28733, Fontana Dam, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28733, Fontana Dam, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28733

This review assesses the overall health landscape for residents near ZIP code 28733, focusing on the quality and accessibility of hospital care. We'll examine key indicators like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for this region. The analysis prioritizes factual data and avoids subjective rankings, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions based on the available information.

**Geographic Scope and Key Considerations**

ZIP code 28733 encompasses the town of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. This region is characterized by a mix of urban and rural populations, influencing healthcare access and resource distribution. The presence of a significant elderly population and a growing number of outdoor recreation enthusiasts also shapes the demand for specific medical services. The primary focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like traffic patterns and regional referral networks.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system provides a publicly available, standardized assessment of hospital quality. This rating system considers various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Park Ridge Health (AdventHealth Hendersonville):** Located directly within Hendersonville, Park Ridge Health is a major healthcare provider for the area. As of the latest CMS data, Park Ridge Health has received a 3-star rating. This rating reflects a composite score based on various performance metrics. It’s crucial to delve deeper than the overall star rating and examine specific areas where the hospital excels or may need improvement. For example, the hospital's performance in areas like hospital-acquired infections and readmission rates should be scrutinized.

**Mission Hospital (Asheville):** Located approximately 25 miles northwest of Hendersonville in Asheville, Mission Hospital is a larger, regional referral center. Mission Hospital is part of HCA Healthcare and is a Level II trauma center. As of the latest CMS data, Mission Hospital has received a 3-star rating. Mission Hospital's higher volume and broader range of specialties make it a critical resource for complex medical needs in the region.

**Comparing the Ratings:** It is important to remember that CMS ratings are just one measure of hospital quality. Factors like patient demographics, the severity of illnesses treated, and the hospital's specific mission can influence these ratings.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility and efficiency. Long wait times can lead to patient dissatisfaction and potentially compromise patient outcomes, especially in critical situations.

**Park Ridge Health:** Publicly available data on ER wait times for Park Ridge Health can be found on the hospital's website or through sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website. These data points are updated regularly. It is important to note that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and seasonal variations.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital, being a larger facility, typically handles a higher volume of emergency cases. Consequently, wait times may vary. Data on Mission Hospital's ER wait times should also be readily available through their website or CMS resources.

**Comparing ER Wait Times:** Comparing the average ER wait times at Park Ridge Health and Mission Hospital is essential for residents. Shorter wait times generally indicate better efficiency and potentially faster access to care. However, it is crucial to consider that longer wait times at a larger facility like Mission Hospital may reflect a higher volume of patients and a greater capacity to handle complex cases.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

The availability of specialized medical services is a critical factor in assessing the overall health landscape. Residents near 28733 should have access to a range of specialized care options.

**Park Ridge Health:** Park Ridge Health offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital's website and brochures provide detailed information on the specific programs and services offered.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital houses a more extensive array of specialty centers, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular institute, a neuroscience center, and a transplant program. This broader range of services makes Mission Hospital a regional hub for complex medical needs.

**Specific Specialty Focus:** Consider the prevalence of specific health conditions in the 28733 area. For example, the region's aging population may necessitate robust geriatric care and services. The availability of specialized care for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer should be evaluated.

**Telehealth Availability and Utilization**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telehealth services can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience.

**Park Ridge Health:** Park Ridge Health likely offers some telehealth services, such as virtual consultations with specialists and remote patient monitoring programs. Information on the specific telehealth offerings can be found on the hospital's website.

**Mission Hospital:** Mission Hospital has a larger telehealth infrastructure, potentially offering a wider range of virtual services, including remote consultations, mental health services, and chronic disease management programs.

**Telehealth Utilization Rates:** It is important to assess the utilization rates of telehealth services in the 28733 area. Data on patient adoption rates, the types of services being utilized, and patient satisfaction with telehealth experiences can provide valuable insights.

**Other Important Considerations**

Beyond the core metrics, several other factors contribute to the overall health score.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Examining patient feedback on areas like communication, responsiveness, and overall care quality is crucial.

**Hospital-Acquired Infections:** The rate of hospital-acquired infections is a key indicator of patient safety. Hospitals with lower infection rates generally provide a safer environment for patients.

**Readmission Rates:** High readmission rates can indicate potential problems with the quality of care or patient management. Analyzing readmission rates for specific conditions can help identify areas for improvement.

**Community Health Needs Assessments:** Local health departments and hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments. These assessments identify the specific health needs and priorities of the community, providing valuable context for evaluating healthcare services.

**Accessibility and Transportation:** The accessibility of healthcare services is a critical factor, particularly in rural areas. Transportation options, such as public transportation and ride-sharing services, can influence access to care.

**Conclusion and Overall Health Score**

Based on the available data, the overall health landscape near ZIP code 28733 appears to be characterized by a mix of strengths and challenges. Park Ridge Health provides essential services within Hendersonville, while Mission Hospital serves as a regional referral center with a broader range of specialties.

**Overall Health Score:** It is difficult to assign a single numerical score without a comprehensive, weighted analysis. However, based on the information presented, the overall health score for residents near 28733 is **moderately good**. Residents have access to a range of healthcare services, but the CMS ratings of 3-stars for both hospitals indicate room for improvement. The availability of specialized services and the efficiency of emergency room care are critical factors to consider. The growing importance of telehealth services should be closely monitored.

**Recommendations:**

* **Residents should research both Park Ridge Health and Mission Hospital to determine the best fit for their individual healthcare needs.**
* **Patients should actively engage with their healthcare providers and ask questions about their care.**
* **Local health officials should continue to monitor healthcare trends and address any identified gaps in services.**
* **Increased investment in telehealth infrastructure and promotion of telehealth services could improve access to care.**
* **Further research into patient satisfaction, hospital-acquired infection rates, and readmission rates is crucial.**

This review provides a starting point for evaluating the healthcare landscape near 28733. Continuous monitoring of key indicators and ongoing community engagement are essential for ensuring that residents have access to high-quality healthcare services.