28531, Harkers Island, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28531, Harkers Island, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28531)

The health of a community is often reflected in the quality of its hospitals. For residents of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and the surrounding area (ZIP Code 28531), access to quality healthcare is a critical consideration. This review assesses the major hospitals serving this region, focusing on key performance indicators to provide an "Overall Health Score" perspective. We'll delve into factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities to paint a comprehensive picture.

**The Landscape: Major Players**

The healthcare landscape near Jacksonville is primarily dominated by two major players: Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL) and Onslow Memorial Hospital. While NMCCL primarily serves military personnel and their families, it also plays a significant role in the community's healthcare ecosystem. Onslow Memorial Hospital is the primary civilian hospital serving the area.

**Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL)**

NMCCL is a vital component of the healthcare infrastructure for the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and surrounding military communities. While not subject to the same CMS star rating system as civilian hospitals, NMCCL undergoes rigorous internal evaluations and adheres to stringent military healthcare standards. Data on specific metrics like ER wait times and specialty center performance are often not publicly available in the same format as civilian hospitals. However, NMCCL offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, specialized medical and surgical care, and a robust behavioral health program, reflecting the unique needs of its patient population. The hospital is equipped to handle a wide variety of medical emergencies and provides a crucial safety net for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families. NMCCL's commitment to military readiness and the health of its beneficiaries is evident in its investment in advanced medical technology and highly trained medical professionals.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital**

Onslow Memorial Hospital is the cornerstone of civilian healthcare in Jacksonville. This hospital is a crucial resource for the broader community, providing a wide array of medical services. Unlike NMCCL, Onslow Memorial Hospital is subject to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system. As of the latest available data, Onslow Memorial Hospital holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The CMS star rating system is a valuable tool for consumers, providing a readily understandable summary of a hospital's performance. Hospitals are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars representing the highest level of quality. While not a perfect measure, the CMS star rating offers a glimpse into a hospital's performance relative to national benchmarks. The 3-star rating for Onslow Memorial Hospital indicates that it is performing at an average level compared to other hospitals nationwide.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to handle urgent medical needs. Long wait times can be detrimental to patient outcomes, particularly in cases of serious illness or injury. Unfortunately, specific, up-to-the-minute ER wait time data is not always readily available for individual hospitals. However, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides some general data. The average ER wait time for North Carolina hospitals can fluctuate. It is advisable to check the hospital's website or call ahead for current wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Diverse Needs**

The availability of specialized medical services is a key factor in assessing a hospital's overall quality. Onslow Memorial Hospital has several specialty centers, including a cardiology center, a cancer center, and a women's health center. These centers provide focused care for specific medical conditions, allowing patients to receive specialized treatment close to home. The cardiology center offers diagnostic and interventional cardiology services, including cardiac catheterization and angioplasty. The cancer center provides comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The women's health center offers a range of services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography. NMCCL also provides specialized services to meet the needs of its patient population.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to access medical consultations and services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Onslow Memorial Hospital has embraced telehealth, offering virtual visits for various specialties. This allows patients to connect with their doctors from the comfort of their homes, making it easier to manage chronic conditions and receive follow-up care. NMCCL also utilizes telehealth to provide care to its beneficiaries, particularly those stationed in remote locations or with limited access to medical facilities.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. It encompasses factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, the cleanliness of the hospital, and the overall satisfaction of patients with their care. Patient satisfaction scores are often collected through surveys, such as the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. While specific HCAHPS scores for Onslow Memorial Hospital may vary over time, the hospital strives to provide a positive patient experience.

**Community Health Initiatives: Beyond the Hospital Walls**

Beyond providing direct medical care, hospitals often engage in community health initiatives. These initiatives can include health education programs, screenings, and outreach efforts. Onslow Memorial Hospital actively participates in community health programs, focusing on areas such as diabetes prevention, heart health, and cancer awareness. These initiatives contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community.

**Access to Specialists: A Critical Consideration**

The availability of specialists is crucial for providing comprehensive healthcare. The Jacksonville area benefits from access to a range of specialists, including cardiologists, oncologists, surgeons, and other medical professionals. The presence of these specialists ensures that patients can receive the specialized care they need without having to travel long distances.

**Financial Considerations: Cost and Affordability**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many individuals and families. The financial burden of medical care can vary depending on factors such as insurance coverage, the type of services received, and the hospital's billing practices. Patients should be aware of the costs associated with their care and should discuss any financial concerns with their healthcare providers. Onslow Memorial Hospital offers financial assistance programs for eligible patients.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Evaluating the hospitals near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28531) requires a multi-faceted approach. NMCCL serves a critical role in providing healthcare to military personnel and their families, offering a comprehensive range of services. Onslow Memorial Hospital is the primary civilian hospital, providing a wide array of medical services to the broader community. The 3-star CMS rating for Onslow Memorial Hospital indicates that it is performing at an average level compared to other hospitals nationwide. The hospital offers specialty centers, including cardiology, cancer, and women's health centers, and has embraced telehealth to expand access to care. While specific ER wait times can fluctuate, the availability of these services within the community is a significant benefit.

**The Verdict:**

The healthcare landscape near Jacksonville offers a solid foundation of care. Residents have access to a comprehensive range of services through both NMCCL and Onslow Memorial Hospital. While Onslow Memorial Hospital's 3-star CMS rating suggests room for improvement, the hospital's commitment to specialty care, telehealth, and community health initiatives is commendable. The presence of NMCCL adds another layer of healthcare security, particularly for the military community. Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Jacksonville is positive, reflecting a community with access to essential medical services and a commitment to improving healthcare quality. Residents are encouraged to research individual hospitals, consider their specific healthcare needs, and consult with their physicians to make informed decisions about their healthcare.