27870, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 27870, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Tarboro, NC (ZIP Code 27870)

Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Tarboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27870), considering factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. This information aims to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in the Area**

The primary healthcare providers serving the Tarboro area are concentrated in the nearby cities of Greenville and Rocky Mount. These facilities offer a range of services, from primary care to specialized treatments. The distance between Tarboro and these medical centers necessitates careful consideration of travel time, especially during emergencies.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC): A Flagship Institution**

Vidant Medical Center, located in Greenville (approximately 30 miles from Tarboro), stands as a major regional referral center. It is the flagship hospital for Vidant Health, a large healthcare system. Vidant Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center, equipped to handle the most critical emergencies.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, assessing various aspects of quality and patient experience. Vidant Medical Center's CMS star rating fluctuates, so it is essential to check the most current rating on the CMS Hospital Compare website. This rating reflects performance across areas like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction.

Vidant Medical Center boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers. These include the Vidant Heart & Vascular Institute, the James and Connie Maynard Children's Hospital, and the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center. These centers provide specialized care for complex medical conditions.

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor. While specific wait times can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume, Vidant Medical Center generally strives to provide timely care. The hospital's website and third-party platforms like Google often provide real-time or recent estimates of ER wait times. Patients should utilize these resources to gauge potential wait times.

Telehealth services are increasingly important. Vidant Health offers telehealth options, allowing patients to consult with providers remotely. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations for certain conditions. The availability and types of telehealth services offered by Vidant Medical Center should be checked on the Vidant Health website.

**UNC Health Wayne (Goldsboro, NC): A Regional Option**

Located in Goldsboro (approximately 45 miles from Tarboro), UNC Health Wayne is another regional hospital serving the area. It is part of the UNC Health system. UNC Health Wayne offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized medical treatments.

UNC Health Wayne's CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS Hospital Compare website. This rating provides insight into the hospital's performance in areas like patient safety and quality of care.

UNC Health Wayne has specialty centers, including those focused on cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital's website provides details on the specific services offered by each center.

Emergency room wait times at UNC Health Wayne can vary. The hospital's website and online platforms often provide estimates of current wait times.

Telehealth services are also available at UNC Health Wayne. Patients can access virtual consultations and other telehealth options. Specific details on the available telehealth services should be checked on the UNC Health Wayne website.

**Nash UNC Health Care (Rocky Mount, NC): A Closer Alternative**

Nash UNC Health Care, located in Rocky Mount (approximately 25 miles from Tarboro), is a closer option for residents. It is also part of the UNC Health system. Nash UNC Health Care offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized medical treatments.

The CMS star rating for Nash UNC Health Care should be checked on the CMS Hospital Compare website. This rating provides insight into the hospital's performance in areas like patient safety and quality of care.

Nash UNC Health Care has specialty centers, including those focused on cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital's website provides details on the specific services offered by each center.

Emergency room wait times at Nash UNC Health Care can vary. The hospital's website and online platforms often provide estimates of current wait times.

Telehealth services are also available at Nash UNC Health Care. Patients can access virtual consultations and other telehealth options. Specific details on the available telehealth services should be checked on the Nash UNC Health Care website.

**Other Healthcare Options in the Area**

Beyond the major hospitals, the Tarboro area also has access to smaller hospitals, urgent care centers, and physician practices. These facilities can provide primary care, urgent care, and other services.

Edgecombe County, where Tarboro is located, has a county health department that provides public health services, including immunizations, disease prevention programs, and other community health initiatives.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for anyone needing urgent medical attention. Shorter wait times can translate to quicker diagnosis and treatment, which can be crucial in life-threatening situations. While specific wait times fluctuate, it's essential to utilize available resources, such as hospital websites and third-party platforms, to get an estimate of current wait times. Remember that these are estimates and actual wait times can vary.

**Specialty Centers: Access to Specialized Care**

The availability of specialized medical centers is a crucial factor in assessing the overall health of a community. These centers provide specialized care for complex medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. The presence of these centers near Tarboro means residents have access to specialized expertise and advanced treatments.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, which can be especially beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations for certain conditions. The availability of telehealth services near Tarboro can improve access to care and reduce the need for travel.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

When evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Tarboro, consider these factors:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings provide a valuable overview of hospital quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are preferable, especially in emergencies.
* **Specialty Services:** Access to specialized care is critical for complex medical needs.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for those in rural areas.
* **Distance and Travel Time:** Consider the distance to each hospital and the potential travel time, especially in emergencies.
* **Personal Needs:** Consider your specific healthcare needs and the services offered by each hospital.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Residents of the Tarboro area should research the hospitals listed, considering their individual healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences. By considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and access the best possible care. Remember to check the most up-to-date information on hospital websites and the CMS Hospital Compare website for the latest ratings and service offerings.