28791, Hendersonville, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28791, Hendersonville, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 28791

This report provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare options near ZIP code 28791, focusing on hospital performance, accessibility, and specialized services. Understanding the landscape is crucial for residents seeking quality medical care, whether for routine checkups or complex procedures. We'll examine key metrics, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

**The Geographic Scope:**

ZIP code 28791 encompasses the town of Waynesville, North Carolina, and surrounding areas in Haywood County. Healthcare access in this region is primarily anchored by a few key hospitals, with the nearest larger metropolitan areas, like Asheville, offering additional specialized care options. Proximity to these facilities, travel times, and the availability of specific services are all critical factors in assessing the overall health score for this area.

**Haywood Regional Medical Center: A Local Anchor**

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC), located in Waynesville, is the primary hospital serving the immediate area. HRMC is a 196-bed facility providing a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized medical treatments. HRMC is not consistently rated by CMS, and the most recent available data reflects a 3-star rating. This rating, based on factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience, suggests areas for improvement, but doesn't tell the whole story.

Emergency room wait times at HRMC are a key indicator of accessibility. While specific, real-time data fluctuates, average wait times can vary. The hospital's website and platforms like Google Maps often provide estimates. However, it is recommended to call ahead or use the hospital's online check-in system if available to minimize wait times.

HRMC offers several specialty services. These include cardiology, orthopedics, and a dedicated women's health center. The hospital also has a cancer center, providing radiation therapy and chemotherapy services. Telehealth options are available, including virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring for certain conditions. HRMC has been expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management.

**Mission Hospital: Asheville's Regional Hub**

Approximately 30 miles east of Waynesville, in Asheville, is Mission Hospital, a large regional medical center and the flagship hospital of HCA Healthcare. Mission Hospital is a Level II trauma center, offering a broad spectrum of medical services and advanced specialty care. Mission Hospital consistently receives a high CMS star rating, typically around 4 stars, reflecting its strong performance in patient outcomes and quality of care.

Emergency room wait times at Mission Hospital are generally longer than those at HRMC, reflecting the higher patient volume. The hospital's website and online platforms provide real-time wait time updates. The ER is often busy, especially during peak hours.

Mission Hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. These include the Mission Heart Hospital, the Mission Cancer Center, and the Mission Neurosciences Institute. The hospital also offers advanced surgical procedures, including robotic surgery. Telehealth services are extensively available, allowing patients to access specialists remotely. Mission Hospital has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.

**Other Healthcare Providers and Considerations:**

Several other healthcare providers contribute to the overall health landscape near 28791. These include urgent care centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized medical practices. Access to these facilities can significantly impact the overall health score, particularly for routine care and non-emergency situations.

**Urgent Care Centers:**

Urgent care centers, such as those operated by major healthcare systems and independent providers, offer a convenient alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. These centers typically have shorter wait times and lower costs than emergency rooms. Several urgent care facilities are located in Waynesville and surrounding areas.

**Outpatient Clinics:**

Outpatient clinics, including primary care physicians' offices and specialized clinics, provide a wide range of services, from routine checkups and vaccinations to specialized treatments. Access to these clinics is crucial for preventative care and ongoing management of chronic conditions.

**Specialized Medical Practices:**

Specialized medical practices, such as cardiology, dermatology, and gastroenterology clinics, offer focused care for specific medical conditions. The availability of these practices in the area can significantly impact the overall health score, particularly for patients with complex medical needs.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth plays an increasingly important role in healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Haywood County. Telehealth allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

**Telehealth Availability at HRMC and Mission Hospital:**

Both HRMC and Mission Hospital offer telehealth services. HRMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management. Mission Hospital has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score:**

Several factors contribute to the overall health score near 28791. These include:

* **Hospital Quality:** CMS star ratings, patient outcomes, and safety metrics.
* **Accessibility:** Emergency room wait times, travel distances, and availability of transportation.
* **Specialty Services:** Availability of specialized medical care, such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Access to virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.
* **Community Resources:** Availability of support groups, mental health services, and social services.
* **Insurance Coverage:** The percentage of the population with health insurance and the types of plans available.

**Areas for Improvement:**

While healthcare access in the 28791 area is generally adequate, several areas could benefit from improvement:

* **Reducing ER Wait Times:** Addressing the issue of long wait times at both HRMC and Mission Hospital.
* **Expanding Specialty Services:** Increasing the availability of specialized medical care, particularly in areas like mental health and behavioral health.
* **Improving Telehealth Infrastructure:** Enhancing the telehealth infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure virtual consultations.
* **Increasing Insurance Coverage:** Expanding health insurance coverage to ensure that all residents have access to affordable healthcare.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for the area near ZIP code 28791 is positive, with solid healthcare options anchored by Haywood Regional Medical Center and the regional hub of Mission Hospital. However, residents should be aware of the varying wait times, and the need to travel to Asheville for some specialized services. Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in bridging geographical gaps. By considering the factors outlined in this report, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and navigate the healthcare landscape effectively. The ongoing efforts to improve ER wait times, expand specialty services, and enhance telehealth infrastructure will further improve the overall health score for this region.