28396, Wagram, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28396, Wagram, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 28396

The quest for quality healthcare is a universal concern, and for residents near ZIP code 28396 (Southern Pines, North Carolina), understanding the local landscape is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering key factors like hospital quality, access to specialists, emergency room efficiency, telehealth options, and other relevant metrics. This analysis aims to empower informed decision-making regarding healthcare choices.

**The Major Players: Flagship Hospitals and CMS Ratings**

The healthcare ecosystem near 28396 is largely dominated by FirstHealth of the Carolinas, a regional health network. Its flagship facility, **Moore Regional Hospital** in Pinehurst, is a central point of care. As of the latest available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Moore Regional Hospital holds a respectable, but not stellar, **three-star rating**. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a three-star rating indicates average performance, it’s important to delve deeper than the headline number.

**Delving Deeper: What the CMS Rating Means**

The CMS star rating is a valuable starting point, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Examining specific performance metrics is crucial. For Moore Regional, analyzing data on infection rates, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction scores offers a more nuanced understanding. Publicly available data on the CMS Hospital Compare website allows for this in-depth investigation. For example, comparing Moore Regional's performance on specific procedures, like heart attack or stroke care, against national averages provides a clearer picture of its strengths and weaknesses.

**Emergency Room Efficiency: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for many patients. The ability to receive timely care in a crisis is paramount. Publicly available data, often accessible through hospital websites or third-party platforms, provides insights into average ER wait times at Moore Regional and other local facilities. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER, which can translate to better outcomes in emergency situations. It's important to note that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume.

**Specialty Centers: Access to Specialized Care**

Beyond general medical care, access to specialized services is essential. Moore Regional Hospital boasts several specialty centers, including a comprehensive heart center, a cancer center, and a women's health center. The availability of these specialized services means residents of 28396 can often receive advanced care locally, reducing the need for travel to larger medical centers in cities like Raleigh or Durham. The quality of these specialty centers is a key factor in the overall health score.

**The Heart Center: A Focus on Cardiac Care**

The FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital's Heart Center is a significant asset to the community. Assessing its performance involves examining metrics such as success rates for cardiac procedures (e.g., angioplasty, bypass surgery), adherence to national guidelines for heart attack treatment, and patient outcomes. Information on the number of cardiac procedures performed annually and the availability of advanced technologies (e.g., minimally invasive surgery) further informs the assessment.

**Cancer Care: A Critical Need**

The FirstHealth Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery), and support services. Evaluating the center's quality involves considering factors such as the availability of advanced treatment options (e.g., targeted therapies, immunotherapy), the experience of the medical staff, and patient satisfaction scores. Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer is a positive indicator of quality.

**Women's Health: Meeting Specific Needs**

The Women's Health Center at Moore Regional offers a range of services, including obstetrics and gynecology, mammography, and other specialized care. Assessing the center's quality involves examining factors such as the availability of experienced obstetricians and gynecologists, the quality of prenatal care, and patient satisfaction with the birthing experience. The availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography, is also a factor.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. FirstHealth offers telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, access mental health services, and manage chronic conditions. The availability of telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The types of telehealth services offered, the ease of use of the platform, and patient satisfaction with telehealth experiences are all relevant factors.

**Other Healthcare Providers: Expanding the Options**

Beyond Moore Regional Hospital, residents of 28396 have access to other healthcare providers, including urgent care clinics, primary care physicians, and specialists. The presence of a diverse network of providers increases access to care and allows patients to choose the provider that best meets their needs. Evaluating these providers involves considering factors such as their experience, their patient reviews, and their ability to accept various insurance plans.

**Urgent Care Clinics: Addressing Immediate Needs**

Urgent care clinics provide a convenient option for treating non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. The availability of urgent care clinics in the area reduces the burden on the ER and provides patients with a more affordable and accessible option for care. Assessing the quality of urgent care clinics involves considering factors such as their wait times, the experience of the medical staff, and the range of services offered.

**Primary Care Physicians: The Foundation of Healthcare**

Primary care physicians are the cornerstone of healthcare, providing preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating care with specialists. The availability of primary care physicians in the area is crucial for maintaining good health. Assessing the quality of primary care physicians involves considering factors such as their experience, their patient reviews, and their ability to provide comprehensive care.

**Specialist Availability: Addressing Specific Needs**

The presence of specialists in various fields, such as cardiology, orthopedics, and dermatology, is essential for addressing specific health needs. The availability of specialists in the area reduces the need for patients to travel long distances to receive specialized care. Assessing the quality of specialists involves considering factors such as their experience, their board certifications, and their patient reviews.

**Insurance Coverage: A Critical Consideration**

The type of insurance coverage a patient has significantly impacts their access to care. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local healthcare providers is a crucial factor. Understanding which hospitals and providers accept a patient's insurance plan is essential for making informed healthcare decisions. The availability of financial assistance programs for those who are uninsured or underinsured is also an important consideration.

**Community Health Initiatives: Promoting Wellness**

Beyond direct medical care, community health initiatives play a vital role in promoting overall health. These initiatives can include health education programs, wellness programs, and partnerships with local organizations. The presence of such initiatives indicates a commitment to improving the health of the community.

**Overall Health Score: A Preliminary Assessment**

Based on the available information, the "Overall Health Score" for the area near ZIP code 28396 is **moderate to good**. Moore Regional Hospital, the primary healthcare provider, offers a range of services, including specialty centers, but its CMS star rating suggests room for improvement. The availability of telehealth services and a network of other healthcare providers enhances access to care. However, it is crucial for individuals to conduct their own research, considering their specific healthcare needs and preferences, and to consult with their physicians to make informed decisions. The ongoing monitoring of hospital performance, ER wait times, and the expansion of telehealth options will be critical to maintaining and improving the overall health score for the community.