28467, Calabash, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28467, Calabash, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Wrightsville Beach, NC (ZIP Code 28467)

The picturesque coastal community of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, enjoys access to a range of healthcare options, with the majority of services concentrated in the nearby city of Wilmington. Evaluating the overall health of these facilities requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, specialized services, and patient experience. This review analyzes the key hospitals serving the area, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on available data and insights.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Players**

The primary healthcare providers for residents near 28467 are concentrated in Wilmington. New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), now part of Novant Health, is the dominant player. Wilmington Health, a large multi-specialty practice, also plays a significant role in the area's healthcare ecosystem. Smaller, specialized facilities and urgent care clinics supplement these larger institutions.

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

NHRMC, now operating under the Novant Health umbrella, is the largest hospital in the region and the primary destination for acute care. It boasts a comprehensive range of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a robust cardiac program.

**CMS Star Rating:** NHRMC currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a hospital's performance across various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's essential to delve deeper into the specific performance areas to gain a more nuanced understanding.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:** ER wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. NHRMC's ER wait times fluctuate, but data indicates that the hospital generally performs within the national average. Specific wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the patient's condition. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:** NHRMC offers a wide array of specialized services. The hospital's cardiac program is particularly noteworthy, with advanced interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery capabilities. The Zimmer Cancer Institute provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The hospital also has a dedicated women's health center and a robust behavioral health program.

**Telehealth Integration:** Novant Health has been actively expanding its telehealth offerings. This includes virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists, remote monitoring programs for chronic conditions, and virtual mental health services. Telehealth provides convenient access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or living in more remote areas.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction is a critical component of overall health. NHRMC's patient experience scores, as measured by patient surveys, are generally in line with national averages. Areas for potential improvement include communication with patients, responsiveness of staff, and the overall hospital environment.

**Overall Health Score for NHRMC:** Considering its comprehensive services, trauma center designation, and ongoing efforts to improve patient care, NHRMC receives a solid "Good" rating. The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, but the hospital's commitment to advanced medical care and its role as a regional referral center are significant strengths.

**Wilmington Health: A Comprehensive Approach**

Wilmington Health is a large, independent multi-specialty practice that provides a wide range of outpatient and inpatient services. While not a hospital in the traditional sense, Wilmington Health's network of physicians and facilities plays a crucial role in the healthcare landscape near 28467.

**Services Offered:** Wilmington Health offers primary care, specialty care, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient surgery. They have multiple locations throughout the Wilmington area, making it convenient for patients to access care.

**Integration with NHRMC:** Wilmington Health physicians often have admitting privileges at NHRMC, allowing them to provide continuity of care for their patients who require hospitalization. This collaborative approach is beneficial for patients, ensuring seamless transitions between outpatient and inpatient settings.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Wilmington Health has embraced telehealth, offering virtual visits for many specialties. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations.

**Overall Health Score for Wilmington Health:** Wilmington Health receives a "Good" rating for its comprehensive services, convenient locations, and integration with NHRMC. Their focus on preventative care and chronic disease management contributes to the overall health of the community.

**Other Healthcare Providers:**

Several other healthcare providers serve the area near 28467, including urgent care clinics and smaller specialty practices. These facilities offer convenient access to care for less serious conditions and provide specialized services.

**Urgent Care Clinics:** Urgent care clinics provide immediate care for illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening. They offer an alternative to the ER for non-emergency situations, reducing wait times and costs.

**Specialty Practices:** Numerous specialty practices, such as dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics, are available in the Wilmington area. These practices offer specialized expertise and advanced treatments.

**Factors Affecting Overall Health Score:**

Several factors influence the overall health score of healthcare providers near 28467.

**Accessibility:** The proximity of hospitals and clinics to Wrightsville Beach is a significant advantage. However, traffic congestion in the Wilmington area can impact travel times, especially during peak hours.

**Quality of Care:** The quality of care is paramount. This includes the expertise of physicians, the availability of advanced technology, and the adherence to evidence-based practices. CMS star ratings, patient outcomes data, and hospital accreditation status are important indicators of quality.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction is a critical component of overall health. This includes the responsiveness of staff, the clarity of communication, and the overall hospital environment. Patient surveys and online reviews provide valuable insights into patient experiences.

**Cost of Care:** The cost of healthcare is a major concern for patients. The cost of services can vary depending on the provider, the type of service, and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Community Health Initiatives:** Healthcare providers are increasingly involved in community health initiatives, such as health education programs, screenings, and outreach efforts. These initiatives contribute to the overall health of the community.

**Specific Considerations for 28467 Residents:**

Residents of Wrightsville Beach have specific considerations when choosing healthcare providers.

**Proximity:** The close proximity of healthcare facilities in Wilmington is a major advantage. However, residents should consider traffic patterns and travel times, especially during peak tourist seasons.

**Insurance Coverage:** Residents should ensure that their chosen providers accept their insurance plans.

**Specialty Needs:** Residents with specific medical needs should research the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, or orthopedics, in the Wilmington area.

**Telehealth Options:** Telehealth is a valuable option for residents, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Conclusion: A Healthy Outlook**

The healthcare landscape near Wrightsville Beach, NC (28467) offers a solid foundation of care. NHRMC, as the primary hospital, provides a comprehensive range of services and is actively working to improve its quality of care. Wilmington Health complements this with its extensive network of physicians and facilities. While the CMS rating for NHRMC indicates areas for improvement, the overall outlook for healthcare in the area is positive. Residents have access to a variety of healthcare options, including specialized services, urgent care clinics, and telehealth capabilities. By considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and contribute to their overall well-being. Further research into specific specialties and individual provider performance is always recommended to ensure the best possible care.