27256, Gulf, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 27256, Gulf, North Carolina is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 27256 (Lexington, NC)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" for hospitals in proximity to Lexington, North Carolina (ZIP code 27256), considering factors crucial to patient well-being. We'll examine key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings, offering a comprehensive perspective to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**Methodology:**

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single, numerical rating. Instead, it synthesizes publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable healthcare information providers. The analysis focuses on accessibility, quality of care, patient experience, and specialized services. It's designed to provide a comparative overview, recognizing that individual needs and preferences vary.

**Key Hospitals in the Area:**

The primary hospitals serving the Lexington area include Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Lexington Medical Center, and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Davie Medical Center. While other smaller facilities and urgent care centers exist, these three represent the major providers for acute care and specialized services.

**Novant Health Rowan Medical Center (Salisbury, NC):**

Located approximately 20 miles from Lexington, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center is a significant regional provider. It's a 267-bed facility offering a wide array of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Rowan Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room:** While specific ER wait times fluctuate, Novant Health provides online tools and estimated wait times on its website. Patients should check this information before arriving at the ER.
* **Specialty Centers:** Rowan Medical Center boasts specialized centers, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular institute, and a women's health center. They also offer advanced imaging and surgical services.
* **Telehealth:** Novant Health has significantly invested in telehealth services. They offer virtual visits for a variety of specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management. These services are designed to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.
* **Overall Health Score:** Novant Health Rowan Medical Center provides a broad range of services and is accessible to Lexington residents. The 3-star CMS rating indicates areas for potential improvement, but the hospital's commitment to telehealth and specialized centers makes it a valuable healthcare resource.

**Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Lexington Medical Center (Lexington, NC):**

This hospital is located directly within the 27256 ZIP code, making it the most geographically convenient option for Lexington residents. It's a community hospital offering essential services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** CMS does not provide a star rating for Lexington Medical Center. This is common for smaller community hospitals that may not meet the criteria for a full assessment.
* **Emergency Room:** Lexington Medical Center's ER is a crucial resource for the community. Wait times vary, and it's recommended to check with the hospital for current estimates.
* **Specialty Centers:** Lexington Medical Center offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. It is a smaller facility, so the scope of specialized services is more limited than larger regional hospitals.
* **Telehealth:** Atrium Health, the parent organization, has a robust telehealth program. Lexington Medical Center likely offers access to these virtual services, allowing patients to connect with specialists and receive care remotely.
* **Overall Health Score:** Lexington Medical Center provides essential healthcare services directly within the community. While the absence of a CMS rating makes direct quality comparison difficult, its proximity and access to Atrium Health's network are significant advantages.

**Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Davie Medical Center (Bermuda Run, NC):**

Located approximately 20 miles from Lexington, Davie Medical Center is another potential option for Lexington residents.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Davie Medical Center currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS. This indicates a higher level of performance compared to Rowan Medical Center.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times fluctuate, and it is advisable to check with the hospital for current estimates.
* **Specialty Centers:** Davie Medical Center offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It also has a comprehensive cancer center.
* **Telehealth:** As part of the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist system, Davie Medical Center offers telehealth services, providing access to virtual appointments and consultations.
* **Overall Health Score:** Davie Medical Center's 4-star CMS rating suggests a higher level of quality compared to some other area hospitals. Its proximity and access to Atrium Health's network make it a strong option for Lexington residents seeking specialized care.

**Comparative Analysis & Considerations:**

Choosing the "best" hospital depends on individual needs. For immediate emergency care, the closest ER is often the best choice. For specialized care, factors like physician expertise, specific center offerings, and insurance coverage become paramount.

* **Distance:** Proximity is a significant factor. Lexington Medical Center offers the most convenient location. However, the slightly longer travel times to Rowan Medical Center or Davie Medical Center may be worthwhile for specific specialized services or higher CMS ratings.
* **CMS Ratings:** While CMS ratings are not the sole indicator of quality, they provide a valuable benchmark. Davie Medical Center's 4-star rating suggests a higher level of performance than Rowan Medical Center's 3-star rating. However, these ratings are based on historical data and can change.
* **Specialized Services:** Patients with specific medical needs should investigate the availability of specialized centers and services at each hospital. For example, those with cancer may prioritize hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers.
* **Telehealth Access:** The availability of telehealth services is a major advantage, especially for routine follow-up appointments and consultations. All three hospitals offer telehealth options, making healthcare more accessible.
* **Patient Reviews:** Consider reading patient reviews and testimonials online. These provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including wait times, staff interactions, and overall satisfaction.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network. This can significantly impact out-of-pocket costs.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration. While hospitals strive to minimize wait times, they can fluctuate based on patient volume and severity of illnesses. Patients should always check for estimated wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER.

**Telehealth Stats & Trends:**

Telehealth is rapidly evolving. Hospitals are increasingly investing in virtual care platforms to improve access and convenience. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for:

* **Chronic Disease Management:** Virtual appointments can help patients manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
* **Mental Health:** Teletherapy and psychiatric consultations are increasingly available via telehealth.
* **Specialist Consultations:** Patients can connect with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals near ZIP code 27256 offer a range of healthcare options. Lexington Medical Center provides convenient local access. Rowan Medical Center and Davie Medical Center offer a broader range of specialized services. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, research available services, and evaluate factors like CMS ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings to make informed healthcare decisions. Regular review of hospital websites and healthcare provider information is recommended, as services and ratings can change.