27944, Hertford, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 27944, Hertford, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Manteo, NC (ZIP Code 27944)

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, encompassing the area around Manteo (ZIP Code 27944), presents a unique healthcare landscape. Isolated geographically, residents and visitors alike rely on a limited number of hospitals and medical facilities. This review assesses the overall health score of the primary healthcare providers serving this region, focusing on factors crucial for patient well-being, including quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis considers data from various sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital reports, and industry benchmarks.

**The Core Providers: Sentara Albemarle Medical Center & Outer Banks Hospital**

The two primary hospitals serving the 27944 ZIP code area are Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, and Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head. These facilities represent the cornerstone of healthcare access for the region.

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

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, located approximately 45 minutes from Manteo, is a key provider. While not directly within the 27944 ZIP code, its proximity and comprehensive services make it a critical resource. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center is a 182-bed facility offering a wide array of medical services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Sentara Albemarle 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 of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's important to consider that CMS ratings are just one measure of overall quality.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** ED wait times are a critical factor for patients seeking immediate care. Information on specific wait times for Sentara Albemarle Medical Center is not readily available in a centralized database. However, local sources and patient feedback suggest that wait times can fluctuate, particularly during peak seasons and times of high patient volume. It's advisable to contact the hospital directly for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers:** Sentara Albemarle Medical Center offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has a dedicated cardiac catheterization lab and offers comprehensive cardiovascular care. Orthopedic services include joint replacement and sports medicine. Women's health services encompass obstetrics, gynecology, and breast health.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center likely offers some telehealth options, although the specifics of these services may vary. It's recommended to check with the hospital for information on available telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual visits.

**Outer Banks Hospital (Nags Head, NC):**

Outer Banks Hospital, situated closer to the 27944 ZIP code, is a 24-bed critical access hospital. It plays a vital role in providing immediate care and stabilization for residents and visitors on the Outer Banks.

**CMS Star Rating:** Outer Banks Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. Critical access hospitals are often evaluated differently by CMS, focusing on their ability to provide essential services in rural areas.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** The ED at Outer Banks Hospital is a crucial resource for the area. While specific ED wait times are not publicly available in a centralized database, the hospital’s small size and location suggest that wait times may be relatively shorter compared to larger facilities. However, this can vary depending on the time of year and patient volume.

**Specialty Centers:** Outer Banks Hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, general surgery, and diagnostic imaging. It provides a 24/7 emergency department and has a focus on providing timely care for urgent medical needs.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Outer Banks Hospital likely leverages telehealth to extend its reach and provide specialized care. The hospital may offer virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring services.

**Other Considerations: Access and Regional Context**

Beyond the core hospitals, several factors influence the overall health score for the 27944 area.

**Accessibility:** The geographical isolation of the Outer Banks presents challenges in accessing healthcare. Travel times can be significant, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Residents and visitors may need to travel to Elizabeth City or even further for specialized care.

**Urgent Care Centers:** The presence of urgent care centers in the area provides an alternative to the emergency room for less severe conditions. These centers can help alleviate pressure on hospital EDs and provide more convenient access to care.

**Primary Care Physicians:** Access to primary care physicians is crucial for preventive care and managing chronic conditions. The availability of primary care providers in the 27944 area is an important factor in the overall health score.

**Specialized Services:** The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and mental health services, is another key consideration. Residents may need to travel outside the immediate area to access certain specialized care.

**Mental Health Services:** Mental health services are a critical component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health providers and resources in the 27944 area is an important factor.

**Telehealth's Role:** Telehealth plays a significant role in bridging the geographical gap and improving access to care. The use of telehealth technologies can enable patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive remote monitoring, and access mental health services.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the available information, the overall health score for the 27944 ZIP code area is moderate. While the presence of Outer Banks Hospital provides critical access to emergency care, the reliance on Sentara Albemarle Medical Center for more comprehensive services necessitates travel. The 3-star CMS rating for Sentara Albemarle Medical Center indicates average performance, and the lack of a rating for Outer Banks Hospital makes a direct comparison difficult.

**Areas for Improvement:**

Several areas could enhance the overall health score for the 27944 area.

* **Improving ED Wait Times:** Reducing ED wait times at both hospitals is crucial for ensuring timely access to care.
* **Expanding Specialized Services:** Increasing the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and mental health services, would reduce the need for residents to travel outside the area for care.
* **Enhancing Telehealth Capabilities:** Expanding telehealth services could improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel.
* **Strengthening Primary Care:** Increasing the availability of primary care physicians would promote preventive care and improve the management of chronic conditions.
* **Addressing Mental Health Needs:** Expanding mental health services and resources is essential for addressing the mental health needs of the community.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in the 27944 ZIP code area presents both strengths and challenges. While the presence of core hospitals provides essential services, the geographical isolation and limited resources impact the overall health score. Continuous efforts to improve access to care, expand specialized services, and leverage telehealth technologies are crucial for enhancing the well-being of residents and visitors in this unique coastal community. Residents and visitors should proactively research the specific services offered by each facility and consider their individual healthcare needs when making decisions about their care.