings are based on a range of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** As of the latest available data, Onslow Memorial Hospital's CMS star rating is a key indicator of its performance. It is important to consult the CMS website directly for the most up-to-date rating. This rating provides a general overview of the hospital's performance compared to other hospitals nationwide. A higher star rating generally indicates better performance across various quality measures.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: Time is of the Essence**

In a hypertensive crisis, time is critical. Rapid access to medical intervention can significantly impact outcomes. ER wait times are a crucial consideration.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on websites like the hospital's own website or third-party healthcare information sites. It is important to note that wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall volume of patients. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient emergency department, which is particularly important for conditions like hypertensive crises.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Tailored Care for Hypertension**

Effective hypertension management often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Access to specialized services, such as cardiology departments, nephrology (kidney) departments, and endocrinology (hormone) departments, is essential.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Onslow Memorial Hospital likely has a cardiology department, which is crucial for diagnosing and managing heart-related complications of hypertension. The presence of a nephrology department is also beneficial, as hypertension can significantly impact kidney health. Services like cardiac rehabilitation programs can also be beneficial for patients recovering from heart-related events. Confirming the specific services offered, including the availability of specialized physicians and advanced diagnostic tools, is essential.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Remote Monitoring and Convenience**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. Remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management through telehealth platforms can improve patient adherence and outcomes.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Determining the telehealth capabilities of Onslow Memorial Hospital is essential. This includes whether they offer virtual consultations with cardiologists or primary care physicians, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and online patient portals for accessing medical records and communicating with healthcare providers. The availability of telehealth services can be a significant advantage for patients, especially those with mobility limitations or those living in more remote areas.

**Physician Availability and Expertise: The Human Factor**

The expertise of the physicians treating hypertension is a critical factor. Patients should seek out hospitals with experienced cardiologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists with expertise in managing hypertension.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Researching the physicians affiliated with Onslow Memorial Hospital is important. This includes checking their board certifications, areas of specialization, and experience in treating hypertension. Patients can often find physician profiles on the hospital's website or through online physician directories. Reading patient reviews can also provide insights into the physician's communication style and bedside manner.

**Medication Management and Pharmacy Services: Seamless Access to Treatment**

Effective hypertension management requires consistent access to medications. The hospital's pharmacy services, including formulary availability and ease of prescription refills, are essential.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Confirming the hospital's pharmacy services, including the availability of common hypertension medications, is important. The hospital's ability to work with insurance providers and offer medication assistance programs can also be beneficial. The convenience of obtaining prescriptions, whether through an on-site pharmacy or a partnership with a local pharmacy, is crucial for ensuring medication adherence.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a vital aspect of healthcare quality. Factors such as communication with healthcare providers, the cleanliness of the facility, and the overall level of care contribute to patient satisfaction.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, such as those available on the CMS website or through third-party healthcare review sites, is important. These surveys provide insights into patients' experiences with the hospital, including their satisfaction with the care they received, the communication from healthcare providers, and the overall environment of the facility.

**Navigating the Healthcare System: Practical Considerations**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management involves several practical considerations:

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Transportation:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the availability of transportation options.
* **Appointment Scheduling:** Inquire about the ease of scheduling appointments with specialists.
* **Communication:** Ensure that the hospital provides clear and accessible communication about your health.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Managing hypertension effectively requires a proactive approach and access to quality healthcare. This review provides a starting point for evaluating hospitals near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP code 28543), focusing on factors relevant to hypertension management. It is essential to conduct thorough research, consult with your primary care physician, and consider your individual needs and preferences when making healthcare decisions. Regularly checking the CMS website for updates on hospital ratings, as well as researching the most current information available on ER wait times, physician availability, and telehealth services, is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare. By taking a proactive approach to your healthcare and choosing a hospital that meets your needs, you can significantly improve your chances of managing hypertension effectively and maintaining a good quality of life.