28434, Council, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28434, Council, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28434

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 28434, focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. The analysis considers factors such as CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings. This information is designed to help residents of the area make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape:**

ZIP code 28434, encompassing the town of Hampstead, North Carolina, sits within a region with a diverse range of healthcare options. Proximity to Wilmington, a larger city, expands the choices significantly. The healthcare ecosystem in this area is primarily dominated by two major players: New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), now part of Novant Health, and various smaller facilities offering specialized services.

**Flagship Hospital: Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)**

NHRMC, located in Wilmington, is the dominant healthcare provider in the region. It serves as a Level II Trauma Center, offering a comprehensive range of services. As of the latest available data, NHRMC holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, based on a complex formula evaluating mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care, places it in the average range nationally. While the CMS rating provides a valuable benchmark, it’s crucial to remember that it represents a snapshot in time and doesn't encompass the full spectrum of care offered.

**ER Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor in assessing hospital accessibility. NHRMC's emergency departments, including its main campus in Wilmington and the freestanding emergency department in Hampstead, have varying wait times. Data fluctuates, but generally, patients can expect to wait an average of 30-60 minutes to see a provider. These times can be influenced by the volume of patients, the severity of their conditions, and staffing levels. Real-time wait times are often available on the hospital's website or through online platforms, allowing patients to make informed decisions about where to seek care.

**Specialty Centers and Services at NHRMC:**

NHRMC boasts several specialized centers, catering to diverse medical needs. The hospital's Heart Center provides comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac surgery. The Zimmer Cancer Institute offers advanced cancer treatment options, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital also has a dedicated women's health center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a robust neurosciences program. These specialized centers are crucial for residents requiring advanced medical interventions.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for residents in more rural areas. NHRMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to the hospital or require follow-up care. The hospital's digital health initiatives include online patient portals, allowing patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their providers.

**Other Hospitals and Facilities:**

Beyond NHRMC, residents of the 28434 ZIP code have access to other healthcare facilities.

**Novant Health Hampstead Medical Park:** This facility offers primary care, specialty care, and urgent care services, providing convenient access to healthcare closer to home.

**Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists:** This practice offers specialized orthopedic care, including surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.

**Coastal Carolina Hospital:** This facility offers urgent care services, providing an alternative to the emergency room for less severe medical needs.

**Impact of Location:**

The proximity to Wilmington significantly impacts healthcare access for 28434 residents. The larger city offers a wider range of specialists, advanced medical technologies, and tertiary care facilities. However, this also means that residents may need to travel for certain appointments or procedures. The increasing development in Hampstead has resulted in more healthcare facilities opening up in the area.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

When assessing the overall health score, several factors come into play. The CMS star rating provides a general indication of quality, but it's essential to look beyond this single metric. Patient experience, as measured by surveys and online reviews, is another critical factor. Accessibility, including ER wait times and the availability of specialists, is also crucial. The availability of telehealth services enhances access, particularly for those with mobility issues or living in more remote areas.

**Specific Strengths and Weaknesses:**

**NHRMC Strengths:** As the dominant healthcare provider, NHRMC offers a comprehensive range of services, including specialized centers for heart care, cancer treatment, and stroke care. Its Level II Trauma Center status ensures that it can handle complex medical emergencies. The expansion of telehealth services improves access to care for many patients.

**NHRMC Weaknesses:** The 3-star CMS rating suggests there is room for improvement in certain areas of care. ER wait times can be a concern, particularly during peak hours.

**Other Facilities Strengths:** The presence of urgent care centers and primary care practices in Hampstead provides convenient access to routine medical services. Specialty practices like Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists offer focused expertise.

**Other Facilities Weaknesses:** The smaller facilities may not offer the same breadth of services as NHRMC, requiring patients to travel to Wilmington for more specialized care.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare quality. Online reviews and patient surveys provide valuable insights into the quality of care, communication with providers, and overall satisfaction. It's recommended to review patient feedback on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews to gain a better understanding of the experiences of other patients.

**Access to Care:**

Accessibility is a critical factor, particularly for residents in the 28434 ZIP code. The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers within the community is essential. The proximity to NHRMC in Wilmington provides access to a wider range of services, but this also means that residents may need to travel. Transportation options and the availability of public transportation can also impact access to care.

**Telehealth Impact:**

The increasing availability of telehealth services has a positive impact on healthcare access, especially for residents who have difficulty traveling or live in more rural areas. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, follow-up care, and remote patient monitoring.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 28434 offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses. NHRMC serves as the dominant provider, offering a comprehensive range of services and specialized centers. The hospital's 3-star CMS rating indicates a need for improvement in some areas, but the presence of specialized centers and telehealth initiatives is a positive. The availability of urgent care centers and primary care practices in Hampstead provides convenient access to routine medical services. Residents should consider their individual needs, including the need for specialized care, travel preferences, and patient experience when making healthcare decisions. Researching wait times, reviewing patient feedback, and understanding the availability of telehealth services are essential steps in navigating the healthcare landscape and ensuring access to quality care. The overall health score for the region is "Good," with opportunities for improvement, especially in the areas of patient experience and reducing ER wait times.