28528, Gloucester, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28528)

Finding the right healthcare can be a daunting task, especially when navigating the complexities of insurance, specialties, and access. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28528), considering factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. This analysis aims to offer residents a clearer picture of their healthcare options.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The primary healthcare providers serving the 28528 ZIP code are concentrated in and around Jacksonville. While residents may travel further for specialized care, the immediate area boasts several significant hospitals. These include:

* **Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune:** While primarily serving military personnel and their families, this facility often provides care to the wider community through various programs and partnerships.
* **Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville):** This is the most prominent civilian hospital in the area, serving as a central hub for medical services.

**Quality Assessment: CMS Star Ratings and Beyond**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system to assess hospital quality. CMS star ratings are based on several factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** As of the latest available data, Onslow Memorial Hospital holds a CMS star rating. This rating offers a snapshot of overall performance compared to other hospitals nationally. It is crucial to remember that these ratings are snapshots in time and can fluctuate. The hospital's performance in specific areas like patient safety, mortality rates, and readmission rates should be considered.

**Emergency Room Performance: Wait Times and Efficiency**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's responsiveness and efficiency. Long wait times can be stressful and potentially delay critical care.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times at Onslow Memorial Hospital are a key consideration. The hospital's average wait times, both for seeing a medical professional and for discharge, are publicly available. These times should be compared to state and national averages to gauge performance. Factors like the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition can influence wait times.

**Specialty Services: Availability and Expertise**

The availability of specialized medical services is a crucial factor in evaluating a hospital's overall health score.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Onslow Memorial Hospital offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital's cardiology department provides services for heart conditions, including diagnostic testing and treatment. The orthopedic department offers care for musculoskeletal issues, including joint replacements and sports medicine. The women's health services encompass obstetrics, gynecology, and other specialized care. The quality of these services can be assessed by considering the availability of board-certified specialists, the technology available, and patient outcomes.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially in rural areas, allowing patients to access medical care remotely.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Onslow Memorial Hospital has embraced telehealth to varying degrees. The hospital may offer telehealth consultations for certain specialties, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely. The availability of telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. The ease of use, the range of services offered, and the technology available should be considered when evaluating the telehealth capabilities of a hospital.

**Patient Experience: Satisfaction and Feedback**

Patient experience is a vital component of overall health. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Patient satisfaction scores are available through CMS and other sources. These scores reflect patient experiences regarding communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, cleanliness of the hospital, and overall satisfaction. Analyzing these scores provides valuable insights into the patient experience. Patient reviews and testimonials can also offer additional perspectives.

**Accessibility and Affordability: Navigating Insurance and Costs**

Healthcare accessibility is a critical factor. Understanding insurance acceptance and the cost of care is essential.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** The hospital accepts a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Patients should verify their insurance coverage before seeking care. The hospital's billing practices and financial assistance programs should also be considered. Transparency in pricing and the availability of payment plans can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care.

**Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune: A Unique Consideration**

Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune serves a distinct population but can also impact the wider community.

* **Services and Access:** This hospital primarily serves active-duty military personnel, their families, and veterans. However, it may also offer services to the general public through various partnerships or programs. The hospital's capabilities include a range of medical and surgical specialties, including primary care, emergency services, and specialized care. Access to care may be limited to those eligible for military healthcare benefits.

**Community Health Needs Assessment:**

Understanding the specific health needs of the community is crucial.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** The hospital conducts regular Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs). These assessments identify the most pressing health issues in the area, such as chronic diseases, mental health concerns, and access to care disparities. The CHNA informs the hospital's strategic planning and helps to ensure that resources are directed toward addressing the most critical health needs of the community.

**Overall Health Score: A Comparative Analysis**

Creating an "Overall Health Score" involves weighing the various factors discussed. This is not a simple calculation but a holistic assessment.

* **Onslow Memorial Hospital:** Onslow Memorial Hospital serves as the primary civilian healthcare provider in the area. Its CMS star rating, ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth capabilities, patient satisfaction scores, and insurance acceptance are all critical factors. The hospital's commitment to community health, as evidenced by its CHNA, is also essential.

* **Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune:** Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune offers specialized care and services to a specific population. The hospital's quality of care, as reflected in patient outcomes and satisfaction, is crucial. Its impact on the broader community through partnerships and programs should also be considered.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing the right healthcare provider is a personal decision. This review provides information to help residents of the 28528 ZIP code make informed choices.

* **Prioritize Your Needs:** Consider your specific healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when making a decision.
* **Gather Information:** Consult with your primary care physician, review hospital websites, and research patient reviews.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions about quality, services, and costs.

By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this review, residents can navigate the healthcare landscape near Jacksonville, NC, and find the best possible care for their needs. This "Overall Health Score" assessment provides a starting point for making informed decisions about your health. Remember to stay informed about the latest updates and changes in the healthcare landscape.