28586, Vanceboro, North Carolina Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 28586, Vanceboro, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Havens: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28586

Finding quality healthcare, especially for a chronic condition like hypertension, requires careful consideration. This review delves into the hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 28586 (Swansboro, North Carolina), focusing on their capabilities in managing hypertension, alongside factors like accessibility, wait times, and specialized services. The goal is to provide a fact-rich assessment to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Players and Their Ratings**

The primary hospitals serving the Swansboro area are located in nearby cities like Jacksonville and Morehead City. These facilities offer varying levels of care and specialization, each with its own strengths and weaknesses in the realm of hypertension management. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings, while not the sole determinant of quality, offer a valuable benchmark for overall hospital performance.

**Navigating the Healthcare System: Jacksonville and Onslow County**

**Naval Hospital Jacksonville (NH Jacksonville):** While technically serving the broader Jacksonville area, NH Jacksonville is a crucial resource for military personnel and their families. It's important to note that access is primarily limited to those eligible for military healthcare benefits. CMS doesn't provide star ratings for military hospitals. However, NH Jacksonville offers comprehensive medical services, including cardiology and internal medicine departments, which are crucial for hypertension management. Specific data on hypertension-related services and outcomes are typically available internally.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville):** Onslow Memorial Hospital is a key provider for the civilian population in the region. It is a general acute care hospital with a focus on community health. CMS gives Onslow Memorial Hospital a 3-star rating, indicating average performance. The hospital's cardiology department is vital for hypertension treatment, offering diagnostic testing, medication management, and potentially, referrals to specialists if needed. ER wait times can vary; however, real-time data is available on the hospital's website and through third-party sites like wait times.com. Telehealth services are increasingly available, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be particularly helpful for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The hospital's website should be consulted for specific telehealth offerings.

**Coastal Care: Morehead City and Beyond**

**Carteret Health Care (Morehead City):** Located further east, Carteret Health Care serves the coastal communities, including those near Swansboro. It is a 3-star rated hospital according to CMS. The hospital's cardiology department is crucial for hypertension management, offering a range of services from diagnosis to treatment. ER wait times are a factor to consider, and real-time data is generally available on the hospital's website or through third-party sources. Carteret Health Care is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities, providing remote access to physicians and specialists. The hospital's website provides detailed information on available telehealth services, including options for hypertension management.

**Specialized Centers and Services: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond general cardiology departments, the availability of specialized centers can significantly impact hypertension care. While the immediate area near 28586 might not have dedicated hypertension centers, the hospitals mentioned above often have access to specialists and resources that can provide advanced care.

**Cardiac Catheterization Labs:** The presence of cardiac catheterization labs is crucial for diagnosing and treating heart conditions, including those related to uncontrolled hypertension. Both Onslow Memorial Hospital and Carteret Health Care have these facilities, enabling them to perform procedures like angiograms and angioplasty.

**Stroke Centers:** Uncontrolled hypertension significantly increases the risk of stroke. Hospitals with certified stroke centers are equipped to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, improving outcomes for patients who experience strokes. Both Onslow Memorial Hospital and Carteret Health Care have stroke center capabilities.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Hospitals near 28586 are increasingly utilizing telehealth to provide remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments for hypertension patients. This is especially beneficial for those who have difficulty traveling or live in remote areas.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments with primary care physicians and specialists.

**Carteret Health Care:** Actively expanding its telehealth offerings, providing remote access to physicians and specialists.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare accessibility, particularly in emergencies. While wait times can fluctuate, it's essential to consider them when choosing a hospital. Real-time data on ER wait times is often available on hospital websites and through third-party sources like wait times.com.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times fluctuate, but real-time data is available.

**Carteret Health Care:** ER wait times are variable, and real-time data is accessible.

**Beyond the Hospital Walls: Community Resources**

Effective hypertension management often extends beyond hospital visits. Community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications, play a crucial role. Local health departments and community organizations often provide these services.

**The Bottom Line: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care involves weighing various factors, including CMS star ratings, specialty services, ER wait times, and telehealth capabilities. For residents near 28586, Onslow Memorial Hospital and Carteret Health Care are key providers. The choice depends on individual needs and preferences. It is highly recommended to consult with a primary care physician to determine the best course of action.