27865, Pinetown, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 27865, Pinetown, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Tarboro, NC (ZIP Code 27865)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the area near Tarboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27865), considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and available services. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The healthcare landscape near Tarboro is primarily shaped by a mix of regional and community hospitals. Residents often travel to larger facilities in Greenville, Raleigh, and Rocky Mount for specialized care. The availability of services varies, so understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each institution is crucial.

**Vidant Edgecombe Hospital (Tarboro, NC)**

Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, located directly in Tarboro, is a key access point for local residents. As a community hospital, it provides essential services, including emergency care, general surgery, and a range of diagnostic imaging. While not a "flagship" hospital, it is a critical component of the local healthcare ecosystem.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Data indicates Vidant Edgecombe Hospital does not currently have a CMS star rating.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Average ER wait times are a critical consideration. Local data sources, as of the time of this writing, indicate average wait times at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital are around 45 minutes. This can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume.
* **Specialty Centers:** Vidant Edgecombe offers services in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. However, the depth of these specialties may be limited compared to larger regional hospitals.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant Health, the parent organization, has been actively expanding its telehealth offerings. Telehealth options for Vidant Edgecombe Hospital patients may include virtual appointments for follow-up care, specialist consultations, and behavioral health services. Specific availability should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Overall Health Score:** Considering its role as a community hospital, Vidant Edgecombe provides essential services. However, the absence of a CMS star rating and potentially longer ER wait times suggest that patients with complex needs may benefit from seeking care at larger facilities with more specialized resources.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC)**

Approximately a 45-minute drive from Tarboro, Vidant Medical Center in Greenville is a major regional referral center and the flagship hospital for Vidant Health. It serves a much broader population and offers a significantly wider array of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Medical Center holds a CMS star rating, reflecting its performance on quality metrics. The exact rating fluctuates, so it's essential to consult the latest data on the CMS website.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** As a high-volume facility, ER wait times at Vidant Medical Center can vary. Data suggests average wait times can range from 1 to 2 hours, though this can be impacted by the severity of the patient's condition and overall ER traffic.
* **Specialty Centers:** Vidant Medical Center boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including a Level 1 Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, a heart and vascular institute, and a cancer center. It also has advanced neonatal and pediatric care units.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant Medical Center is a leader in telehealth. Patients have access to a wide array of virtual services, including specialist consultations, remote patient monitoring, and virtual urgent care. Telehealth programs are designed to improve access to care for rural communities.
* **Overall Health Score:** Vidant Medical Center receives a high Overall Health Score due to its comprehensive services, advanced specialty centers, and commitment to telehealth. Its CMS star rating indicates a strong performance on quality measures. While ER wait times can be longer, the breadth of services and expertise makes it a vital resource for complex medical needs.

**UNC Health Nash (Rocky Mount, NC)**

Located approximately a 40-minute drive from Tarboro, UNC Health Nash provides a more local option for some residents. It is part of the UNC Health system, offering a connection to a larger network of resources.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UNC Health Nash has a CMS star rating, reflecting its performance on quality metrics. Check the latest data on the CMS website for the most current rating.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times at UNC Health Nash are generally shorter than at Vidant Medical Center, but can vary. Local data suggests average wait times are around an hour, but this can fluctuate.
* **Specialty Centers:** UNC Health Nash provides services in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It is not as comprehensive as Vidant Medical Center, but it offers a good range of core services.
* **Telehealth:** UNC Health Nash is expanding its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring. The availability of specific telehealth services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Overall Health Score:** UNC Health Nash offers a good balance of services and accessibility. Its CMS star rating indicates a commitment to quality. While it may not have the same breadth of specialty centers as Vidant Medical Center, it provides a valuable healthcare option for residents closer to Tarboro.

**Other Considerations**

* **Accessibility:** Transportation is a significant factor in rural areas. Consider the distance and ease of travel to each hospital when making healthcare decisions.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital and its specialists accept your insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews can provide insights into patient experiences, but should be considered alongside other data points.
* **Specialized Needs:** If you have specific medical needs, such as cardiac care or cancer treatment, research the specialized services offered by each hospital.
* **Rural Health Clinics:** Several rural health clinics are located near Tarboro. These clinics provide primary care services and can be a convenient option for routine checkups and preventative care.

**Conclusion**

For residents near Tarboro, NC, the healthcare options range from local community hospitals to regional referral centers. Vidant Edgecombe Hospital provides essential services locally. Vidant Medical Center in Greenville offers the most comprehensive care, while UNC Health Nash in Rocky Mount provides a more accessible option for some. The "Overall Health Score" for each hospital is influenced by factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a healthcare provider, weighing the benefits of proximity against the availability of specialized services. Consulting with your primary care physician is always recommended to determine the best course of action.