27983, Windsor, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 27983, Windsor, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Manteo, NC (ZIP Code 27983)

The Outer Banks region of North Carolina, encompassing ZIP code 27983 (Manteo, NC), presents a unique healthcare landscape. Serving a primarily rural and seasonal population, access to quality medical care is a critical concern. This review analyzes the major hospitals and healthcare providers within a reasonable radius, evaluating their performance across various key metrics to provide an "Overall Health Score" assessment.

**Defining the Scope: Proximity and Accessibility**

Given the geographical constraints of the Outer Banks, this review focuses on hospitals within a roughly 50-mile radius of Manteo. This includes facilities in Dare County, Pasquotank County, and potentially some in Currituck County, acknowledging that travel times can be significant for residents. The availability of urgent care clinics and other outpatient services will also be considered, recognizing their importance in supplementing hospital care.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Focus on Quality and Performance**

The primary hospital serving the Outer Banks is **The Outer Banks Hospital (TOBH)** in Nags Head, NC. This is the most immediate and accessible hospital for residents of Manteo. As of the latest publicly available data, TOBH does not have a CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating. CMS star ratings are a valuable tool for comparing hospitals based on quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. However, the absence of a rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor performance, but it does limit the ability to directly compare TOBH with other facilities that *do* have ratings.

TOBH, however, is a critical access hospital, designed to serve rural communities. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and diagnostic imaging. Its proximity is a significant advantage for residents of Manteo, particularly in emergency situations.

For more specialized care or when TOBH refers patients, residents often travel to **Sentara Albemarle Medical Center** in Elizabeth City, NC. Sentara Albemarle is approximately a 1-hour drive from Manteo. Sentara Albemarle has a CMS star rating of 3 stars, according to the most recent data. While not the highest rating, it indicates a level of quality and patient safety that meets national standards. Sentara Albemarle offers a broader range of services than TOBH, including a comprehensive cardiology program, a dedicated cancer center, and a more extensive network of specialists.

**Emergency Room Performance: Wait Times and Patient Flow**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to provide timely care. Unfortunately, publicly available data on ER wait times for specific hospitals in the region can be variable and may not always reflect real-time conditions. However, general trends can be observed.

Both TOBH and Sentara Albemarle Medical Center are likely to experience fluctuations in ER wait times, particularly during peak tourist seasons. It is advisable for patients to check online resources, such as the hospital's website or third-party platforms like Google, for estimated wait times before arriving at the ER. However, these are only estimates and should not be relied upon as a guarantee.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Depth of Expertise**

The availability of specialized medical services is a key factor in assessing the overall health score. TOBH, while a critical access hospital, offers a range of essential services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and cardiology. However, for more complex cases, patients are often referred to Sentara Albemarle or other regional medical centers.

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center provides a more comprehensive suite of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and a dedicated women's health center. The presence of these specialized centers reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment, improving access to care.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are increasingly important in rural areas like the Outer Banks, where geographical distances can be a barrier to accessing care. Both TOBH and Sentara Albemarle are likely to offer some telehealth options, particularly for follow-up appointments, specialist consultations, and mental health services.

The adoption of telehealth has accelerated in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While specific statistics on telehealth utilization for these hospitals may not be readily available, it is reasonable to assume that they are actively expanding their telehealth offerings to improve patient access and convenience.

**Outpatient and Urgent Care Options: Complementing Hospital Care**

The presence of outpatient clinics and urgent care facilities is crucial for providing convenient access to healthcare services. Several urgent care clinics are located in the Outer Banks region, offering treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. These clinics help to alleviate the burden on hospital emergency rooms, providing a more accessible and cost-effective option for many patients.

Outpatient services, such as physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing, are also available in the area. These services are essential for managing chronic conditions, providing rehabilitation, and facilitating early diagnosis.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall healthcare quality. While CMS star ratings and other metrics provide valuable insights, they do not fully capture the patient's perspective. Factors such as communication with healthcare providers, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the overall level of compassion and empathy can significantly impact patient satisfaction.

Hospital websites and online review platforms can provide some insights into patient experiences. However, it is important to consider that online reviews may not always be representative of the entire patient population.

**Data Limitations and Considerations**

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this review. Publicly available data on hospital performance can be limited, and the specific metrics used may vary. Furthermore, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and hospital services and performance can change over time.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Based on the available information, the overall health score for residents of Manteo, NC (ZIP code 27983) is considered **Moderate-Good**.

**Strengths:**

* **Proximity to The Outer Banks Hospital (TOBH):** Provides immediate access to emergency care and essential services.
* **Access to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center:** Offers a broader range of specialized services, including cardiology and oncology.
* **Availability of Urgent Care Clinics:** Provides convenient access to care for minor illnesses and injuries.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Likely expanding telehealth options to improve patient access.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Lack of CMS Star Rating for TOBH:** Limits direct comparison of quality metrics.
* **Reliance on Referral for Specialized Care:** Requires travel to Sentara Albemarle or other regional facilities for certain conditions.
* **Potential for Fluctuating ER Wait Times:** Particularly during peak tourist seasons.
* **Data Limitations:** Publicly available data may not fully capture all aspects of hospital performance.

**Recommendations:**

* **Residents should proactively research hospital options:** Utilizing online resources and consulting with their primary care physicians to understand the services available and the potential travel times involved.
* **Patients should check estimated ER wait times before arriving at the emergency room:** Using online resources to potentially save time.
* **Hospitals should continue to expand telehealth offerings:** To improve access to care and convenience for patients.
* **Hospitals should prioritize patient experience:** Seeking feedback from patients and implementing strategies to improve communication, compassion, and overall satisfaction.
* **Continued monitoring of hospital performance is essential:** As healthcare landscapes change, staying informed about the latest data and trends will ensure that residents have access to the best possible care.

This assessment provides a general overview of the healthcare landscape near Manteo, NC. Individual healthcare needs vary, and it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.