28583, Stonewall, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28583, Stonewall, North Carolina is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28583

The coastal community of Swansboro, North Carolina, nestled near the 28583 ZIP code, has a healthcare landscape defined by a mix of regional hospitals, specialized clinics, and evolving telehealth options. Assessing the overall health score of the available facilities requires a deep dive into various factors, including quality ratings, emergency room performance, specialized services, and the accessibility of care. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview, focusing on the most relevant hospitals and healthcare providers in the area and nearby regions.

**Navigating the Healthcare Landscape: Key Players**

The primary hospital serving the Swansboro area is **Carteret Health Care**, located in Morehead City, a short drive from the 28583 ZIP code. While not directly within the immediate vicinity, it serves as the primary acute care provider for the region. Its performance, therefore, carries significant weight in the overall health score assessment. Further afield, residents may also access hospitals in Jacksonville, offering a broader range of specialized services.

**Carteret Health Care: A Closer Look**

Carteret Health Care, a 135-bed community hospital, is the cornerstone of healthcare access for Swansboro residents. It offers a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, surgical suites, and specialized units for cardiology, pulmonology, and women's health. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, a widely recognized standard of quality in healthcare.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a readily accessible measure of overall quality. As of the latest available data, Carteret Health Care has a CMS star rating. This rating is derived from various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. The specific rating and its trends should be carefully considered, as it reflects the hospital's performance across a broad spectrum of care. It is essential to check the CMS website for the most up-to-date information.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's ability to provide timely care. The average ER wait time at Carteret Health Care should be examined. This metric, which measures the time from patient arrival to being seen by a healthcare professional, can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER, which is crucial for patients needing immediate medical attention. Information on door-to-doctor times and door-to-diagnostic times should also be considered.

**Specialized Services and Centers of Excellence:**

Carteret Health Care provides a range of specialized services. The presence of a dedicated cardiac unit, for example, suggests a focus on cardiovascular health. The hospital’s offerings in areas such as orthopedics, oncology, and women's health should be reviewed to assess the breadth of its capabilities. Specialized centers, such as a stroke center or a wound care center, can further enhance the hospital's overall health score.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience:**

Accessibility is a vital component of healthcare. Factors such as the hospital's location, parking availability, and ease of navigation contribute to patient convenience. Patient experience surveys, which gather feedback on aspects like communication with doctors and nurses, the cleanliness of the facilities, and overall satisfaction, provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

**Hospitals in Jacksonville: Expanding Options**

Residents of the 28583 ZIP code may also consider hospitals in Jacksonville, a larger city offering a wider array of specialized services. The primary hospital in Jacksonville is **Onslow Memorial Hospital**.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital: An Overview**

Onslow Memorial Hospital, a larger facility than Carteret Health Care, provides a broader range of specialized services and resources. It is an acute care hospital that serves the greater Jacksonville area.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Similar to Carteret Health Care, Onslow Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating. This rating, and any trends over time, should be considered when evaluating the hospital's overall quality. The CMS website is the best source for the most current information.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times at Onslow Memorial Hospital are an important factor. The hospital's ability to efficiently manage patient flow in the ER is a key indicator of its responsiveness to urgent medical needs.

**Specialized Services and Centers of Excellence:**

Onslow Memorial Hospital typically offers a more extensive range of specialized services than Carteret Health Care. It is essential to investigate the availability of specialized centers and programs, such as those for cancer treatment, cardiac care, and advanced surgical procedures.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has emerged as a crucial component of healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Both Carteret Health Care and Onslow Memorial Hospital, as well as other providers in the region, likely offer telehealth services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

The availability of telehealth services can significantly enhance the overall health score. Telehealth allows patients to access medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or living far from medical facilities. The types of telehealth services offered, such as virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and behavioral health services, should be investigated.

**Telehealth Stats and Usage:**

Data on the utilization of telehealth services, such as the number of virtual visits and the types of conditions treated, can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and accessibility of these programs.

**Other Healthcare Providers and Clinics:**

Beyond the major hospitals, the Swansboro area and its surrounding communities are served by a network of primary care physicians, specialists, and outpatient clinics. These providers play a crucial role in delivering comprehensive healthcare services.

**Primary Care Physicians and Specialists:**

The availability of primary care physicians and specialists, such as cardiologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists, is a key factor in the overall health score. Access to a diverse range of medical professionals ensures that residents can receive the specialized care they need.

**Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:**

Outpatient clinics and urgent care centers offer convenient access to medical care for less serious conditions. The presence of these facilities can help to reduce the burden on emergency rooms and provide timely care for patients.

**Community Health Initiatives and Public Health:**

Community health initiatives and public health programs contribute to the overall health of the population. These programs may include preventative care services, health education campaigns, and initiatives to address specific health challenges in the community.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

When assessing the overall health score for the area near the 28583 ZIP code, several factors must be considered. The CMS star ratings of the major hospitals, such as Carteret Health Care and Onslow Memorial Hospital, provide a valuable benchmark of quality. Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's ability to provide timely care. The availability of specialized services and centers of excellence indicates the breadth of healthcare options available. The accessibility of care, including telehealth services, is essential, particularly for residents in rural areas. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and outpatient clinics ensures that residents have access to a comprehensive range of healthcare services. Community health initiatives and public health programs further contribute to the overall health of the population.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near the 28583 ZIP code is characterized by a combination of regional hospitals, specialized clinics, and evolving telehealth options. While Carteret Health Care serves as the primary acute care provider, residents may also access hospitals in Jacksonville for a broader range of services. Assessing the overall health score requires a comprehensive evaluation of quality ratings, emergency room performance, specialized services, accessibility, and the availability of telehealth options. By considering these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and navigate the healthcare system effectively. It is crucial to consult the most up-to-date information from CMS and other reliable sources to make the most informed decisions.