28577, Sealevel, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28577, Sealevel, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 28577 (Swansboro, NC)

Finding the right healthcare can be a daunting task. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Swansboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28577), considering factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability. This information is intended to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape near Swansboro is primarily influenced by the presence of larger regional medical centers and smaller community hospitals. Proximity to military installations, particularly Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, also shapes the demand and availability of specific services. Residents often travel to larger cities like Jacksonville or New Bern for more specialized care.

**Key Players and Their Scores:**

**1. Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL):**

NMCCL is a significant healthcare provider for military personnel, their families, and eligible veterans in the area. As a federal facility, it does not receive a CMS star rating. However, NMCCL is accredited by The Joint Commission, demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety. NMCCL’s emergency room serves a large population, and wait times can vary depending on the day and time. It offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialized medical and surgical care, and behavioral health services. Telehealth options are available, enhancing access to care for patients. NMCCL is a crucial component of the healthcare ecosystem in the region.

**2. Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, NC):**

Located in Jacksonville, Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) is a key provider for the region. It is a 162-bed acute care facility and is the closest full-service hospital to Swansboro. OMH has a 3-star CMS rating, indicating an average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide. This rating is based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. ER wait times at OMH can fluctuate, but the hospital strives to provide timely care. OMH offers a broad range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and women's health. Telehealth services are available, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring options.

**3. CarolinaEast Medical Center (New Bern, NC):**

CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern is a larger regional hospital, offering a broader array of specialized services. CarolinaEast has a 3-star CMS rating. This hospital is further away from Swansboro, but it can be a good option for those seeking specialized care. The hospital's emergency room provides 24/7 care, and wait times can vary. CarolinaEast offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and a Level II Trauma Center. Telehealth services are offered, extending the hospital's reach and improving patient access to specialists.

**4. Carteret Health Care (Morehead City, NC):**

Carteret Health Care, located in Morehead City, is another option for residents near Swansboro. Carteret Health Care has a 3-star CMS rating. It provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and specialized care. The emergency room at Carteret Health Care is open 24/7, and wait times can vary. Telehealth services are available, expanding access to care for patients.

**Evaluating Key Metrics:**

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in assessing hospital accessibility. Data on ER wait times is publicly available through sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and individual hospital websites. However, wait times can fluctuate significantly based on patient volume and the severity of cases. Shorter wait times generally indicate better efficiency and responsiveness.

**Specialty Centers:**

The availability of specialized centers is critical for addressing complex medical needs. Hospitals near Swansboro offer a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The presence of specialized centers demonstrates a hospital's commitment to providing comprehensive care.

**Telehealth Services:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for rural communities. Telehealth allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, improving access to specialists and reducing the need for travel. The availability of telehealth services is a key factor in assessing a hospital's commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

**CMS Star Ratings:**

The CMS star rating system provides a standardized measure of hospital quality. While not the only factor to consider, the star rating offers a valuable snapshot of a hospital's performance based on various quality metrics. Higher star ratings generally indicate better performance and patient outcomes.

**Other Considerations:**

**Patient Reviews and Experiences:**

Patient reviews and experiences provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Online platforms like Healthgrades and Google Reviews offer a space for patients to share their experiences, which can help potential patients assess a hospital's reputation and patient satisfaction.

**Hospital Accreditation:**

Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare demonstrates a hospital's commitment to quality and safety. These accreditations involve rigorous evaluations of a hospital's processes and procedures.

**Community Health Needs Assessments:**

Local hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments to identify the most pressing health issues in the community. These assessments can provide valuable information about the specific healthcare needs of residents near Swansboro.

**Specific Service Availability:**

The availability of specific services, such as cardiac catheterization labs, advanced imaging, and specialized surgical procedures, is crucial for patients with specific medical needs. Patients should research the availability of these services at each hospital based on their individual healthcare requirements.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

Based on the available information, the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Swansboro is influenced by a combination of factors.

* **Proximity:** Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville is the closest full-service hospital, making it a convenient option for residents.
* **Specialty Care:** CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern offers a broader range of specialized services, but it is further away.
* **Quality Ratings:** CMS star ratings provide a general indication of hospital performance.
* **Telehealth:** The availability of telehealth services enhances patient access to care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times indicate better efficiency.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of Swansboro should consider the following when choosing a hospital:

* **Primary Care Physician:** Consult with their primary care physician for recommendations and referrals.
* **Specific Needs:** Identify their specific healthcare needs and research the availability of relevant services at each hospital.
* **Proximity:** Consider the convenience of location and travel time.
* **Patient Reviews:** Review patient experiences to assess a hospital's reputation.
* **Telehealth Options:** Explore telehealth options for convenience and access to specialists.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare options near Swansboro, NC. By considering the factors outlined above, residents can make informed decisions that best meet their individual healthcare needs. It is important to note that healthcare information can change. Always verify information with the hospitals directly and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.