27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Lexington, NC (ZIP Code 27278)

Finding the right healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an overall health score assessment for hospitals near Lexington, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27278), focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability. This information aims to empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Proximity and Major Players:**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Lexington area are concentrated in nearby cities like Winston-Salem and Salisbury. While no hospitals are directly within the 27278 ZIP code, several facilities are easily accessible, offering a range of services from general care to specialized treatments. Proximity is a crucial factor, influencing access to care, especially during emergencies.

**Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem):**

This flagship hospital, located approximately 30 miles from Lexington, is a major player in the region. It boasts a strong reputation and is a teaching hospital affiliated with Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The hospital consistently receives high marks for its comprehensive services.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has a mixed performance in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system. While the hospital has earned a 3-star rating, it is important to consider that this is a snapshot in time and can fluctuate. The CMS star rating is based on a range of quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. It is important to look beyond the star rating and examine specific metrics.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical consideration. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's ER wait times can vary. Data suggests that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The hospital offers a wide array of specialty centers, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular center, and a leading neurology department. The hospital’s expertise in these areas makes it a regional referral center for complex medical cases. The presence of these specialty centers significantly enhances the overall health score for the region.

**Telehealth Availability:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important for accessing care remotely. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, providing convenient access to specialists and follow-up care.

**Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center (Winston-Salem):**

Located in Winston-Salem, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center is another major healthcare provider serving the Lexington area. This hospital offers a broad range of services and is known for its focus on patient experience.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center generally receives a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher level of quality compared to some other regional hospitals. This rating reflects the hospital’s performance in areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room wait times at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center are generally competitive. The hospital strives to provide efficient and timely care in its ER. However, wait times can still vary depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including a dedicated women's center, a heart and vascular institute, and a cancer center. The hospital's commitment to specialized care contributes to a higher overall health score for the region.

**Telehealth Availability:**

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center also provides telehealth services, allowing patients to access care remotely. The hospital offers virtual visits, remote monitoring, and other digital health tools to improve patient access and convenience.

**Atrium Health Lexington Medical Center (Lexington):**

While not a major flagship hospital, Atrium Health Lexington Medical Center is located directly in Lexington, providing convenient access to care for local residents. This hospital offers a range of general medical services and is an important part of the local healthcare ecosystem.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Atrium Health Lexington Medical Center's CMS star rating is generally around 3 stars. This rating reflects the hospital's performance in various quality measures.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room wait times at Atrium Health Lexington Medical Center are typically shorter than those at larger hospitals. This is due to the smaller patient volume.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Atrium Health Lexington Medical Center provides essential services, including emergency care, general surgery, and diagnostic imaging. While it does not offer the same level of specialized care as larger hospitals, it serves as a critical access point for local residents.

**Telehealth Availability:**

Atrium Health Lexington Medical Center offers telehealth services, including virtual visits.

**Rowan Medical Center (Salisbury):**

Located in Salisbury, approximately 30 miles from Lexington, Rowan Medical Center is another option for healthcare services. This hospital offers a range of services and serves a significant portion of the surrounding communities.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Rowan Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room wait times at Rowan Medical Center can vary.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Rowan Medical Center offers a range of services, including a cardiology program, a cancer center, and surgical services.

**Telehealth Availability:**

Rowan Medical Center provides telehealth services.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents of the 27278 ZIP code also have access to various outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and physician practices. These facilities provide a range of services, including primary care, specialized consultations, and diagnostic testing.

**Physician Availability and Access:**

The availability of primary care physicians and specialists is a crucial factor in overall healthcare access. Residents of the Lexington area have access to a network of physicians, but wait times for appointments can vary. It is advisable to establish a relationship with a primary care physician to facilitate timely access to care and referrals to specialists when needed.

**Insurance Coverage and Affordability:**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many individuals. It is important to understand the insurance coverage options available and to compare the costs of different healthcare services. Residents should check with their insurance providers to determine which hospitals and physicians are in-network and to understand their out-of-pocket expenses.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience and satisfaction are crucial indicators of healthcare quality. Hospitals and healthcare providers are increasingly focused on improving patient experience, including factors like communication, empathy, and the overall care environment. Reviews from other patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by different facilities.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for the area surrounding Lexington, NC (ZIP Code 27278) is strong, driven by the presence of major hospitals like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, both located in Winston-Salem. These hospitals offer comprehensive services, including specialized care and advanced technologies. While CMS star ratings are mixed, the availability of specialty centers and telehealth services significantly enhances the overall health score. Atrium Health Lexington Medical Center and Rowan Medical Center provide additional options for local residents.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of the 27278 ZIP code should consider their individual healthcare needs when choosing a provider. For complex medical conditions, referral to a major hospital with specialized services may be necessary. For routine care and emergencies, Atrium Health Lexington Medical Center or other local facilities can provide convenient access to care. Patients should research individual hospitals, review patient satisfaction scores, and consider the availability of telehealth services. It is also important to check insurance coverage and understand the associated costs. By carefully considering these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the best possible care.