28712, Brevard, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28712, Brevard, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28712 (Brevard, NC)

This review provides an in-depth assessment of healthcare options available near the 28712 ZIP code, focusing on Brevard, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas. We'll analyze hospital performance, accessibility, specialty services, and the evolving landscape of telehealth to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for residents. This score isn't a single number, but rather a composite of factors designed to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Limited but Capable**

The healthcare landscape near Brevard, NC, is characterized by a smaller selection of hospitals compared to larger metropolitan areas. However, these facilities offer a range of essential services, and residents also have access to larger regional medical centers within a reasonable driving distance. This review will consider both local and regional options, weighing their strengths and weaknesses.

**Transylvania Regional Hospital: The Local Anchor**

Transylvania Regional Hospital (TRH), located directly in Brevard, serves as the primary healthcare provider for the immediate area. As a critical access hospital, TRH is designed to provide essential services to a rural population. While critical access hospitals often have fewer beds than larger facilities, they are crucial for providing immediate care and stabilizing patients before transfer if necessary.

TRH's performance is a key factor in the overall health score for the 28712 area. The hospital’s CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating is a critical indicator of quality. CMS assigns star ratings based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. As of the latest available data, TRH's CMS star rating provides a baseline for understanding its overall performance.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for any community. TRH's ER wait times are a key data point. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient emergency department, which can be crucial in critical situations. The review will analyze publicly available data on TRH's ER wait times, comparing them to national and regional averages. This data will be sourced from platforms like the CMS Hospital Compare website and other publicly available sources.

**Specialty Services: A Focus on Local Needs**

TRH offers a range of specialty services tailored to the needs of the Brevard community. These include cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The availability and quality of these services are crucial for residents. The review will examine the hospital’s capacity in these areas, including the number of specialists available, the types of procedures performed, and any specialized equipment or programs offered.

**Regional Options: Expanding the Scope**

While TRH serves as the local hub, residents of 28712 also have access to larger regional hospitals, which can offer a wider range of specialized services. These hospitals, located within a reasonable driving distance, are crucial for complex medical needs.

**Mission Hospital (Asheville): A Regional Powerhouse**

Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC, is a major regional medical center and a significant player in the healthcare landscape near Brevard. Mission Hospital is a large, multi-campus facility, offering a comprehensive range of services, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, and specialized surgical procedures.

Mission Hospital’s CMS star rating is a key indicator of its overall performance. The hospital’s high-level of services, along with its size, often translates to a higher star rating, indicating a strong commitment to quality and patient safety.

**Accessing Mission: Travel Time and Accessibility**

The driving distance to Mission Hospital is a critical factor for Brevard residents. The review will analyze the typical travel time from Brevard to Mission Hospital, considering traffic patterns and road conditions. This information is essential for assessing the accessibility of the hospital's services.

**Specialty Centers at Mission:**

Mission Hospital is home to numerous specialty centers, including the Mission Heart Hospital, the Cancer Center, and the Neurosciences Institute. The availability of these specialized services is a major draw for patients seeking advanced care. The review will delve into the specific services offered by these centers, including the types of treatments available, the expertise of the medical staff, and the technologies used.

**Asheville VA Medical Center: Serving Veterans**

The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville provides healthcare services to veterans in the region. This facility offers a range of primary care, specialty care, and mental health services. The review will assess the accessibility and quality of care offered by the VA Medical Center, considering its role in serving the veteran population near Brevard.

**Other Regional Options:**

Other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 28712, such as those in Hendersonville, NC, will be considered. Their specific services and performance metrics will be evaluated to provide a complete picture of the healthcare options available to residents.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. It can help bridge the distance between patients and providers, improving access to care and reducing the need for travel.

**Telehealth Services at TRH:**

The review will investigate the telehealth services offered by TRH. This includes the types of telehealth appointments available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the specialties covered, and the technology used.

**Telehealth at Regional Hospitals:**

The telehealth capabilities of regional hospitals like Mission Hospital will also be assessed. This includes the range of telehealth services offered, the platforms used, and the integration of telehealth into the overall care delivery system.

**Telehealth Adoption Rates:**

The review will examine telehealth adoption rates in the 28712 area. This includes the percentage of patients using telehealth services and the overall impact of telehealth on access to care.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for the 28712 area will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor, with ER wait times, CMS star ratings, and the availability of essential services given significant weight.

**Accessibility and Affordability:**

Accessibility to healthcare is a crucial factor. This includes not only the physical distance to hospitals but also the availability of transportation and the affordability of care. The review will consider the availability of public transportation, the cost of healthcare services, and the availability of financial assistance programs.

**Patient Satisfaction:**

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of healthcare quality. The review will consider patient satisfaction scores from publicly available sources, such as the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.

**Community Health Initiatives:**

The review will also consider community health initiatives in the 28712 area. This includes programs focused on preventative care, health education, and addressing social determinants of health.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for the 28712 area will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare options available. While the area may have a smaller selection of hospitals compared to larger cities, residents have access to a capable local hospital and larger regional medical centers. The availability of specialty services, ER wait times, and the increasing role of telehealth will be key factors in the final assessment. This review will provide residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs, recognizing that the best choice will depend on individual circumstances and priorities. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and this review provides a snapshot of the current state, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation.