28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28521)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. For residents of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and the surrounding area (ZIP Code 28521), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings, to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.

**The Flagship: Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune**

The cornerstone of healthcare in this region is the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL). While primarily serving active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families, NMCCL’s impact extends to the broader community through its advanced facilities and specialized programs. Unfortunately, due to its military affiliation, NMCCL does not receive a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating, which is a common metric for civilian hospitals. However, NMCCL is a major medical center with a wide range of specialties, including a Level III Trauma Center, offering comprehensive care for critical injuries. The hospital boasts a robust network of specialists, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical services. Access to care is generally good for its primary patient population, but wait times for non-emergency appointments can vary depending on demand and specific services. NMCCL has significantly expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs to improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote locations or with mobility challenges.

**Regional Options: Civilian Hospitals in the Area**

Outside of NMCCL, residents have access to several civilian hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These facilities cater to a diverse patient population and provide essential healthcare services to the community.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, NC)**

Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) is the primary civilian hospital serving Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. OMH is a 150-bed acute care facility and is a vital resource for the community. It is a designated primary stroke center. As of the most recent data, OMH has a CMS star rating of three stars. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. OMH’s emergency room wait times are a critical factor for many patients. While specific wait times fluctuate, the hospital generally strives to keep wait times within the national average. OMH offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services to enhance patient access to care.

**Other Facilities and Considerations**

While Onslow Memorial Hospital is the primary civilian hospital in the immediate area, residents may also consider hospitals in neighboring counties, particularly for specialized care.

**Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (Fayetteville, NC)**

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, located in Fayetteville, is a larger facility, approximately an hour's drive from Jacksonville. It is a regional referral center with a broader range of specialized services than OMH. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has a CMS star rating of three stars. This facility has a Level II Trauma Center, offering a higher level of trauma care than OMH. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has more specialized services, including a comprehensive cancer center, advanced cardiology programs, and a dedicated children's hospital. ER wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Telehealth services are available, providing access to specialists and follow-up care.

**New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, NC)**

New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), located in Wilmington, is another regional option, about an hour's drive from Jacksonville. NHRMC is a large, comprehensive medical center with a CMS star rating of four stars. This hospital is known for its advanced cardiac care, stroke center, and cancer treatment programs. NHRMC has a Level II Trauma Center, offering a high level of care for critically injured patients. ER wait times can vary, but the hospital strives to provide timely care. NHRMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services.

**Assessing Key Metrics: ER Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to provide timely care. While specific wait times fluctuate, it's essential to consider the general trends. OMH generally aims to keep its ER wait times within the national average. For more complex cases, or during peak hours, patients may experience longer wait times. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and NHRMC, being larger facilities, may experience varying wait times depending on patient volume and the complexity of cases. It's advisable to check real-time wait times on hospital websites or through online resources before heading to the ER.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care**

The availability of specialized care is a significant factor in assessing a hospital's overall health score. NMCCL provides comprehensive specialty services for its primary patient population. OMH offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health, making it a valuable resource for the community. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and NHRMC offer a broader range of specialized services, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment programs, and specialized surgical procedures. For complex medical needs, patients may need to travel to these regional referral centers to access the necessary expertise and technology.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery. NMCCL has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring programs. OMH has also invested in telehealth, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and NHRMC have robust telehealth programs, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote locations, those with mobility challenges, or those seeking follow-up care.

**CMS Star Ratings: A General Indicator**

CMS star ratings provide a general overview of a hospital's performance. While not the only factor to consider, they can be a useful starting point. OMH has a CMS star rating of three stars, indicating a solid level of performance. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has a CMS star rating of three stars, while NHRMC has a four-star rating, reflecting its higher level of performance across various quality measures. It's important to note that CMS star ratings are based on specific metrics and may not capture the full scope of a hospital's quality of care.

**Overall Health Score Summary for 28521**

Based on the available information, the "Overall Health Score" for the Jacksonville area (28521) is positive, but with considerations. NMCCL is a strong resource, but its services are primarily for military-affiliated patients. Onslow Memorial Hospital provides essential services and is a critical resource for the community. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and NHRMC offer additional options for specialized care.

**Key Considerations:**

* **Access to NMCCL:** For those eligible, NMCCL offers comprehensive care.
* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** A solid choice for general care, with good access to essential services.
* **Specialized Needs:** For specialized care, consider Cape Fear Valley Medical Center or NHRMC.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check real-time wait times before visiting the ER.
* **Telehealth:** Utilize telehealth options to improve access to care.

**Disclaimer:** This "Overall Health Score" review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance. Hospital ratings and data can change, so it's important to verify information directly with the hospitals.