27922, Cofield, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 27922, Cofield, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Elizabeth City, NC (ZIP Code 27922)

Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals in proximity to Elizabeth City, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27922), considering factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. This information is intended to provide a starting point for informed healthcare decisions, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

**The Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Elizabeth City is primarily dominated by a few key players. Residents often look to facilities in Elizabeth City itself, as well as those within a reasonable driving distance to larger cities like Norfolk, Virginia. This review will focus on the most relevant options, considering their accessibility and service offerings.

**Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (Elizabeth City, NC):**

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (SAMC) is the most immediate hospital option for residents of Elizabeth City. SAMC is a critical access hospital, meaning it serves a rural community and meets specific criteria regarding bed count and patient volume. This designation can impact the types of specialized services available compared to larger, urban hospitals.

* **CMS Star Rating:** SAMC currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on a complex formula that evaluates various aspects of care, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. A 3-star rating indicates average performance.
* **Emergency Room:** SAMC’s emergency room (ER) is a vital resource for the community. ER wait times are a crucial metric. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate and are best checked directly with the hospital or through online resources like ER Wait Times. Factors like time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases significantly influence these times.
* **Specialty Services:** SAMC offers a range of services, including cardiology, general surgery, and obstetrics. The hospital has a focus on primary care and serves as a hub for outpatient services. The availability of specialized services is generally more limited compared to larger, tertiary care centers.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. SAMC likely offers some telehealth services, particularly for follow-up appointments and certain specialist consultations. The extent of their telehealth offerings should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Overall Health Score Assessment:** SAMC serves a critical role in the community, providing essential services. The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, but it's important to consider the hospital's role as a critical access facility. Proximity and accessibility are key strengths.

**Vidant Chowan Hospital (Edenton, NC):**

Located approximately 30 minutes from Elizabeth City, Vidant Chowan Hospital in Edenton offers an alternative. Vidant Health is a larger healthcare system, and this affiliation can influence the resources and services available at Chowan Hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Chowan Hospital's CMS star rating is not readily available. This may be due to the hospital not being rated or the rating not being publicly accessible. It is important to check the CMS website for the most up-to-date information.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Vidant Chowan Hospital are subject to the same variables as SAMC. Checking real-time wait times through online resources or directly with the hospital is recommended.
* **Specialty Services:** Vidant Chowan Hospital typically offers a range of services, including general surgery, internal medicine, and diagnostic imaging. The specific specialties offered should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Telehealth:** As part of the Vidant Health system, Vidant Chowan Hospital likely has access to a broader telehealth network. This could include virtual consultations with specialists and other remote healthcare services.
* **Overall Health Score Assessment:** Vidant Chowan Hospital provides another option for residents in the area. Its proximity to Elizabeth City makes it a convenient alternative. The quality of care should be assessed through research.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Norfolk, VA):**

While across the state line, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a flagship hospital within the Sentara Healthcare system, is a major tertiary care center within reasonable driving distance (approximately 1.5 hours) of Elizabeth City. It offers a significantly wider range of specialized services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital has a 4-star CMS rating. This indicates a higher level of quality and performance compared to a 3-star hospital.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital can be longer than those at smaller hospitals due to the higher volume of patients and the complexity of cases. Real-time wait times should be checked online or by calling the hospital.
* **Specialty Services:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital boasts a comprehensive array of specialty services, including advanced cardiology, neurosurgery, trauma care, and transplant services. It is a regional referral center for complex medical conditions.
* **Telehealth:** Sentara Healthcare has a robust telehealth program. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital likely offers extensive telehealth options, including virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and access to specialists via video conferencing.
* **Overall Health Score Assessment:** Sentara Norfolk General Hospital offers a higher level of care and a wider range of specialized services compared to the local hospitals. The 4-star CMS rating reflects its commitment to quality. The longer travel time is a significant consideration, but it may be justified for complex medical needs.

**Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (Norfolk, VA):**

For pediatric care, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia, is a leading option. It is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Elizabeth City.

* **CMS Star Rating:** CHKD is a pediatric hospital and therefore is not rated by CMS using the same criteria as adult hospitals. However, CHKD is known for its high quality of care and is a regional referral center for children's health.
* **Emergency Room:** CHKD has a dedicated pediatric emergency room. Wait times vary.
* **Specialty Services:** CHKD offers a full spectrum of pediatric specialties, including cardiology, oncology, surgery, and developmental services.
* **Telehealth:** CHKD likely has a telehealth program tailored to pediatric patients and their families. This could include virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring of chronic conditions.
* **Overall Health Score Assessment:** CHKD is the premier choice for pediatric care in the region. The travel distance is a factor, but the specialized expertise and comprehensive services make it a valuable resource for families.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Patient Experience:** Beyond CMS star ratings, patient experience is crucial. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals provide patient reviews and ratings that can offer insights into the quality of care and the patient experience at each hospital.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospitals and specialists are within your insurance network. This can significantly impact out-of-pocket costs.
* **Personal Needs:** The "best" hospital depends on individual needs. Consider the specific medical condition, the need for specialized care, and personal preferences when making a decision.
* **Physician Availability:** The availability of specific physicians and specialists is a key factor. Researching the medical staff at each hospital is essential.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Elizabeth City, NC (ZIP Code 27922) is multifaceted. SAMC offers convenient local care, while Vidant Chowan Hospital provides an alternative. For more specialized care, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and CHKD in Norfolk, VA, are valuable resources, albeit with longer travel times. The best choice depends on individual needs, insurance coverage, and the specific medical condition. Thorough research, including checking CMS ratings, ER wait times, and patient reviews, is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions.