28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28628

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near the 28628 ZIP code, focusing on key performance indicators to help you make informed decisions about your health. We'll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings, offering a comprehensive picture of each facility.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The 28628 ZIP code primarily encompasses the town of Granite Falls, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas. Healthcare access in this region is largely centered around facilities in nearby cities like Hickory and Lenoir. The following analysis examines the primary hospitals serving this population, providing a comparative overview.

**Carolina Caring (formerly Catawba Regional Hospice)**

While not a full-service hospital, Carolina Caring plays a vital role in end-of-life care and palliative medicine. They offer hospice services, bereavement support, and specialized programs for chronic pain management. Their focus is on comfort and quality of life for patients and their families.

**Catawba Valley Medical Center (Hickory, NC)**

Located approximately 10 miles from Granite Falls, Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is a major healthcare provider for the region. CVMC is a large, acute-care hospital offering a wide array of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** CVMC currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room:** CVMC's ER is a significant resource for the area. Data on ER wait times fluctuates, but it's crucial to check real-time wait times on their website or through platforms like Google Maps before heading to the ER. Average wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of cases.
* **Specialty Centers:** CVMC boasts several specialized centers. The Heart & Vascular Center provides comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The Frye Regional Cancer Center offers advanced cancer treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The hospital also has a dedicated Women's Center and a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
* **Telehealth:** CVMC has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual visits for certain specialties and follow-up appointments. This can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Check their website for a list of available telehealth services.

**Overall Health Score for Catawba Valley Medical Center:** CVMC is a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. While the 3-star CMS rating indicates room for improvement, the hospital provides a broad range of services and is a crucial resource for emergency care and specialized treatments.

**UNC Health Caldwell (Lenoir, NC)**

Located approximately 15 miles from Granite Falls, UNC Health Caldwell is another key healthcare provider, serving the population of Caldwell County.

* **CMS Star Rating:** UNC Health Caldwell has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Room:** The ER at UNC Health Caldwell is a critical access point for urgent medical needs. Similar to CVMC, it is advisable to check real-time wait times before arriving.
* **Specialty Centers:** UNC Health Caldwell offers a range of specialty services, including a comprehensive surgical program, a birthing center, and a behavioral health unit. They also have a dedicated cancer center and a cardiology program.
* **Telehealth:** UNC Health Caldwell has embraced telehealth, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. This includes primary care and specialist consultations.

**Overall Health Score for UNC Health Caldwell:** UNC Health Caldwell offers a good level of healthcare services to the area. The 3-star CMS rating indicates a need for improvement, but the hospital provides essential emergency services and specialized care.

**Comparing the Hospitals**

Both CVMC and UNC Health Caldwell are essential healthcare providers for the 28628 ZIP code and surrounding areas. Both facilities offer a broad range of services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and telehealth options. They both have a 3-star CMS rating.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

Several factors should influence your decision when choosing a hospital:

* **Proximity:** Consider the distance and ease of access to the hospital, especially in emergencies.
* **Specialty Needs:** If you require specialized care, research which hospital offers the specific services you need.
* **Physician Network:** Check if your preferred physicians are affiliated with a particular hospital.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online patient reviews to get insights into patient experiences.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Check real-time wait times before going to the ER.
* **Telehealth Availability:** If telehealth is important to you, determine which hospital offers the services you need.

**Other Considerations**

* **Smaller Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:** Several smaller clinics and urgent care centers are located in the area. These can be a good option for minor illnesses and injuries.
* **Outpatient Services:** Both hospitals offer a range of outpatient services, such as physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. CVMC and UNC Health Caldwell are the primary hospitals serving the 28628 ZIP code. Both hospitals offer a range of services and are crucial resources for the community. Consider your specific healthcare needs, proximity, physician preferences, and the factors outlined above to make the best choice for your health. Always check real-time ER wait times and verify insurance coverage before seeking care.