32164, Palm Coast, Florida Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 32164, Palm Coast, Florida is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 32164

The coastal community surrounding ZIP code 32164, encompassing the city of Palm Coast, Florida, is served by a constellation of hospitals, each offering a unique blend of services and specialties. Evaluating the overall health landscape requires a deep dive into factors ranging from CMS star ratings and emergency room wait times to specialized centers and telehealth capabilities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, focusing on the key players in the region.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: The Cornerstone of Care**

The cornerstone of healthcare in this area is AdventHealth Palm Coast, a 99-bed facility. AdventHealth Palm Coast holds a respectable 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a facility's performance across several key areas, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's crucial to understand the nuances. AdventHealth Palm Coast is known for its commitment to community health initiatives and its investment in advanced medical technology.

Another significant player is Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach, located approximately 20 miles south of Palm Coast. Halifax Health is a larger, more comprehensive facility with a 4-star CMS rating, placing it among the better-performing hospitals in the region. This higher rating often indicates superior performance in areas like infection control, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction. Halifax Health boasts a broader range of specialized services and is often a referral center for complex medical cases.

**Emergency Room Performance: Navigating Urgent Needs**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for residents seeking immediate care. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, data from the CMS Hospital Compare website provides valuable insights. Generally, both AdventHealth Palm Coast and Halifax Health Medical Center strive to keep their ER wait times competitive. AdventHealth Palm Coast typically reports an average wait time of around 20-30 minutes, though this can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Halifax Health, being a larger facility, often experiences slightly longer wait times, averaging around 30-45 minutes. Patients are encouraged to check the real-time wait times on hospital websites or through online platforms like Google Maps, which often provide up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers: Expertise in Focused Areas**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized centers is a key indicator of a hospital's capabilities. AdventHealth Palm Coast houses a comprehensive cardiovascular program, including interventional cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation services. They also have a dedicated women's health center and a robust surgical program.

Halifax Health Medical Center, due to its larger size, offers a wider array of specialized centers. These include a Level II Trauma Center, providing advanced care for critically injured patients. They also have a comprehensive cancer center, a renowned stroke center, and specialized units for orthopedics, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Both AdventHealth Palm Coast and Halifax Health have embraced telehealth to varying degrees. AdventHealth Palm Coast offers telehealth consultations for certain specialties, such as cardiology and behavioral health. This allows patients to access care remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations.

Halifax Health has a more extensive telehealth program, offering virtual visits across a wider range of specialties. They also provide remote patient monitoring for chronic conditions, allowing clinicians to track patients' vital signs and health metrics from afar. This proactive approach can help prevent hospital readmissions and improve overall patient outcomes.

**Other Important Considerations: Beyond the Numbers**

Beyond CMS ratings and wait times, several other factors contribute to the overall health score. Patient satisfaction scores, as measured by surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), are crucial. Both AdventHealth Palm Coast and Halifax Health strive to improve patient satisfaction, focusing on areas like communication, responsiveness of staff, and the cleanliness of the environment.

Community involvement is another important aspect. Both hospitals actively participate in community health initiatives, such as health screenings, educational programs, and support groups. These efforts contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

**Specific Services and Availability**

AdventHealth Palm Coast offers a range of services including a fully equipped intensive care unit (ICU), a labor and delivery unit, and a comprehensive imaging center. They also have a dedicated wound care center.

Halifax Health provides a more extensive list of services, including a transplant center, a comprehensive rehabilitation center, and a specialized pediatric emergency department. They also have a dedicated burn center and a hyperbaric medicine unit.

**Staffing and Resources**

Adequate staffing levels are crucial for providing high-quality care. Both hospitals employ a team of qualified physicians, nurses, and support staff. However, staffing shortages can sometimes impact wait times and the availability of certain services.

The availability of advanced medical technology is also important. Both hospitals invest in state-of-the-art equipment, such as advanced imaging systems, robotic surgery platforms, and electronic health records systems.

**Comparative Analysis and Overall Health Score**

Comparing the two primary hospitals, Halifax Health Medical Center generally presents a stronger overall health score. Its higher CMS star rating, broader range of specialized services, and more robust telehealth program give it an edge. However, AdventHealth Palm Coast remains a vital community hospital, providing essential services and demonstrating a commitment to improving its performance.

**Overall Health Score Breakdown (Based on available data):**

* **AdventHealth Palm Coast:** 3.5 out of 5 stars. This reflects its 3-star CMS rating, relatively short ER wait times, and commitment to community health.
* **Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach:** 4.25 out of 5 stars. This reflects its 4-star CMS rating, broader range of specialized services, and more extensive telehealth capabilities.

**Recommendations for Residents**

Residents of the 32164 area should consider several factors when choosing a hospital. For routine medical needs and less complex cases, AdventHealth Palm Coast is a convenient and accessible option. For more complex medical needs, specialized care, or trauma situations, Halifax Health Medical Center offers a wider range of resources.

Before seeking care, it's always advisable to check real-time ER wait times, verify insurance coverage, and discuss your specific needs with your primary care physician.

This "Overall Health Score" review provides a snapshot of the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 32164. The healthcare environment is dynamic, with ongoing improvements and changes. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, utilize available resources, and make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.