27981, Wanchese, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 27981, Wanchese, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Manteo, NC (ZIP Code 27981)

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, encompassing the area around Manteo (ZIP Code 27981), presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents and visitors alike rely on a relatively small number of medical facilities, often requiring travel for specialized care. This review assesses the overall health score of the primary hospitals serving this region, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth capabilities, and overall accessibility.

**The Primary Players: Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and Outer Banks Hospital**

The two main hospitals serving the 27981 ZIP code are Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City and Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head. Both institutions play a crucial role in providing essential medical services to the community.

**Sentara Albemarle Medical Center: A Regional Hub**

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, located approximately an hour's drive from Manteo, serves as a regional hub for more advanced care. While not directly within the immediate vicinity, its proximity and comprehensive services make it a vital resource for residents of the Outer Banks. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

The hospital boasts a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. It has a dedicated cardiac catheterization lab, providing timely interventions for heart-related emergencies. The cancer center offers a comprehensive approach to cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Orthopedic services encompass a wide array of procedures, from joint replacements to sports medicine.

ER wait times at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. However, the hospital strives to maintain reasonable wait times, with an average of around 45 minutes to an hour. This data is based on publicly available information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other sources.

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years. Telehealth services allow patients to access consultations with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel. These services are particularly beneficial for residents of the Outer Banks, who may face long distances to access specialized care. The hospital offers telehealth appointments for various specialties, including behavioral health and cardiology.

**Outer Banks Hospital: A Community Focus**

Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head is the closest hospital to Manteo. It is a 25-bed, critical access hospital. It is not rated by CMS. It provides essential services to the Outer Banks community, including emergency care, primary care, and various specialty services.

The hospital's emergency department is a crucial resource for residents and visitors alike, especially during peak tourist seasons. ER wait times at Outer Banks Hospital are generally shorter than those at larger regional hospitals, often averaging around 30-45 minutes. This efficiency is vital in a region with a high influx of seasonal visitors.

Outer Banks Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and radiology. The hospital has a dedicated surgical suite for performing various procedures. The obstetrics and gynecology department provides prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and gynecological care. Radiology services include X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound.

Telehealth is also a growing area of focus at Outer Banks Hospital. The hospital is expanding its telehealth offerings to improve access to care, particularly for behavioral health services.

**Other Considerations: Access and Travel**

While Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and Outer Banks Hospital are the primary healthcare providers, residents of the 27981 ZIP code may need to travel for certain specialized services. The distance to larger medical centers in Norfolk, Virginia, or Greenville, North Carolina, can be significant, especially during peak tourist seasons when traffic congestion is common.

**Specialty Centers and Clinics**

Beyond the main hospitals, the region is served by various specialty centers and clinics. These facilities provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, dermatology, and physical therapy. The availability of these clinics helps to improve access to specialized care for residents of the Outer Banks.

**Emergency Medical Services**

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are crucial in the Outer Banks, particularly during emergencies. The local EMS system works in conjunction with the hospitals to provide timely and effective care. Response times can vary depending on the location and severity of the emergency, but the EMS system is generally well-equipped to handle medical emergencies.

**Telehealth Utilization and Trends**

Telehealth utilization has increased significantly in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and Outer Banks Hospital have expanded their telehealth offerings to meet the growing demand for remote healthcare services. Telehealth is especially beneficial for residents of the Outer Banks, who may face travel challenges to access care. Telehealth trends show a continuing increase in use, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The overall health score for the hospitals serving the 27981 ZIP code is a mixed bag. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, with its 3-star CMS rating and broader range of services, provides a solid foundation for regional healthcare. However, its distance from Manteo necessitates travel for many residents. Outer Banks Hospital offers convenient access to essential services, with shorter ER wait times, but it is a smaller facility with fewer specialized resources.

The availability of specialty clinics and the growing telehealth capabilities of both hospitals are positive developments. These factors help to improve access to care and reduce the need for travel. However, the limited number of healthcare providers in the region and the potential for long travel times for specialized care remain challenges.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To further enhance the overall health score for the 27981 ZIP code, several improvements could be considered. Increasing the number of specialists available in the area would reduce the need for residents to travel for specialized care. Expanding telehealth services, particularly for mental health and chronic disease management, could also improve access to care. Investing in public transportation options for those who need to travel to larger hospitals could help reduce travel barriers. Continued investment in EMS services is also critical to ensure timely and effective emergency care.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape near Manteo, NC, offers a blend of strengths and weaknesses. While access to essential services is generally good, residents may face challenges in accessing specialized care. The increasing use of telehealth and the presence of specialty clinics are positive developments. By addressing the challenges and implementing the recommended improvements, the overall health score for the 27981 ZIP code can be further enhanced, ensuring that residents have access to the quality healthcare they deserve. The healthcare system in the Outer Banks is dynamic, and ongoing monitoring and adaptation are essential to meet the evolving needs of the community.